Travel the calendar: the best destinations to travel in 2026

Why timing matters when you travel

Weather, crowds, nature, seasons and local rhythms all play a role in how a destination feels. That’s why we created 'travel the calendar', a month-by-month guide highlighting the destinations that truly shine at a specific time of year.

Instead of following peak seasons or trends, this calendar helps you travel smarter:

• Fewer crowds

• Better conditions

• More authentic experiences

Use it as:

• Inspiration for future trips

• A planning tool when choosing travel dates

• A way to discover destinations outside their busiest season

Below, you’ll find five carefully selected destinations per month, each chosen for its ideal travel conditions during that time.

The best destinations to travel, month by month

January: winter landscapes and escapes

• Cape Town, South Africa: summer season, vineyards, city + nature.

• Southern Thailand: dry season, clear water, perfect for island hopping.

• Tyrol, Austria: classic European winter with cozy mountain villages.

• Canadian Rockies: snowy landscapes, winter wildlife, epic scenery.

• Costa Rica: dry season on the Pacific coast, prime wildlife spotting.

February: (soft) winter sun & cultural city trips

• Seville, Spain: mild weather, orange blossoms, fewer crowds.

• Philippines: dry season, perfect for beaches and islands.

• Zanzibar, Tanzania: warm, tropical and ideal for relaxed travel.

• Venice, Italy: carnival season, atmospheric and less crowded.

• Madeira, Portugal: early spring vibes, flowers and coastal hikes.

March: early spring & shoulder season gems

• Marrakech, Morocco: perfect temperatures before the summer heat. Ideal for city and Atlas Mountains.

• Valencia, Spain: Las Fallas festival, sun and culture.

• Istanbul, Turkey: early spring, tulips in bloom (that’s a thing here!).

• Mexico: comfortable weather, culture and food scene.

• Patagonia, Chile & Argentina: end of summer, less wind, epic landscapes.

April: spring blooms & slow European travel

• Slovenia: lakes, rivers and alpine landscapes coming back to life.

• Belgium: city parks in bloom, café terraces and slow city travel.

• Netherlands: tulip season and cycling-friendly landscapes.

• South Korea: cherry blossoms and mild spring temperatures.

• Sicily, Italy: mild spring weather, green landscapes.

May: the sweet spot before peak season

• Algarve, Portugal: sunny days and quiet beaches before peak season.

• Amalfi Coast, Italy: blooming landscapes, fewer tourists.

• Greek Islands: relaxed pace, better prices, perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

• Ireland: lush green landscapes and long daylight hours.

• Peru: start of the dry season, ideal for Machu Picchu.

June: long days & outdoor travel

• Lofoten Islands, Norway: midnight sun and dramatic coastal scenery.

• Iceland: best month for road trips and waterfalls.

• French Alps: alpine flowers and hiking season

• Faroe Islands: dramatic cliffs and misty summer light.

• British Columbia, Canada: prime wildlife and mountain season.

July: summer colour, nature and iconic regions

• Dolomites, Italy: alpine lakes, hiking trails and scenic hikes.

• Scottish Highlands: long days and wild scenery.

• Bali & Lombok, Indonesia: dry season, ideal weather conditions.

• Madagascar: stunning wildlife, beaches and summer safaris.

• Provence, France: lavender fields in full bloom.

August: balanced summer, with heat or fresh air

• Namibia: ideal for game viewing in Etosha, low malaria risk

• West Sweden: for warm weather, long days, swimming, and boating.

• Switzerland: alpine air, mountain trails and lakes.

• Albanian Riviera: warm sea, crystal-clear water, underrated.

• Japanese Alps: cool escape from the city heat.

September: city life, wine season and late summer evenings

• Sardinia, Italy: warm seas, quieter beaches and relaxed travel.

• Croatia: sea warmed up, calmer atmospheres.

• Andalusia, Spain: cooler temperatures for city exploring.

• New York City, USA: mild wether, vibrant city life.

• Georgia: wine harvest season, mountains & culture.

October: Autumn colours & shoulder season travel

• Japan: autumn leaves create iconic colour contrasts across temples and parks.

• New England, USA: Indian summer landscapes.

• Transylvania, Romania: misty forests, moody vibes.

• Tuscany, Italy: wine harvest season and golden landscapes.

• Jordan: ideal weather to visit Petra and Wadi Rum.

November: smart timing and off-season highlights

• Oman: start of the prime season with comfortable temperatures.

• Vietnam (South): dry conditions begin in the south, ideal for travel.

• Yucatán, Mexico: warm days and clear skies return after hurricane season.

• Canary Islands, Spain: reliable sunshine close to home.

• Nepal: one of the best months for high-altitude trekking.

December: winter magic & end-of-year escapes

• Lapland, Finland: snow-guaranteed, Northern Lights, true winter magic.

• Vienna, Austria: Christmas markets, lights and classical winter charm.

• Cape Verde: warm, slow island life during European winter.

• Quebec City, Canada: fairytale winter streets snow and festive atmosphere.

• Sri Lanka: dry season on the south and west coast, perfect for beach and culture.

Travel smarter by timing it right

By travelling in the right month, you experience places at their best, with better balance, atmosphere and pace.

Use this calendar as a flexible guide: save it, revisit it, and let it inspire trips that feel right for you.