March, CYPRUS….

With so many countries to explore and each destination offering its own unique mix of culture, landscapes and adventures, deciding where to travel can be a daunting task. To make it a little easier for you, we’ve curated a handy month-by-month lowdown on where to travel to and when…

January – Finland

Throughout January, Finland’s remote wilderness is transformed into a glistening winter wonderland and its enchanting landscapes provide a giant outdoor playground for adventure seekers. Immerse yourself in the snow-covered scenery as you set off on exhilarating winter activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dog sledding. January is also one of the best times of year to go in search of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that is often seen gracing the dark, wintry skies of Finland with its neon ribbons of pink, green and purple. This month is also a great time to go if you’re looking to experience Finnish culture and traditions, including winter rituals and customs like ice swimming and Saint Knut’s Day (January 13th) where they mark the end of the Christmas season with cultural processions and events.

February – Vietnam

February blesses Vietnam with comfortable humidity, making it the perfect time to explore the country’s diverse landscapes on two wheels. Cycle among the flower-strewn highlands and along coastal roads that snake between tropical fruit plantations and traditional fishing villages, taking in some of the most iconic sites like Ha Long Bay and Bidoup National Park. Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration, one of the most important celebrations in Vietnamese culture, known as Tet, takes place on 10th February 2024, so it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the colourful parades, traditional music and dance performances that invite you to soak up the country’s rich cultural heritage.

March – Cyprus

Cyprus is known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, rich history and vibrant culture, and while many tourists flock to the island during the summer months, March lets you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience. As well as benefitting from a deeper immersion into the local culture as you explore traditional villages and experience the local heritage, you can also make the most of milder spring temperatures. Follow beautiful hiking trails, adorned with wild poppies, tulips and blossoming almond trees, which lead you to ancient ruins, crumbling castles and fortified churches that teeter on the sides of mountains.

April – India

April brings pleasant weather conditions across most parts of India, making it ideal for exploring its epic landscapes and embarking on thrilling game drives through the national parks. As well as going in search of leopards, monkeys, nilgai (Asia’s largest antelope) and hundreds of bird species, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the iconic tigers that roam freely among the vast game reserves. As the temperatures begin to rise, predators and prey go in search of fresh water and tigers are often seen bathing in lakes and rivers. April is also a good time to visit the Taj Mahal when the crowds start to die down and the clear skies provide an enchanting backdrop for watching the sun rise over the palace.

May – Croatia

There are several compelling reasons to visit Croatia in May. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore the idyllic coastline and historic cities. Because May is the shoulder season in Croatia, the beaches are less crowded so you can soak up the peace and tranquillity. A cycling tour is a good way to cover more distance and explore the islands’ natural beauty, and the milder temperatures make it even more enjoyable. Discover the history and culture of vibrant towns and cities, such as Split, Korčula and Dubrovnik as you ride along ancient streets lined with churches and ornate palaces.

June – Portugal

Portugal is brimming with captivating landscapes, cultural heritage and warm hospitality and is a wonderful year-round destination. However, June stands out as an ideal time to explore this Iberian gem. With the onset of summer, Portugal reveals itself in all its glory: sun-drenched beaches, pretty coastal villages and mile upon mile of cycling and walking trails. The longer daylight hours mean that you’ll have more time to explore historical landmarks, like the small fortified town of Óbidos and fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of each place you visit. Indulge in authentic Portuguese cuisine, mingle with the locals and discover the joie de vivre of Porto and Lisbon.

July – Costa Rica

Visiting Costa Rica in July presents unique wildlife experiences and uncovers hidden treasures that make this tropical destination a gem of Central America. July may be in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season, but it transforms the landscape into a lush, verdant paradise. This is the perfect time to escape the tourists, witness majestic waterfalls in full flow and explore rainforests and national parks brimming with life. Even though it’s meant to be the rainy season, you may find during this time that Costa Rica experiences a mini dry season for three or four weeks, which the locals call, “veranillo”, or little summer.

Costa Rica is famed for its diverse wildlife, and during the month of July, you may have the chance to witness the nesting season of sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park – an incredible experience you won’t forget. So why not book one of our trips, where you can join our expert local guides to discover rare flora and fauna, hike through misty cloud forests and come face-to-face with the likes of howler monkeys, sloths and other incredible creatures?

August – Italy

Located in southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. If you’re already considering a trip, August is a fabulous time to visit when the landscapes bask in warm sunshine and walking trails are flanked by colourful lemon groves, bougainvillaea and wildflowers.

Explore local towns and villages which come alive with vibrant festivals and bustling markets in August and immerse yourself in the infectious energy of the region as you experience authentic Italian culture. One festival that occurs this month is the Fiordilatte Fiordifesta, the mozzarella cheese festival, where you can taste Mozzarella Fiordilatte alongside delicious local products belonging to the Campania region. Longer days also allow you to visit more places, including famous sites such as Pompei, Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. It’s also a lovely time of year to stroll along the beautiful Path of the Gods, stopping off to taste authentic seasonal cuisine and learn about the locals’ traditional way of life.

September – France

Throughout the month of September, key wine regions in France, like Champagne and Burgundy begin their grape harvest, “vendange”, making it the perfect time to travel to see grape picking in some of the world’s most prestigious wineries and vineyards. With most harvests taking around two to three weeks to complete, you’ll see that some vineyards still carry out harvests entirely by hand, making it an exciting time for travellers and whole communities who rally together in celebration. When it comes to champagne, accurate timing of the harvest is crucial, as the balance between acidity and maturity of the grapes needs to be just right, so the date of harvesting may change year on year.

Cycling is one of the best ways to take in these enchanting wine-making regions during the busy harvest season because, en route, you can visit the ancient Château du Clos Vougeot, enjoy wine tastings at local estates in Côte des Blancs and Nuits Saint Georges, and even visit Hautvillers, the famed village where monk Dom Pérignon pioneered the champagne-making process. Harvest season also often coincides with various wine festivals and celebrations in the region, which include parades, local food markets, and, of course, plenty of wine.

October – South Africa

October is an excellent time to explore South Africa’s natural beauty, vibrant culture and abundant wildlife. From the panoramic views of Cape Town’s Table Mountain to the beguiling scenery along the Garden Route, this is a season that showcases the country at its finest. October marks the beginning of the spring season in Cape Town, bringing with it milder temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Because the days are sunny and clear, the views from Table Mountain are unparalleled. Take the opportunity to hike along the famous Garden Route, encompassing lush forests, sparkling lagoons and picturesque towns, or head off on a wildlife safari to spot wildebeest, springboks and ostriches. It’s also the prime whale-watching season in Hermanus, where you can spot Southern Right, Humpback whales and Bryde’s whales off the coast in Walker Bay. On select departures in 2024, you can enjoy a whale-watching boat trip in Hermanus to celebrate our 50th anniversary!

November – Jordan

With comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, November is an ideal month to visit Jordan. One of the country’s most famous attractions is the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the milder weather at this time of year is perfect for exploring the extensive rock-cut architecture and tombs. You can also discover the unique desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and experience authentic culture at a Bedouin camp. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to witness the vivid autumn colours that transform Jordan’s landscapes, particularly in the Dead Sea area.

December – Egypt

If you want to combine winter sun with fascinating history and culture, then you should visit Egypt in December. This land of wonders is steeped in ancient sites and the pleasant weather at this time of year makes it perfect for sightseeing. As the scorching heat of Egypt’s summer fades, you can enjoy comfortable conditions for exploring iconic sights such as the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the ancient temples of Luxor. Compared to the peak tourist season, December offers a great advantage of fewer crowds, meaning easier access to popular sites and a more intimate experience with Egypt’s rich heritage.

SOURCE – EXODUS