Vacationing can be a fascinating time of year. Whether hiking a mountain or sunbathing by a beach, these trips allow people to reduce their stress levels. A common problem, however, is deciding the place to visit. Here’s a guide to the destinations I think are best suitable for every month:
January (Telluride)
Elevated almost 9,000 feet above sea level, Telluride is a small town in Western Colorado. Known as the “Winter Wonderland” or “Winter Paradise,” the town has a charming main street overlooked by several mountains. There are also many attractions in the area, with some including Telluride Historical Museum and the Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail. January is the best month to visit the town due to the beautiful winter scenery, stellar skiing conditions, and the many winter-themed festivals that go on as well.
February (Salar de Uyuni)
Located in southwest Bolivia, Salar De Uyuni is the biggest salt flat in the world. Beautiful white rock formations and cacti will surround you. The flat can also be viewed from nearby Incahuasi Island, curating for the ultimate viewing experience. While the flat doesn’t host much wildlife, it is home to a rare species of flamingos. February is the best time to visit because it’s still rainfall season, meaning the famous “mirror effect” will be in play. The mirror effect is a phenomenon when water accumulates, meaning there will be a clear reflection on the salty surface. In other words, you’ll be able to see through the ground. The area also receives fewer visitors in February, making the month one of the best to visit.
March (Dubrovnik)
Adjacent to the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is a mid-sized city in Croatia’s southern Dalmatia region. Spanning back to the 16th Century, Dubrovnik’s Old Town hosts a plethora of preserved buildings, such as the Renaissance Sponza Palace, the St. Blaise Church, and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. The beaches in Dubrovnik are also known for their pristine blue colors, so water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving would be a thrilling experience. March temperatures are relatively mild, so whether you’re strolling through Old Town or snorkeling in the Adriatic Sea, March is the perfect time to visit the city.
April (Palawan)
Palawan is an archipelagic island in the southern Philippines, spanning almost 7,000 miles, The island’s most famous sites- El Nido and Coron- are known for their picturesque waters. The largest city on the island, Puerto Princesa, is a base for boat trips through its limestone caves. The island also hosts Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park, a protected area that is home to the area’s only underground river. April temperatures are ideal for visiting the island; curating for the best experience is enjoying local sights.
May (Cape Town)
Sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the largest cities in South Africa. Nestled right on the Cape Peninsula, the city has many attractions. Maclear’s Beacon or Lion’s Head is the way to go if you’re in the mood for hiking. Cape Point or Boulders Beach may be the right choice if you’re considering relaxing on the beach. There are many national parks in the area as well- they’re a chance to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Another popular option is a helicopter tour of the city- an excellent option to see the sights. May is the time of the ‘shoulder season’ in Cape Town. Since May is autumn in Cape Town, temperatures will be mild, making it a good month to visit the city.
June (Bali)
Located in the Sunda archipelago, Bali is an island in Indonesia known for its volcanoes, beaches, and history. The island has various attractions, including the Tegalalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Mount Bator, Seminyak Beach, and the Monkey Forest. Bali is also rich in its culture, as the island has many Hindu temples for worshipping- an essential part of life for most locals. Bali is also renowned for its diverse cuisine; most are guaranteed to find something they enjoy. The temperatures in June are almost always warm, making it a pleasant month to visit the island.
July (The Galapagos)
The Galapagos Islands are 600 miles of untouched, pristine nature scattered across several islands. Located in the southern Pacific Ocean, these islands can be found off the coast of mainland Ecuador. The islands are also home to a diverse amount of wildlife that can be only found there- some of these animals include the sally lightfoot crab, the Galapagos Tortoise, and the lava lizard. Some points of interest include Tortuga Bay (a famous beach island that hosts an abundance of wildlife), Santa Cruz Island (the tourist center of the island chain with hotels, bars, and restaurants), and Isabela Island (known for its volcanos). The island’s temperatures in July are hot, making it one of the best months to visit the islands.
August (The Amazon Rainforest)
The largest of its kind, the Amazon is a tropical rainforest spanning multiple countries in South America. The Amazon covers a staggering 2.587 million miles in area and is home to millions of species of both wildlife and plants. You will be surrounded by beautiful greenery, with the most lush and biodiverse ecosystems. There are also many local tribes native to the area that you can interact with. The central city in the ecosystem is Manaus, a large Brazilian city where tours through the Amazon start. August temperatures are quite mild, making the month one of the best to visit the forest.
September (New England)
Sitting on the Atlantic coast, New England is a small region in the Northeastern United States known for its beautiful fall foliage and picturesque towns. Some towns in the region include Stowe, Newport, Kennebunkport, and Rockport, all known for their exceptional fall colors. Points of interest include Mt. Washington, Acadia National Park, and the White Mountains, also known for their fall colors. The region is also known for its renowned seafood, consistently ranked top in the country. Temperatures in September are chilly but not super cold. It’s one of the best months to see the fall foliage and eat the best seasonal cuisines.
October (Scottish Highlands)
The Scottish Highlands is a mountainous region encompassing the Northwest of Scotland. Home to various lochs (lakes), mountains, valleys, and forests, this region is known for its beautiful views and rugged landscapes. The region is also home to the United Kingdom’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The main town in the area is called Inverness, which offers tours to various attractions within the Highlands. Some attractions include Loch Lomond, Isle of Skye and Arran, and Ben Nevis—all known for their stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The weather in October gets colder. However, it’s one of the best times to see the beautiful scenery.
November (Cappadocia)
Sitting on the Black Sea, Cappadocia is a region in Turkey’s central north. The region boasts a multiplicity of attractions, the most famous of which are the hot air balloons. The balloons provide an excellent opportunity to glance at the beautiful “fair chimneys,” tall rock formations scattered across the region. Other attractions include Göreme National Park (which has rock formations) and the Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Cave Systems (which boasts multiple underground cities from ancient times). November is also a quieter time in the region, as it isn’t a tourist month. This and its average temperatures make November one of the best months to visit the region.
December (Interlaken)
Nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is a snowy mountainous town in Switzerland’s Bern region. The town is most famous for its crystal-clear snowcapped mountains, making it the top choice for both water and winter sports. Harder Kulm, a mountain otherwise known as the “top of the town,” offers an enchanting panoramic view of the town. The town’s main street, Höheweg, is lined with multiple shops and restaurants, all overlooked by beautiful mountains. Another famous excursion is the cheese and chocolate on a mountain summit, which offers world-renowned cheese and chocolate–staples Switzerland is known for. Temperatures in December get cold, but it is one of the best months to visit the town for its natural beauty.