As we move into the holiday season, it’s easy to start dreaming about all the adventures that await us next summer and fall. But let’s not lose sight of all the travel experiences that we could enjoy in the coming months. Some places are worth visiting right now to take advantage of great weather, exciting attractions, and some of the landmarks that belong on any traveller’s bucket list. Book right now to discover these classic destinations, which are among the most popular and iconic places you’re ever likely to visit.
Australia
Step aside Wicked. There’s another Oz that’s hot right now: Australia. The land downunder is moving into its summer season when the beaches attract surfers and sun tanners and the red rocks of the Outback glisten in the sun. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, gaze upon Uluru/Ayers Rock, the world’s largest monolith, hike the national parks of Tasmania, tour your way through the wineries of South Australia, or simply hit up the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is enjoying its dry season right now, when the migrating birds from North and South America converge on this sliver of green glory in Central America. Costa Rica at this time of year enjoys sunny days with minimal rain and a pleasant temperature that makes it easy to spend your time outdoors. Hike along the hanging bridges of Monteverde, zipline through the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano, and search for sloths and scarlet macaws in the coastal wonderland of Manual Antonio.
Dubai
Winter is the best time of year to visit Dubai. It’s also a great place to explore right after Christmas to take advantage of shopping sales and make sure you get some goodies that you missed out on during the holidays. The city is also the most comfortable at this time of year, as you don’t have to worry about the record-breaking heat keeping you indoors. You can get out into the Dubai Desert Conservation area to do some dune bashing and enjoy a Bedouin barbecue under the stars or opt for a swanky cruise along the gulf.
The Maldives
If you want to escape the winter cold back home, few destinations are more blissful and warmer than the Maldives. This island nation in the Indian Ocean is home to private island resorts where it’s nothing but you, the ocean, the sand, and the sun. Lie back on pristine white-sand beaches, snorkel with migrating whale sharks, and enjoy premium amenities at your resort, including the iconic luxury of an overwater bungalow.
New Zealand
Summer and fall are enviable times of year to head on a New Zealand vacation. Follow the tourist trail from Auckland to Wellington and eventually to the fjord of Milford Sound or opt for more off the beaten path destinations such as the Art Deco capital of Napier, the whale-watching mecca of Kaikoura, or the pleasant coastal idylls of the Bay of Islands. Summer in New Zealand redefines a beautiful vacation.
Portugal
There’s arguably no better place to stay for weeks and even months at a time in the North American winter than Portugal. So, if you want to go on a long stay vacation this winter, head to the Algarve. Accommodation is affordable, the temperature is moderate, and there’s a lot to do, from exploring the cultural highlights of local villages to enjoying the fresh cuisine that defines the area.
Switzerland
If you’re looking for a snowy getaway right now, Switzerland is the place to be. Ride the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland through the Alps to see the Matterhorn, sip on mulled wine while shopping through the Christmas markets of Basel and Montreux, and enjoy picture-perfect views of Lake Geneva. Don’t forget the skiing opportunities, too. A Swiss vacation in the winter is the kind of iconic winter escape that people dream about all their lives. Why delay? Make this the season to craft some memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Tanzania
If you’re hoping to see the Great Migration, head to Tanzania in the coming months, when the herds of wildebeest and zebra breed in the southern reaches of the Serengeti near Ndutu. But even if you were to avoid the Serengeti (God forbid), you’d still be in for an incredible safari adventure in Tanzania; the country is bursting with game parks and wildlife. The weather is dry in January and February, which means you can spend long days in a Land Cruiser searching for cheetahs chasing antelope on the savannah, elephant herds bathing in watering holes, and rare birds like secretary birds and kori bustards strutting their stuff in the hunt for food.
Thailand
Warm weather, great food, friendly people, and an array of activities that cater to all kinds of travel interests. There are many good reasons to head to Thailand right now, not least of which is that it will satisfy whatever interests you. Eat your way through the street food stalls of Bangkok, relax for a night alongside elephants in a luxury camp outside Chiang Mai, or snorkel through the waters of the Gulf of Thailand before retiring to your premium resort in Phuket.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a large country with a lot of diverse environments, so there’s no true best time to visit, but you can do much worse than exploring in the coming months, when the weather is mild and you can escape the summer crowds while cruising Halong Bay or eating your way through Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to its long coastline, Vietnam is also bursting with beach holiday opportunities, although many people don’t know this. Beat the crowds in this emerging destination and escape to Vietnam right now.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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