If you’re planning a holiday, then timing might be one of the most important considerations. Certain parts of the world come to life only at certain times of the year, and booking your flights accordingly can help you enjoy the best possible experience. On the other hand, timing your trip to avoid peak tourist months and school holidays might allow you to save money and avoid the crowds.
If you don’t yet know where you’re going, but you know when you’re going to have time for travel, you might pick a destination accordingly. But which holidays work best at which times of year? Let’s run through the four seasons.
Spring into Adventure (March-May)
Springtime is defined by nature reawakening after a few months of slumber. As such, many of the most iconic tourist experiences in springtime involve floral displays. You might visit the Netherlands and see the tulip fields or visit Japan in time for the cherry blossom season.
This time of year tends to be great for doing summer-adjacent activities in warmer climates. Go on a long hiking trip at this time, and you’ll be able to avoid the problems of scorching hot sunshine. At the same time, you might explore country gardens or go cycling through Europe.
Summer Sun and Sea (June – August)
For most British tourists, summer is the default time of year to go on holiday. Summer holidays tend to be associated with beaches, activity-rich resorts, and theme parks. You might book a stay at a coastal town in the UK or a National Park in the United States. Or, you might go trekking through the jungles of Cambodia. The options are effectively limitless.
At this time of year, you’ll get the best weather – if you love sunshine. On the other hand, you’ll also have to contend with crowds. For certain kinds of experience, summer might be your only option. Major music festivals tend to occur during summer; for example, if you want to visit the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, then you’ll have no choice but to book a holiday in summer.
Autumn’s Golden Glow (September – November)
Like spring, autumn is largely defined by what happens to the foliage. Entire forests might turn a beautiful shade of golden brown, with sunlight lancing through the leaves at a shallow angle. This is a recipe for an inspiring hiking expedition – which is why autumn holidays tend to favour outdoor adventures.
At the same time, some of the world’s most famous food-producing regions are at their most active at this time of year. You might visit Bordeaux, in France, or Tuscany, in Italy, to sample some of the best wines in the world. Or, you might attend harvest festivals that bring together produce from a range of local producers.
Winter Wonderlands (December – February)
There are two things that tend to define winter holidays. It’s a perfect time of year for family ski holidays and for Christmas-related experiences. You might travel to the Alps for the former, and to city centres across Europe, where seasonal markets are widely held, for the latter.
On the other hand, you might seek to escape from the cold weather with a trip to the other side of the world. In Australia, you might see it in the festive season while sitting on a sun-kissed beach.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the natural spectacles that are visible only during winter. The Northern Lights can be seen by those willing to travel far enough north and who are willing to hire a guide and seek them out!
markmunroe
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