Where to travel and when to go there

Where to travel and when to go there

Choosing the perfect holiday takes time, and sometimes it’s hard to know which is the best time to book.

Precious wildlife-spotting opportunities, annual festivals, avoiding overly scorching temperatures and navigating monsoon rains are all things you may wish to consider. With our ‘where to go when’ destination calendar we’ve picked out some of the best places to go by month, whether that’s Europe in September when the crowds have long gone but the weather is still sunny and warm; New England in the fall when forested scenes blush with reds, ambers and golds; or Kenya in July for glimpsing the Big Five as they head for watering holes during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Each page has a short video featuring highlights on some of our favourite destinations, month by month, along with some key stats and reasons why.

 

When would you like to travel

January

January is the perfect time to head off for some winter sun, whether that’s hitting the beach in Sri Lanka, exploring the desert in Dubai without the oppressive summer heat, or simply making the most of summertime in New Zealand.

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February

February bursts with culture, from vibrant festivals like Mexico’s famous Carnaval and journeys along South Africa’s legendary Garden Route. Explore the cultural sites of Vietnam or spot black rhino, hippo and lion in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater.

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March

With off-peak prices and fewer crowds, March is ideal for exploring Oman in agreeable climes and enjoying the Hindu festival of Holi celebrations in Mauritius. Make the most of the Barbados climate by stretching out on a beach before the humidity starts to increase.

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April

We love Japan in April. Tuck into a Hanami picnic in one of Tokyo’s parks and gaze at the cherry blossoms which are in full bloom at this time of year.

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May

May is a good time to experience the majestic Great Wall of China, while the Mediterranean starts warming up but still retains that lush air of spring. If you’re dreaming of powdery sand, lively beach bars and secluded coves with excellent swimming, choose sunny Antigua.

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June

For wildlife and adventure holidays followed by a beach break, head to Borneo in June. Take in the sunshine and culture without the July hordes in Greece, or head off on a safari holiday to Kenya – big game is easier to spot with the bush being less dense at this time of year.

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July

July is the best time to explore the ancient and modern history of South Korea, while over in Europe the Balearic Islands are ideal for a few days on the beach. Namibia promises good wildlife viewing as animals congregate around watering holes.

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August

August brings the Great Wildebeest Migration to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and sees Orca pods pass Vancouver. Good weather in Bali makes it ideal for a tropical escape but head towards the central region around Ubud to avoid the crowds.

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September

The schools are back and September tends to be quieter, especially in Europe. Prices are lower, crowds are less dense and the weather is still warm so this is an ideal time for a beach or cultural break.

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October

With vividly red autumns and beautiful coastline, Fall is legendary in New England and October is the best time to visit. It’s also Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights, so head over to India to enjoy the unforgettable festivities.

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November

Christmas is around the corner and the nights are longer. November is when cities like New York are brimming with romance and excitement. If you’re looking for some sunshine then tropical destinations like the Indian Ocean, Thailand are perfect winter warmers.

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December

During December, platinum beaches with warm Caribbean waters. Sydney is alive with festive celebrations, New Year parties and those bucket-list-worthy firework displays.

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