), only to find that June-September is monsoon season.
A rain poncho isnt going to save you this time.
No one wants that.
This is your vacation bible.
Do with it what you will.
Book the best holiday at the best time and feel confident youll get the most out of each destination.
Heres what youre in for:
January
Skiing Hotspots
Skiing in January?
Sure, it might sound obvious to hit the slopes in peak winter.
There are several reasons why you should book your getaway in January, rather than any other month.
If, like me, youre fairly new to the slopes, dont worry.
If youd prefer not to launch yourself off a black run, theres plenty to keep you occupied.
If youre more advanced, youre not going to get bored anytime soon either.
For the non-skiers or those wanting a change of pace, Solden offers more than your average ski resort.
Visit the Freizeit Arena water park.
Once youve dried off, check out the state-of-the-art Venetian gondola in the Tirol region.
It can transportup to 4,500 people per hour.
Ive already bookmarked the flank steak sandwich.
Id also recommend visiting the James Bond museum in Solden.
After all, this is where they filmed the ski chase in the film Spectre.
That makes it the perfect location for combining a city escape with a snowy getaway.
There are 154 runs to keep you entertained andover 12.5 meters of snow each year.
That works out at more than the mighty Whistler in Canada.
Looking to mix up skiing and boarding?
When youre ready to warm yourself up, the Homestead Crater in Midway, Utah.
The crater offers the polar (sorry) opposite experience with 32C thermal spring water.
I say this because Im no stranger to taking a tumble on the slopes.
A soft landing is always much appreciated.
If you didnt know, Japan is also big on its night skiing.
All Nisekos main runs stay open until 8.30 pm so you might ski under the stars.
This is when visitors and hotel occupancy rates are at an all-year low.
So if you think therell be no entertainment or buzz, think again.
The Millennium Park ice rink is also open from November-March and is well worth a visit.
January offers you the holiday magic but without the unwelcome guests.
Best Places to Escape the Snow
I can personally vouch for Laos charm.
Its French colonial past makes for an interesting mix of European architecture and Asian culture.
Its also got a sleepy quality that differs from neighboring countries.
You wont find yourself sharing Laos with many tourists.
The north averages a warm 24C in January with next to no rainfall.
Its the perfect place to start your cruise down the Mekong River to the south.
Here temperatures will climb to 30C.
While youre at it, you might as well cruise into Cambodia.
Finish your trip off with a few days in Koh Rong, the countrys answer to the Maldives.
You know, that well-known surf hotspot).
And even if you cant carve those waves am I getting this right?
its also a popular place for humpback whale-watching now too.
Pods travel through Kauais waters as they migrate to the warmer waters of the South Pacific.
If you want reliable peak summer sunshine in January, Australia is the answer.
And not only will you find long, warm days.
you might also treat yourself to the sights and sounds of the Sydney Festival.
This major arts festival takes place for 3 weeks across the city.
Theres everything from free art installations to circus acts against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Theres the chance of a little more rainfall (5 days of the month) as a trade-off.
But were talking 5-minute monsoon-style rain, which clears the air and keeps you cool.
February offers you temperatures of 25-34C, before it gets uncomfortably hot in April.
If youre traveling to Thailand, keep an eye on the news anddownload a VPN.
The country is experiencing considerable political turmoil currently, and internet access may get restricted.
Punta Cana is known for its all-inclusive resorts where you wont need to lift a finger.
Temperatures average a toasty 28C in February.
This Spanish archipelago sits off the north-western coast of Africa and offers guaranteed year-round sunshine.
Itll feel a lot more tropical.
Top tip: stay in the south of any of the 8 islands for the warmest, sunniest weather.
Youve got the city buzz of Colombo and the history of Galle in the south.
Or thrill-seeking safaris in the southeast in Yala.
Visit in mid-late March before the height of the monsoon rains hit.
Its outside of the peak season, however, so you get the best of the country.
Best 5 I ever spent.
Its also the best time for trekking without the crowds.
Thats important if you plan on conquering Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia.
Only 135 climbers per day are allowed on the mountain.
So, if youre up for the challenge, book your spot sooner rather than later.
Borneo will literally put on a show for its visitors in March.
To be honest, a well-protected, natural beauty like Oman is best seen in its downtime.
With its no-skyscraper policy, the capital Muscat has retained its traditional old-town charm.
While youre there, Id recommend taking a trip to see the dolphins in the Musandam Peninsula.
However, Oman has blocked Skype in the country, along with certain websites deemed immoral.
Yet, I really would recommend trekking in North Colombia at the tail-end of the dry season.
Or how about relaxing with a mud bath at Totumo Volcano?
For this reason, it gets super crowded around the holidays, so listen carefully.
Now you know, I dont need to tell you twice.
Run, dont walk.
Youll still get highs of 29-30C, but itll be less humid than peak summer.
If the Magic Kingdom isnt your vibe, Orlando has far more to offer than its theme parks.
Youve probably heard of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
Well, forget all about them.
Do not visit these islands.
Visit my lesser-known recommendations instead.
Koh Jum
An even smaller island, you could cycle all the way around Koh Jum with ease.
Its the quietest and sleepiest island around with very few inhabitants.
Id recommend staying in one of the thatched bungalows that line the beach itll cost you next to nothing.
Believe it or not, itll just make you love Koh Jum more.
At this time of year, youll find it quieter and calmer.
Once again, we strongly recommenddownloading a VPNbefore traveling to Thailand in case of any unexpected internet restrictions.
May offers you the best conditions for hiking and exploring without the crowds in the summer months.
Female elk often emerge in groups at this time too.
Now Ive just told you my plan, I guess Ill see you on the road!
In May, youll get consistently dry, sunny weather.
That makes it great for hiking and diving, but with you guessed it fewer crowds.
Start in Ubud and explore the rice paddies, the rainforest, Hindu temples, and bustling town.
Then scoot down to Seminyaks white sandy beaches.
Theyre less explored but just as beautiful, and chances are, you wont come across many other tourists.
Visiting in late May gets you fair weather and quieter attractions.
So, theres no excuse for not having enough time to do everything.
Heres what I would do: start by exploring the Norwegian Fjords by electric ferry.
Then visit the natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands.
Next, try the Flam Railway, known as one of the worlds most scenic and beautiful railway journeys.
Next, visit Sognefjord, known as the King of the Fjords as its the deepest and longest fjord.
see to it you soak up the history and culture in Copenhagen and visit the Ice Hotel in Sweden.
And, finally check out the neoclassical architecture in Gothenburg.
If you havent tried traditional, authentic poutine, Ill book you a plane ticket myself.
Festival season runs from June-September, and it covers everything.
Visit in June before the peak summer season kicks in.
Imagine watching that with a bowl of poutine on the side chefs kiss.
Youll see drier and cooler conditions and less rainfall from June perfect for seeking out wildlife across the region.
Now, how many people can say theyve seen that on their annual holiday?
Seeingthe Great Migration in Kenyameans you could also migrate to the shores of the Indian Ocean once its over.
This is Kenyas untouched and unspoiled archipelago, where the locals live a simpler, quieter life.
The only way to travel around the island is by dhow (a traditional sailing vessel) or donkey.
When youre ready to dial it up a notch, visit Nairobi and enjoy a thriving creative city.
The rains have subsided at this time of year, making it easier to hike and see the gorillas.
Uganda offers you a cheaper trek.
Still, most of your investment goes towards conserving the gorilla population.
So, if you think about it, its excellent value and a worthwhile visit.
If this all sounds a bit out of reach budget-wise, there is another option.
And itll potentially be the most fruitful as the gorillas are often found in the lowlands.
However, there are some pretty strict regulations in place to keep the gorillas and their habitats safe.
Yes, Im wondering why I dont live there too.
Youll be rewarded with the best conditions for snorkeling, angling, and humpback whale-watching.
Newfoundland reaches highs of 18C and offers a rugged, relatively untouched destination for a summer holiday.
Visit the capital St Johns, to see the pop art houses.
There are sporadic showers, but nothing to stop you from visiting.
First on your list has to be the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Inside, youll find a suspended walkway that looks out over a sea of vegetation.
Still, Id recommend spending an afternoon a little further out of the city at the Southern Ridges.
Look out for culinary masterclasses and a month-long celebration of local food favorites.
Opt for more alternative sites, and you cant go wrong.
Each place offers a snapshot of the Swiss countryside.
But, although they equally deserve it, they havent got the celebrity status of the bigger cities.
More than 80% of the country is English-speaking, if that is a concern.
Its the perfect time to visit Kaieteur Falls, the worlds longest single-drop waterfall.
Botswana is also cheaper than your typical safari hotspots in Africa.
Stay in the nearby small town Kasane, known as the gateway to Chobe.
Do your research first, because that would be one hell of a disappointment.
Best for a Whistlestop Historical Tour
Chinas cool autumn is the best time to visit Beijing.
The busy season for the Great Wall is May-August, so September offers a quieter, less chaotic visit.
But dont forget about the GreatFirewallof China the countrys notoriously strict and effective internet censorship and surveillance.
You absolutely mustdownload a VPNbefore you arrive, or youll lose access to most of the internet.
Its a rare sight, and one of the only glaciers in the world that is advancing.
Be warned, though, getting to see this sight will cost you.
If seeking out glaciers and waterfalls isnt your style, then the multicultural capital Buenos Aires might work.
Or why not enjoy a glass of Argentinian wine in Plaza Serrano?
There are family-friendly attractions like Balboa Park, which is far more than your average urban park.
Its got 17 museums (!)
surrounded by gardens and forests, playgrounds, and stunning architecture.
Its also home to San Diego Zoo.
Weekends are teeming with visitors.
Plus, many people dont realize that most museums close on Mondays.
So, if youre considering a long weekend, maybe reconsider.
Best for Late Summer Sun
This breathtaking country is still warm in October.
Its much quieter and relatively undiscovered compared to neighboring Croatia.
And its cheaper too.
Plus, there are medieval towns in the form of Kotor and Budva, and stunning mountainous scenery.
Visit Montenegro before everyone else realizes what theyve been missing.
Seriously, youre running out of time.
It provides ideal conditions for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking… and zip lining through the trees.
Best for Leaf Peeping in Fall
This is the place to be if youre a leaf peeper.
And yes, I did have to Google what on earth that meant.
Theyre the people who travel to certain areas to find and photograph fall leaves.
And theres no place better than New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, etc.)
to see the leaves turn red.
Acadia National Park in Maine provides the best place for foliage with a coastal backdrop.
Or head to the White Mountains in New Hampshire if you like your leaves with a rockier outlook.
If youre in Lisbon, my top tip is to visit the PARK bar.
Its hidden within a parking garage.
If youre in Porto, Id recommend grabbing a coffee along Cais da Ribeira in the riverside quarter.
Simply sit back, relaxing, and people-watching.
Despite a complicated political history, Cuba is slowly bringing itself up to date.
While youre there, ensure you walk around Old Havana to see the city at its best.
Before you arrive,download a VPNto get around Cubas notorious internet restrictions.
At the base, youll find many hot springs, some of which are free, like La Fortuna.
Instead, Diwali is the biggest date in the Hindu calendar, and so November tends to be busier.
If you want to treat yourself while youre away, 26 December is the start of Dubais shopping festival.
you’re free to grab a holiday bargain for up to 90% off before you pop home.
In the off-season winter months, youll find fewer tourists, and museums and shops stay open over Christmas.
it’s possible for you to go about your sightseeing as usual if youre not celebrating the season.
Places like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar see fewer visitors as most people stay local for the holidays.
They must know something special is going on.
Its accompanied by many pre-Christmas events happening around the city.
Winner of the Best Christmas Market in 2019, this market sits in Town Hall Square.
Well, actually, the Christmas Tree is the main attraction.
Enjoy plenty of freshly-prepared food, from dumplings to grilled sausages.
Plus, see the International Ice Sculpture Festival with sculptors work from around the world.
Its also the best place to stock up on fine, festive Belgian chocolate for loved ones.
One of the Safest Destinations in Europe, the Tbilisi market is held in First Republic Square.
Entertainers are also dotted around with local school children singing Christmas songs.
If youd rather be singing than listening, Bath Abbey is open for Shoppers Carols.
Now, this is a big one.
With over 200 stalls, the Dresden Christmas market attracts 3 million visitors a year.
So why not go all out and travel at New Year to make it feel worth the krona?
Then before midnight, everyone flocks to the streets and joins together in another mega firework display.
Everyone buys fireworks from their local Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams.
They rely heavily on money raised from the sale of fireworks and Christmas trees.
At the stroke of midnight, everyone sets off yet another mini firework display.
The Hallgrimskirkja, that impressive-looking church, is an excellent viewing and gathering point to soak up the action.
And, in case you might stick around, firework displays tend to continue until 6 January.
It all takes place across the 2.5 miles long Copacabana Beach.
Get there early (like really early) to grab a good spot.
Id recommend viewing it from the Kremlin or St Basils Cathedral too.
Theres no better place to watch the new year draw in than looking out across Hong Kongs dramatic skyline.
The main event takes place at Victoria Harbour.
Here youll find fireworks, pyrotechnics, light and laser shows, and parties on local boats.
Of course, being the biggest night of the year, youll need to book well in advance.
This includes monitoring and censoring the internet in Hong Kong.
We strongly recommenddownloading a VPNbefore you go to Hong Kong to avoid any disruption or issues.
Youll pay a premium to be in or anywhere near Times Square on New Years Eve.
So, if that doesnt sound like your idea of fun, head to Brooklyn instead.
The fireworks are free, and theres live music taking place at Prospect Park.
