Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or flying for the first time, the question of where to travel during certain months often comes to mind. And we don’t blame you – with peak season crowds, weather concerns, and seasonal activities coming into play, deciding where to travel can turn into quite the pickle.
Well, don’t fret because Holiday Tours is here to give you 12 months of unforgettable holiday tips. From a trip that takes you to see the jaw-dropping Northern Lights to enjoying a well-deserved beach escapade, here are our picks of where to travel for each month of the year.
Where to travel in January: See the Northern Lights in Iceland
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For many adventurous holidaymakers, seeing the Northern Lights is an experience that has to be felt in person at least once in a lifetime. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the phenomenon is best seen in winter months such as January, as the long, dark nights allow for the lights to shine better.
As for where to travel to see the Northern Lights, destinations such as Reykjavík, Iceland and Tromsø, Norway often come to mind. However, it’s important to note that you’ll have to find the right spots to see the best of nature’s light shows, as being in heavily light-polluted places can dampen the view.
To help reduce the hassle of hunting, why not sign up for Insight Vacation’s 7-day, 6-night excursion to Iceland that takes you Northern Lights hunting? Complete with insider tips to Aurora chasing and visits to must-see stops across Iceland, this is one holiday you wouldn’t want to miss to kickstart your 2026.
Where to travel in February: Ski to your heart’s content in Harbin, China
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Looking to spend Chinese New Year a little differently in 2026? Well, it’s time to skip the heat and head to Harbin, where winter remains in full swing. Aside from a temperature change, the festivities here are just as out of this world as you can imagine.
To start, visitors will be able to see the iconic Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Held annually, this event is recognised as the world’s largest ice and snow festival. With acres of majestic ice sculptures and snow world activities that are fun for the whole family, this winter travel experience is a fantastic way to celebrate the festivities.
If you’d prefer to trade the hustle and bustle for a relaxing holiday with a touch of adventure, then perhaps an all-inclusive escape will spark your fancy. Home to over 50km of powdery snow slopes, Club Med Yabuli is China’s largest ski domain that many ski and snowboard enthusiasts visit annually. With 14 exciting activities and 4 on-demand excursions to keep guests of all ages entertained, this will be a Chinese New Year escapade to remember for the whole family.
Where to travel in March: Visit Vietnam for its vibrant vacation vibes
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Vietnam is a wonderful place to visit in March, thanks to its relatively cool and dry weather. This makes its outdoor explorations more convenient, with highlights such as Halong Bay being at the top of many visitors’ itineraries. But despite the crowd, the experience still remains vibrant and authentic, with plenty to see, eat, and do wherever you go.
Alternatively, you may consider visiting the Hoi An Lantern Festival that takes place each month in Hoi An. What makes this experience unique is how the electric lamps around the festival are usually switched off, leaving the streets illuminated solely by the colourful lanterns of varying shapes and sizes. Visitors and locals may also release floating lanterns in the Thu Bon River on the day of the festival, and legend has it that this act brings well-wishers good luck and happiness.
As Vietnam is also well-known for its coffee culture, it’s no surprise that it would also host an annual Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival across the Dak Lak province. With free coffee tastings, art exhibitions, and trade fairs happening throughout this coffee festival, it’s truly a trip you must try for yourself.
Where to travel in April: Admire the Sakura blooms in Japan
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While Japan is beautiful to visit year-round, being able to stroll down the streets of Tokyo or Kyoto during cherry blossom season is a magical experience. This seasonal event typically lasts from the end of March to early April, making it an unpredictable but gratifying event when you see it.
But don’t fret if you miss out on what many claim is the peak Sakura season, as you may still catch the tail end of it in colder regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku. This is because the weather tends to be cooler in these areas, resulting in later and possibly even longer blooms.
If you’d like the most authentic experience, then be sure to enjoy the cherry blossom season just as the locals do. Widely known as Hanami, this Japanese tradition typically invites travellers to enjoy the blooms with a day out in the park. Packing picnic mats and delightful snacks from your favourite convenience stores is encouraged, as this is the best way to view these fleeting blooms.
Where to travel in May: Savour the seasonal beauty of the Netherlands
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Come May, spring will officially make its mark in many countries, resulting in favourable weather conditions and gorgeous views of flourishing flowers, depending on where you travel. For seasoned travellers, this makes visiting hotspots such as the Netherlands an ideal choice, as you’ll avoid the oncoming summer crowds and keep most of the country’s beauty to yourself.
Swapping its wet and gloomy days for sunny blue skies, a spring holiday in the Netherlands offers plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the city centre. Of course, the busy streets of Amsterdam are still a must-see, especially if it’s your first time here, but we’d also recommend visiting its neighbouring cities, such as Haarlem and Utrecht.
Should you be travelling in early May, you’ll have to visit Keukenhof in Lisse. Open for just a little under 2 months each year, this Garden of Europe is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually, with forward planning required to create artistic renditions using the natural colours of tulips, hyacinths, roses, and more.
Where to travel in June: Swap out summer for winter in Sydney, Australia
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June is often described as one of the busiest months to travel, with summer travellers hopping on planes in search of their next sunny adventure. But what if we told you that you could enjoy a winter holiday instead? Set in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney typically experiences seasons that are directly opposite to most of the world.
Distinctively known for its breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, this lively capital is a fun way to swap your usual seasonal breaks around. Adrenaline-seekers will also enjoy a hike up the city’s iconic Harbour Bridge, rewarding them with views of Sydney’s skyline from the bridge’s 144-metre-high summit.
What’s more, the annual Vivid Sydney event will still be in full force until mid-June, transforming the city into a celebration of lights, music, ideas, and food. From discovering light installations across multiple destinations to seeing the ideas shared by aspiring local artists, Vivid Sydney is an event that simply won’t disappoint.
Where to travel in July: Rest, relax, and recharge in sunny Maldives
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With the first half of the year now done and dusted, the only thing left to do is to reward yourself with a relaxing holiday. The Maldives in July serves as that perfect destination, with its off-shoulder season offering comfortable weather conditions that will satisfy both indoor and outdoor excursions.
Home to luxury resorts with acres of pristine beaches with soft, white sands and turquoise blue waters, this archipelagic country set in the eastern Arabian Sea is a paradise for couples seeking a romantic getaway like no other. Marine life enthusiasts would also enjoy their time here, with world-class diving experiences being a highlight of every Maldives trip.
For those seeking a hassle-free break, we recommend booking yourself into the all-inclusive Club Med Kani – Maldives, where true relaxation awaits. With 27 included activities like snorkelling and 51 more on-demand excursions, including spa treatments and more, this unforgettable holiday offers guests the opportunity to leave behind all their city stresses from the moment they arrive.
Where to travel in August: Enjoy a staycation while celebrating MALAYSIA
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Now you may be wondering: With so much to explore across the world, why wouldn’t we include our home as one of the top picks of where to travel in 2026? Well, that’s because we’ve kept this recommendation for you to have a very special Merdeka this year.
For instance, city dwellers will enjoy an escapade in any of the iconic hotels within Kuala Lumpur, each with a tale to tell. Whether you’re looking for a home away from home at The RUMA Hotel & Residences or want a luxury stay above the skies at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, our handpicked staycation selections are always just a click away.
Alternatively, why not take a foodie trip up north to Georgetown, Penang or drive south to dip your toes in the lovely seas of Pulau Rawa in Johor? Either way, Holiday Tours is ready to turn your Merdeka Day escapade into a memorable trip where you can recharge, reconnect, and rediscover Malaysia through your own eyes.
Where to travel in September: Take part in the iconic Oktoberfest in Germany
Photo by You may have heard of Oktoberfest, but did you know it actually happens in late September, and not October as its name suggests? This common confusion in the event’s name may have caused many travellers to miss this iconic celebration in Germany, but we’re here to change that for you.
Particularly popular in an area known as the Theresienwiese in Munich, this two-week event features plenty of party vibes across the city. From drinking freshly brewed beers out of limited-edition Oktoberfest steins to trying your hand at any of the fairground games, Oktoberfest is a major celebration that welcomes millions of locals and visitors from all over the world each year.
When you’re here, be sure to sample some of the best Bavarian bites to go with your drinks. Traditional bratwurst sausages served with a side of sauerkraut are a favourite, or you can always opt for a heartier serving of German pork knuckles if you’re feeling hungry. Either way, your September adventure is one where eating, drinking, and being merry are to be expected.
Where to travel in October: Recreate your favourite autumn scenes in Korea
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For many holidaymakers, autumn is recognised as one of the prettiest seasons thanks to the dramatic orange foliage. This makes destinations like Korea a great pick if you’re looking for a memorable spot to spend October, with romantic strolls down Gyeongbokgung Palace or Namsan Park being a crowd favourite.
Nature hikes are also popular during this season, as milder weather makes outdoor excursions more comfortable. If this is your idea of a trip worth remembering, then be sure to pack comfortable shoes and charge up your camera to capture the endless beauty of autumn in Korea.
Of course, k-drama lovers are not forgotten if you’re looking to recreate popular scenes from dramas like the 2016 classic, Goblin. In fact, the Fir Trees Road in Odaesan National Park is where you can walk in the footsteps of the main characters, and the gorgeous orange foliage will make you feel like you’re in a drama of your own.
Where to travel in November: Bask in the sun without the crowds in Santorini
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With Halloween scares now a thing of the past and Christmas too soon to speak of, many travellers are often unsure of where to travel in November. Enter the gorgeous Santorini, a breathtaking island that boasts stunning Aegean Sea views amid its iconic blue-roofed homes.
Once a forgotten destination due to a volcanic eruption, Santorini has since become one of the most popular holiday spots, especially among couples seeking a romantic escapade. But if crowds are not your thing, then visiting in November will give you that private holiday experience you’ve longed for without sacrificing the authentic Greek experience.
To best pamper yourself while on the island, why not book your stay at Noūs Santorini, a private haven that’s part of Design Hotels? Equipped with private pools, yoga retreats, and more, this one-of-a-kind oasis offers the perfect blend of island exploration and luxury retreat for that unforgettable vacation.
Where to travel in December: Unwrap New York City’s winter wonderland
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As the year comes to yet another close, the undeniable beauty of New York City’s winter wonderland makes for a holiday you should never miss. From lacing up your ice skates to join the crowd at The Rink to seeing the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Centre’s iconic Christmas Tree, these unique experiences will assure you that you’ve made the best decision of where to travel in December.
What’s more, many travellers will also recommend visiting the historical Macy’s department store along Herald Square. First opened in 1902, this majestic building is often adorned with festive decorations that wow each year. With ever-changing themes to surprise visitors each year, it’s one of the destinations in New York City that you shouldn’t skip if you want to unwrap the best holiday to mark the end of the year.
For a countdown party like no other, you’ll want to make your way to Times Square, where the annual ball drop event happens. Along with thousands of locals, tourists, and even A-list artistes, you’ll be bidding farewell to what could be the most adventurous 2026 possible.