Everyone wants to travel. But the big question is where to go and when? There are so many places to see around the world, it can be a tough one to answer. But, if one of your New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 is to travel more, look no further. We’ve selected the best places to visit throughout the year. Seasonal activities, colourful festivals, and perfect weather are just a few things to look out for in our guide to the best destinations for every month of the year (a perfect mix of both popular and offbeat places to see). So this 2020, plan your travel itinerary a little in advance with our monthly guide on where to go each month:
JANUARY
Start your new year with the winter sun in Jamaica and experience adventure-filled beautiful islands of this Caribbean country. You can also try Bali for its serene beaches, lush rice fields, forested volcanic mountains and coral reefs. If you are looking to enjoy the winter still, visit the Austrian capital Vienna for its amazing mix of neoclassical palaces, old Christmas markets and warm coffeehouses. Bonus: Dress up in your finest gear for the winter ball and waltz with the locals here in Vienna.
February
Visit the bustling bazaars, stunning Islamic architecture and shifting sand dunes of exotic Morocco this February or plan a trip to spot Iceland’s magical northern lights. If you are a wine lover, head over to Mendoza region in Argentina this time of the year, for the grape harvest and bodegas open for tours and tastings.
March
As we suggested Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in the last guide, this time we’ll recommend the Chinese province Sichuan, for not just its impressive culture and magical nature, but also for the pear trees which will be in full bloom in this month. And if you’re finally here, how can you leave without visiting the giant pandas? Sichuan region is known to be the home of giant pandas, which visitors can observe at Bifengxia Panda Base and other reserves. We’d suggest Cuba for its timeworn magnificence and its indefinable magic. March is a dry season for India, so visit Rajasthan as the weather isn’t going to be too hot.
April
As we covered Japan’s sakura season last year, this year you can visit sports-mad Boston for its Baseball season that starts in early April. If you’re not a sports lover, don’t worry, you can visit Portugal’s sunny capital city Lisbon. Enjoy the city’s sun-kissed sands, cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. During this dry season, head to Ethiopia for its peerless history and fabulous wildlife.
May
Try the small Adriatic country Montenegro in May for its stunning highlands; pretty blonde bays overlooking the royal blue Adriatic Sea; antique Venetian villages and walled heritage cities. You can also visit Seychelles, which is often cited as the perfect honeymoon destination, for its sandy beaches, blue waters and teeming nature. It’s also a good time to head over to Indonesia’s Komodo or Rinca Islands as it’s the start of mating season for Komodo dragons.
June
As the summer begins, go island hopping in Greece and you will be blessed with stunning beaches, superb mountain scenery, great food and warm Hellenic welcome. If that’s too much for you, plan a relaxing vacation to stunning Rwanda. Also known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills), this scenic African country gets most of its visitors during June-September as this is the long dry season. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of world’s last remaining mountain gorillas here in northwest Rwanda. For a shot of culture, visit White Nights festival in St Petersburg. During this time, the city is buzzing with ballet, opera, music and other cultural events.
July
Visit Brazil – the country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests and wild, rhythm-filled cities. July is Jaguar season in Brazil, so head over to Porto Jofre for the best chances of some wildlife watching in Brazil’s Pantanal wetland. Another wildlife destination that you can set your eyes on is Tanzania. Apart from being a world-class wildlife destination, this country in Eastern Africa is a haven for tourists who want a relaxing getaway amidst Tanzania’s lush grasslands. If wildlife safari is not your thing, then head to former Yugoslav Republic – Bosnia Herzegovina for its beautiful mountains, numerous medieval castle ruins, raft-able rivers, impressive waterfalls and bargain-value skiing. During July, when the heat fades, hiking would be idyllic in this mountainous country.
Also Read: Explore the Balkan Country Bosnia and Herzegovina!
August
In August visit the capital city of Scotland- Edinburgh for its opulent palaces, vibrant festivals, fascinating museums, literary traditions, and delicious food. Steeped in history, the city is a combination of the medieval (the Old Town), the Georgian (the New Town), and the modern. For some August sunshine head over to the gorgeous island of Sicily or take a detour in the cresting alpine summits of Austria.
September
September marks the start of cooler temperatures and autumn. As we last covered the destinations with vibrant fall foliage, this year try an off-beat destination- Uzbekistan. A true enigma of Central Asia, this country will lure you in with its mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Fill your Mediterranean fantasies with our next suggestion- Croatia. This European country is known for its thousand islands, calm azure seas, picturesque towns, and it will charm with a rich history. Another option for balmy evenings can be French Polynesia, with its white- and black-sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and towering waterfalls.
October
While last year’s guide emphasised on Oktoberfest and Halloween, this year we bring you the undiscovered lands of Jordan. Situated in Western Asia on the East coast of Jordan River, Jordan is a nation rich with history and culture. Autumn will be a decent time to visit ancient cities (such as Petra), admire magnificent granite cliffs, see secluded deserts and even swim in the Dead Sea. Visit Piedmont for some fine wine as October is when the red grape harvest takes place. For an action-packed adventure, we have New Zealand. It offers mammoth national parks, dynamic Māori culture, and world-class surfing and skiing.
Also Read: The Top 10 Things To Do On Your Visit To Jordan
November
As winter gets closer, wed suggest you take a beachy vacay in the Cayman Islands. This Caribbean getaway is perfect for both adventure junkies and relaxation-seeking travellers. Another warm destination for this month is a small tropical archipelago nation, Turks and Ciao. Located south of the Bahamas, this country is home to spectacular beaches, a pristine marine environment, luxury resorts and friendly people. You can also visit another Baltic country- Lithuania which is bordering Poland, Latvia and Belarus and is the southernmost of the Baltic States. Teasing you with the Baltic Sea breeze and, this country offers you to visit beaches that are lined woodlands which are alive with mysterious demonic statues.
DECEMBER
End the year with a visit to the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole, Antarctica. Explore the heavenly winter beauty of the vast white wilderness of Antarctica. For some alpine skiing, head over to Zermatt in Switzerland this December. Surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the Alps (including the iconic Matterhorn) Zermatt will charm you with its cobblestoned streets, and horse-drawn sleighs (no cars are permitted in the village).
