Top Destinations

The Japanese have a well-deserved reputation for cleanliness, safety, security and order… but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to have fun, let their hair down and enjoy a very good night out! The benefit of coming to Tokyo in February is the lack of intense humidity, high heat and very real typhoon risks present from May to November. Yes it might be a tad chilly, but it’s almost always dry and sunny in February here… and let’s be honest, you wont be too concerned as long as the taxis / trains are running and able to drop you off at a club, then on to karaoke bar and back to a another club again!

Brisbane is Australia’s 3rd most populous city, after Sydney and Melbourne, but seldom makes the list of places to see in Australia when people are planning a trip “down under”. Quite possibly because by the time you’ve flown 24-hours to Sydney or Melbourne, you don’t fancy any more time on board an airplane. But if you do decide you want to go somewhere with plenty to do, with outstanding beaches as far as the eye can see, hot and sunny weather and to see the first sunrise in the Australian mainland, then far south east of Queensland is a great option. Afterall, you might just need that beach to recover from the jet lag!

This large South American country has always had a turbulent history and gone through periods of extraordinary growth, reform and success, as well as periods of considerable upheaval and turmoil, and sadly, the latter is true of the country’s current state of affairs. With its tropical beaches in the north, rainforests and jungles in the south and mountains in the far west it has something for everyone to explore and enjoy (providing you like it hot!). February across the majority of the country is hot and sunny with only the far southern jungles being cloudier and wetter, so when life returns to some semblance of normality again, perhaps Venezuela in February should be on your radar

Is there a town anywhere in the world that is more synonymous with behaviour that verges on the irresponsible? Gambling, drinking, getting married on a whim, flying over a gaping chasm in the earths surface, or watching magicians encourage a tiger to devour Celine Dion (or something like that)… all a daily pleasure in “Sin City”. That being said, it is a marvel in its existence and creation and possibly the worlds most devisive city, but hate it or adore it, if you’re looking for somewhere to splash a bit of cash on food, drink and nightlife, there aren’t many places in the world that beat this deseert city. October here is very warm, with clear blue skies and rain is almost unheard of!

There are a number of reasons to visit Jakarta. Firstly because it is a large (very large) bustling capital city of more than 10 million people. Secondly, it has an abundance of bars, clubs and nightlife to cater to every single possible taste. Thirdly, sadly, is because this city won’t be here for too much longer. Rapidly sinking into the waters of Jakarta Bay, the Indonesian government is already planning its new capital elsewhere, because in the decades to come, this small, but very densely populated corner of Indonesia, will slowly become uninhabitable. So, head to Jakarta in July when it’s hot, dry and sunny and see this wonderful city before it’s gone… literally!

Outside of the track of almost all hurricanes in the Caribbean, Aruba has a distinctly sunnier, drier and windier climate than almost all other Islands across the Caribbean. When everyone else heads to the Med, the clear, very warm seas and white-sand beaches of Aruba will be a perfect alternative getaway choice in July. There isn’t a great deal to do here in terms of partying and nightlife, so if that’s your thing, then we have other suggestions for you, but if you just want to spend a week catching up on some books, with perfect weather, an 11hr flight is all it will take to get you here.

About as far away from western civilisation as it is possible to get on mainland Asia, Mongolia is a vast, remote, deserted wilderness, with few people and even fewer creature comforts. Outside of the capital Ulaanbaata, there are few settlements and those that do exist live a predominantly herdsman-life, revolving around the animals they use for travel and food. As an experience and for a truly different holiday getting to know the locals (you have to, or you simply will not get around) and spending almost all day outside in the fresh air, Mongolia is hard to beat. May is the sunniest month of the year and the first “warm” month after the bitter winter. Temperatures can still dip well below freezing at night, but the skies are almost always blue

The contiguous US’s southernmost major city is globally renowned for it’s beach scene. Whether you opt for Miami, Daytona or perhaps West Palm Beach, the sites will be similar.. Scantily clad, bronzed locals, ejoying the warm and sunny weather by day and the thriving bar scene by night. Architecturally striking and a real melting pot of cultures, Miami really does have it all for an upbeat, high-tempo break in the sunshine.

If you’ve wanted nothing more in life than to watch the dark night sky turn vivid shades of green, blue, purple and yellow and see these striking colours dance across the sky for minutes, or sometimes hours at a time, while also warding off frostbite, then December in the north west corner of Canada and northern Alaska is where you should head. While many other places in the far northern hemisphere also see the same calibre of light show (aurora borealis), their less reliably clear skies (northern Norway and Iceland spring to mind), mean this part of the northern US continent is favoured for a more reliable view of this natural phenomena

It is exceptionally rare for a place’s name to be synonymous with only things in life we collectively steer well, well clear of, but sadly Somalia is such a place. When mentioned, its name conjures images of piracy or war and not a lot else. It has been in a state of considerable flux ever since independence in 1960 and shows no realistic sign of improving soon. But, were it to do so, with the longest coastline in Africa, generally fantastic weather year-round (albeit a little hot for some), it would surely rank among the must-see places for the adventurous among you, looking for that new place on the world scene to explore and investigate.

This tiny (you could fit 15 Macao’s inside the M25!) Special Administrative Region of China is Asia’s answer to Las Vegas. And as answers go, it’s a good one! With some of the largest hotels and casinos in the world, all located in a very unusual cultural melee of Chinese and Portuguese, this is a truly unique destination. If you’re after long sandy beaches and peace and quiet, Macao simply isn’t for you, but if you’re after a very different gambling and nightlife experience, in one of the most technologically advanced places on earth that very few could locate on a map, then the warmth and sunshine of Macao in December could well be for you.

It may be the worlds most remote “large” city, but that doesn’t mean Perth isn’t well worth a visit… especially if you like wide, white-sand beaches, endless blue skies, and a refreshing sea breeze. December in Perth has all these things and being an outdoorsy place, with sports and vinyards abundant, along with everything else large cities have to offer, should you wish to leave the beaches, there’s enough to suit all tastes

If you really like Christmas, Germany in December is wonderful. If you don’t like Christmas, then December isn’t really the month for you anywhere, so you might as well just go on holiday anyway! Christmas markets here are better than elsewhere.. A lot better! They’re bigger, better and both classier and cheesier in equal measure, in just about every way. The food and hot drinks on offer will stave off the worst of the almost certainly cold weather while you’re admiring enough snowglobes, trinkets and festive decor to fill your house a thousand times over. Once you’ve had enough of marketplace living and are somewhat full on Bratwurst and Gluhwein, head into the cities proper (be it Berlin, Munich or Cologne) and see the rest of what the best of Germany has to offer.. preferably indoors in the warm!

Australia’s southernmost large city and often its highest ranked in terms of quality of life, Melbourne is an outdoor and sports enthusiasts playground, but with art, literature, music and culture, it has something for everyone. December is usually warm and sunny (with ocassional heatwaves), meaning it is a great time of year to head south, a long way south, and see all that Melbourne, and maybe the rest of the state of Victoria, has to offer.

If you’ve wanted to experience a range of different cultures and countries, all with rugged, mountainous, heavily forested and volcanic scenery, with some of the largest and most impressive Mayan and Aztec ruins anywhere on Earth, then December in these 3 central American countries should definitely be on your “to do” list! Rich in history and culture, from the ancient civilisations, through the Spanish conquests to the present day, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are certainly not your average vacation spots. Forget easy package holidays or any notion of Uber’s (other ride hailing services do exist), this is much more down-to-earth trek that will be well worth the extra effort.

Three cities for the price of one. With a large number of former Maharaja Palaces now being used as hotels, you can traverse your way across India’s driest and hottest state (but in perfect weather in December), in style. From the city of Udaipur and it’s Bond-famed Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace and the Monsoon Palace in the hills above and the Jagdish Temple, head north to Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Toorji Ka Jhalra, through to Jaipur and it’s beautiful blue-painted buildings and multiple palaces and forts, including the Palace of Wind and Nahargarh Fort. With a little more time, the capital Delhi and Agra’s world-famous Taj Mahal are both half a days drive or train-ride away.

Is there a better way to end the year than enjoying some amazing traditional Indian cuisine, on a glorious wide stretch of pale sand, overlooking the Indian Ocean? If so, it can’t be much better than enjoying December in Goa. The land still verdant green from the recent retreat of the annual monsoon rains, but near-endless sunshine from deep blue skies above, make this a perfect time to get your final dose of warm sunshine before the New Year beckons.

Widely regarded as the driest inhabited place on earth, Arica is very, very dry. Obviously, given this title, any month of the year here, you’ll be highly unlikely to see any rain, but November is historically especially dry, with no rain having been recorded here during the month, EVER. Surprisingly for such a parched environment, temperatures are rarely hotter than a warm spring day, so if you’re looking for a trip to somewhere a little different, or you have a deep-seated aversion to rainfall, perhaps the far north west of Chile is where you should be looking to spend some time

By far the smallest entry in this list and unique in so much as this tiny Caribbean island is politically very stable, is not even remotely in conflict with any other nation or region and from a generic external perspective appears to be the perfect place for a Caribbean getaway. However, in 2017 category 5 Hurricane Irma destroyed pretty much every single structure on the island, including all communications, power, transport and shelter. In 2019 the majority of residents returned to the island after 18-months in exile while rebuilding work was undertaken. When (not if) tourists return to Barbuda, they’ll once again find pristine beaches, swaying palms (although fewer than there were before 2017) and friendly locals aiming to please travellers staying at higer-end tourism resorts and hotels. But for this to happen a little more rebuilding needs to take place, including a new airport, so watch this space as Barbuda will be back for business soon!

Israel’s largest and easily most cosmopolitan city, Tel Aviv is a true seaside city with it all. Wonderful beaches, a great café scene, fabulous food, friendly locals and glorious weather for most of the year. In addition, this city is also widely regarded as the party capital of the Middle East, so if it’s bars, clubs and nightlife you’re looking for, join the locals and visit this growing city on the far eastern shores of the Meditteranean in November. You’ll avoid the crowds and heat of summer, but still have a holiday to remember.

The Red Sea resorts, from the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula to the eastern coast of Egypt, see endless sunshine almost all year, but temperatures in November are more bearable than the intense heat of summer. Both air and sea temperatures at this time of year are around 30°C and with a large number of major hotels in this region providing all-inclusive holidays, with diving or snorkelling options aplenty, this is a great time of year to get away from the gloom of the UK skies and get some late-season sunshine.

It’s hard to find somewhere not dank and dreary in Europe in November, even the reliably warm and sunny eastern Mediterranean sees storms and heavy rain at this time of year, so up step the Canary Islands to save the day (month!). All the islands exhibit a similar climate, with warm sunshine across them all. While the southern islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma) are marginally warmer than the northern islands, they are also slightly more susceptible to changes in weather depending on the side of the island on which you’re based. If you’re after a busier holiday with more options for you, your kids, group or whomever you’re here with, then Tenerife or Gran Canaria are your best bets. If you’re seeking beaches and sunshine, Fuertaventura is probably for you. Lanzarote falls somewhere in the middle. There are of course the 3 much less visited islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma, all very rugged in nature and with little tourist infrastructure, but a really authentic Canarian choice.

For such a large country (5 times the size of Great Britain), very few travellers from the UK ever consider this particular corner of Africa. Neighbouring Kenya attracts vastly greater tourist numbers, but ultimately offers almost identical pleasures: wonderful beaches, incredible wildlife, beautiful scenery and an enormous cultural variety. One of the only differences is that Tanzania is less easily accessible, with far fewer flights from GB than its more oft-frequented neighbour, but if you’re prepared to go that extra mile, you won’t be disappointed you did, and November is the last really sunny and relatively dry month before the onset of the weak monsoon in December

While April and May are usually the favoured months for treks throughout the Himalayas, a potentially better time of year to go would be in November. The weather may be a little cooler, but there will also be far fewer people around, so guesthouses and other accomodations will be more readily available and likely far cheaper too. What won’t change will be the views of the highest peaks on Earth alongside the worlds deepest valleys, combined with hospitable locals and a large number of temples and shrines to visit on your journey. November weather is warm averaging 20°C during the day at 2,000m. This will cool rapidly the higher you ascend though and nights are chilly, but skies usually clear most days with rain / snow rare.

November is an ideal month to avoid the heat, humidty and intense rainstorms of summer and to see all that Hong Kong has to offer. From the magnificent views atop The Peak, buying momentos of your trip from Stanley market, walking the Avenue of Stars on Kowloon with views of Hong Kong Island, taking a ride on the famous Star Ferry, or perhaps boarding a hydrofoil to gambling mecca, Macao. Instead you might spend your time in Mong Kok, the worlds most densley populated city district with its shops, restaurants and arcades, all things you’d regret not doing in Hong Kong.

Of all the countries on earth, few project such stark images of desporation and poverty in the way Ethiopia does… or at least did. Shaking this stigma however is not done easily, and while harrowing, the images from the severe droughts and famines of the 80’s, are at contrast with the majority of the country’s physical geography and current way of life. High mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley, waterfalls on the Blue Nile, with abundant wildlife and numerous shrines and temples throughout the country, make for an enticing visit. November is warm and sunny across the majority of the country and a fantastic time of year to visit a land often grossly misrepresented by past media broadcasts.

If your idea of a great holiday is to enjoy fantastic food, great hospitality and reliably torrential rain most of the time you’re there, then you might want to consider October in eastern Vietnam. In the midst of the monsoon rains, both October and November are exceptionally wet months. During the course of a week (for example), you’ll likely have a couple of dry(ish) days, but the remainder will see as much rain falling per day as you’d get in Manchester on an average fortnight in June! If, say, you have hair that doesn’t respond well to humidity or aren’t overly keen on hearing about flood warnings everywhere you go… then don’t discount this beautiful area of the world altogether… just don’t come in October!

To the outside world this is a wartorn, fractured country, that very few have ever even contemplated visiting, let alone actually done so. But, it is an historically rich region, culturally diverse from the rest of the Arabian peninsula, with rugged scenery and a very different way of life for the locals. So, as a place to “experience” and for somewhere very different, with a great climate, there is a slim chance that the Yemen will be a new holiday location we could add to our list of unusual places to visit in the years to come.

A small island off the east coast of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar conjurs images of palm trees, white sands, fishing boats and not a lot else. For the most part, this is true and if you’re after a romantic, or quiet getaway, perhaps with the option to add on a safari in Tanzania or nearby Kenya, then this could be the place for you. With October being the sunniest month of the year here, this would be a really good time to take things slowly in this part of the world

Yes, Sicily has 2 things not everyone looks for in a holiday… connections with the Mafia and an active volcano (one of the most active in the world), but these aside, (maybe these included if that’s how you roll!), Sicily has a lot to offer the holidaymaker. Choosing to go in October will mean you miss the heat of summer but still get plenty of warm sunshine and can therefore take things a little more slowly. Historical port cities of Palermo and Catania will provide the bulk of your options list, but there are plenty of smaller, traditional Sicilian towns and villages throughout the island, with the food and wine as fantastic as you’d expect!

Hot, sunny, dry and windy, with large, clean beaches and warm water… be almost rude not to head to Bali in October. With perfect conditions, perhaps you could try your hand at surfing first thing in the morning after breakfast, then visit some of the local temples, before a well earned early lunch in one of the countless local eateries. Do a bit of air-conditioned shopping to purchase a few nicknacks and other items to remind you of your holiday and end your days watching the sunset with a drink in hand by a hotel pool overlooking the ocean, or possibly listening to the sounds of the jungle in this island paradise.

While certainly not a sunshine holiday, if you are going to experience the worlds largest rainforest, you’re best off doing it during the short “dry” season. The river levels during October are at their lowest before the onset of the lengthy rainy season in November. This means while you’ll still travel a considerable amount of time by boat, there will be opportunities to get out and about on dry land and the chances of seeing all sorts of marine life increased, due to the lesser extent of the still enormous river network across the Amazon. Temperatures and humidity are high, but less oppressively so than during the rains where your clothing can stay damp for days on end!

While not its capital, Sydney is by far Australia’s largest and most famous city, and October is a great month to cross the harbour bridge (at ground level, or right at the very top, with views of the iconic Opera House if your stomach can handle it), to try your hand at surfing on Bondi beach, or trek inland in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Or perhaps you just want to meander the wide avenues under the warm blue skies as you would in any major city seeing what’s around the next corner, be it cafes, bars, restaurants, sports venues or music events

The name Brazil conjures up images of Carnival, football, favellas and rainforest, all of which are abundant in the country, however, Brazil is also famous for its lengthy, wide, soft-sand beaches, the longest of which are often found in the extreme east of the country, jutting out into the mid-Atlantic, just south of the equator. While not the go-to places for popular tourist haunts, or spectacular jungle experiences, if you’re seeking endless beaches, hot sunshine and a more authentic and “local” beach goers way-of-life, then the States of Ceara, Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte could be just what you’re looking for.

While the tornados of the US midwest see the fastest windspeeds on earth, without a shadow of doubt, the most powerful, intense, largest and most destructive storms on our planet are the western Pacific typhoons that reach their peak around September. Sustained winds in excess of 190mph have been recorded here, with storms half the size of Australia having battered this region in years gone by. The northern Philippine island of Luzon is frequently in the firing line for these meteorological behemoths. Getting in to see these storms is easy, just keep an eye on weather forecasts and fly into Manilla a few days before the storm. While it might seem like a good idea beforehand, the potential for complete and utter devastation of entire cities and regions, with no transport, food, communication or clean water for days or weeks soon causes reality to hit home. Fast. And once you’re there, getting home is much less straightforward proposition!

No country on earth is as politically and societally isolated, remote and removed from the rest of the world as North Korea. It is made even more stark given its juxtaposition immediately north of technologically advanced, exceptionally safe and heavily-westernised South Korea. Droughts, famines, suppressed freedoms, ritualised political leadership and intensely controlled ways of life are just some of the reasons visiting North Korea is something very few people would even consider. But, if the current (and lengthy historical) regime were to embrace a more democratic and “free” way of existing for its poeple, then there is no doubt that the detached residents of this far east Asian nation would welcome tourists and their alternative thoughts and feelings with open arms. It will take a while, but were it to happen, North Korea could be THE place to go in years to come

The Algarve is a mixed bag. Very sleepy, quiet and chilled-out in the winter, with only a small number of shops and attractions open to visitors, compared to a full-on tourist hotspot in mid-summer. Glorious weather in September and fewer children around, means a little more space on the wonderful beaches to unwind after a potentially heavy night. If you want peace and quiet, even in mid-summer, you’ll find it. You don’t have to look hard however, particularly in the towns of Albufeira, Lagos or Portimao, to find bars, pubs and clubs to distract you until sun comes up.

Kenya is rightly famed for it’s wildlife, it’s national parks, it’s biodiversity and lengthy history and diverse culture. But fewer people know of the beach scene here. The eastern reaches of Kenya lie on the shores of the balmy Indian Ocean and the sands here can be some of the whitest on earth, often wide and gently sloping into the blue sea. Hotels line the coastline, with large pools, great food, and friendly staff, so if you fancied heading a little further affield for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, then give eastern Kenya a go. We think you’ll come back! If you’re not sure you want a whole week on a beach and fancy a day or so being a little more adventurous, then every hotel here will very gladly and easily be able to tee you up with a local safari guide and resort inland, to cater to whatever remit and budget you have where spotting large animals might be concerned

Blessed with abundant sunshine, sea breezes, spectacular sunsets and white-washed buildings set against an azure sky, the Greek Islands in September are genuinely difficult to beat. Each island is a little different from the others, so a little homework is needed to pick the one just right for you, ranging from the larger, busier islands such as Crete, Lesbos or Rhodes, to much quieter, far more traditional islands like Leros, Sifnos or Ios. Wherever you go, the food and locals will be delightful in equal measure, and the welcome as warm as the weather.

Famed for its luxury hotels and glistening beaches, September is “winter” in Mauritius, but its also the best time of year to visit the island. Free from the threat of cyclones, without the heat or high humidity of summer, you’ll find warm sunny days and mild nights, so perhaps you’d like to spend September in Mauritius. Lazing by the Indian Ocean with a cocktail or two, or on a Catamaran, dolphin-watching, or maybe getting a little more adventurous and heading inland for some trekking, quad biking or cycling in the hilly interior, before enjoying some fantastic local food in the evening

All former Russian Republics, the countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are now places slowly opening their borders to travellers. The first 3 on this list comprise mostly of large, open, remote landscapes, semi-desert or steppe in nature, and towns and cities many, many miles apart. The latter two are much more mountainous, being on the far northwestern edge of the Himalayas and represent a very different travelling challenge and experience. All 5 however are ideally visited in September while they’re still warm and sunny and the local transport isn’t hindered by heavy winter snow, or fierce summer heat.

Almost entirely dry and seldom too hot, September is the perfect month to see one of the US’s cleanest, friendliest, healthiest and most enjoyable cities. Taking in Fishermans Wharf, a trip to iconic Alcatraz, the worlds “crookedest” street, Lombard Street, or cross the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge into sleepier, but beautiful and pricey Sausilito. If you want a little rest from city life, Nappa Valley is a short drive away where you can sample some of the US’s finest wines and vineyards.

It’s not often nowadays we are able to visit regions of the world we’ve all heard of, but seldom visited. Madagascar however, is such a place. Outside of the hot, rainy season, but still beautifully warm and sunny, Madagascar, particularly northern, western and southwestern parts of the island, is truly off the radar of many people’s holiday choices, but with hotels slowly springing up and more choice for the traveller than ever before, its well worth considering, and September is an ideal month to venture to this unique island

Just outside the small town of Yazd, in the Lut desert in central Iran, during the months of July and August, you will find the hottest temperatures anywhere on earth. These temperatures are measured at the surface of the earth, rather than the standard air temperatures reported in weather forecasts, measured at approximately 1.2m above the ground. At an egg-frying 80°c (176°f), it is safe to say that if you do choose to come and see what bread must feel like in an oven, you’ll need a hefty dose of suncream, rather a lot of water and a very, very reliable mode of transport out of there!

To say Russia is a large country is putting it mildly, its scale is beyond imagination to those living in 99% of countries on earth. Covering 11 time zones, more than 5,500miles from east to west and more than 1,500 miles north to south, the entirety of Europe could almost nestle comfortably within its boundaries.. twice! However, accompanying this vast size comes a significant level of unpredictability in its behaviours and attitudes towards the “west”, particularly countries closely tied with the US. This makes travelling to, or through Russia, less-than-favourable at times. So while a trip to beautiful St Petersburg, or sprawling and lavish Moscow might be possible on one day, really experiencing the essence of Russia and its hugely diverse inhabitants and regions, from the Siberian wilderness and volcanic and mountainous far east, to its southwestern plains and its northern lakes and rivers, is much less straightforward. Hopefully the future will see this improve and Russians to be free again to embrace the “west”, but for now, while the current regime is in place and tensions remain high, this colossal country, covering 12% of the earths landmass, is probably best avoided

A cliché perhaps, but for a good reason. If you’re fond of quaint buildings, cobbled streets, narrow bridges and small cafes, Prague is for you… well it can be. But it also ceters exceptionally well for those in favour of cheap booze, larges bars, great clubs and the most vibrant hen and stag-do scene in Europe.
August is the warmest month of the year here and while thunderstorms are common, you’ll probably be having too much of a great time to care!

Everyone has heard of Bali, but far fewer people have heard of South Sulawesi. Bali is your stereotypical, south Asian resort island, but with a slightly more laidback “vibe” about it. Famed for its yoga retreats and easy-going way of life, this gem of an Indonesian Island will satisfy the needs of any holiday maker seeking a little time off from the world. There is however a growing party scene on the island and some increasingly famous bars and clubs emerging to satsify the needs of the younger travellers. A little off-the-beaten-track and probably a few more years until tourism takes off here in a similar way to Bali a few decades ago, the southern regions of Sulawesi in Indonesia are largely unexplored to most outside Indonesia. However, the beaches are stunning, with calm, tropical seas, glistening soft white-sand and a real feel of having escaped to somewhere very few have heard of, let alone visited. So if you can, head out to South Sulawesi in August and be a trend-setter for those to follow in years to come

Out in the middle of the Atlantic are a small group of islands called the Azores. If you’ve heard of them but not sure why, it’s possible you’ve heard the term “Azores High” used by weather presenters describing an area of high pressure frequently established over the Azores during summer, often the cause of bringing warm sunny weather to the UK. Warm weather is all-but-guaranteed during the summer months here, with a mixture of sunshine and occasional showers most days and it is almost always breezy. The islands are hilly, volcanic and craggy in nature, but with sea views from almost every single location. There are a number of very clean, sandy beaches, some of which are formed of black volanic sand (which can get exceptionally hot in summer!), but make for wonderful photos! If you’re after somewhere a bit different and your walking boots need an outing, there aren’t many places in Europe better suited for this than the Azores.

Your stereotypical tropical island paradise scenery can be found in French Polynesia: white-sand, palm-fringed beaches adorned with wooden huts; warm and clear turqoise seas; verdant mountain backdrops and multicoloured marine life just beneath the waters surface. If this really is your idea of heaven, then August is the time to visit this part of the world and take those photos you’ve always wanted to (selfie-style or otherwise!)

Between Darwin in the far north and Alice Springs in the heart of the Outback there is very, very little other than Kakadu National Park separating the tropical northern city from the arid heart of Australia. If you’re looking for something completely different, a trip with some surprisingly rugged scenery, outdoor living (i.e. camping!) and a few creatures you’re unlikely to find in many other places (saltwater crocodiles being one), the Northern Territories in August, could be just what you’re looking for! One of the wettest places on earth in the northern Hemisphere winter, this part of the world sees virtually cloudless skies at this time of year as well as low humidity.

Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, a cable car ride from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or taking a guided tour of the Maracana Stadium or through its infamous favelas, all experiences you’ll never forget in Rio de Janeiro (RdJ). August is a fantastic time of year to head to Brazil’s second largest, but most famous, city. While you’ve travelled this far, it would be a real shame not to visit Brazil’s largest metropolis, Sao Paulo, only 5hrs by road or under an hours flight from RdJ, with its football museum (if that’s your thing), botanical gardens (Jardim Botanico), Paulista Avenue, a mecca for shoppers, or Parque Ibirapuera.

If you’ve ever fancied staying in wonderful lodges or luxury safari huts, seeing elephants, leapoards, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffe, zebra or hippo in their natural environment, under crystal clear blue skies, with abundant warm sunshine… Namibia and Botswana in August is almost unbeatable. Never too hot, averaging 24-26°C by day, with cool nights, and in the middle of the dry season when watering holes begin to shrink, spotting these magnificent creatures becomes just a little easier, but still a rare and magnificent treat

If you like rain, and that means REALLY like rain, then the towns of Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in the Indian state of Meghalaya, cannot be missed in July. The Indian monsoon is seen here like nowhere else, with rainfall totals every single DAY equivalent to an average 6 WEEKS in London! These hill towns are well prepared for the torrents of water befalling this area, but there is no escaping the fact a visit here in July will need stoicism, a very good umbrella, and a real fondness for all things “rainy”!!

Technically not a region of the world involved in major conflict right now, there is enough political uncertainty and instability for this area to be in the vacationing category of “give it a while to calm down!” The Caucasus’ are a chain of mountains stretching from the Caspian Sea (the worlds largest inland body of water) in the east, to the Black Sea in the west. They divide southern Russia with Georgia and Azerbaijan and have, for several years now, been a physical barrier to more significant unrest than is currently being played out. They also represent a wonderful, untapped opportunity, for the hikers, bikers and trekkers of this world, to traverse the ridges, valleys and hills and experience these diverse nations. So, if real stability returns to the region, take a mid-summer trip to the Caucasus Mountains and countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The name “Corsica” conjures up images of glamour, beauty and tranquility and that is, in part, exactly what you’ll find here. A territory of nearby France, Corsica is somewhat autonomous in its Governance, and really only feels like the far southern coast of mainland France and very little like the rest of Europe’s largest country. It has a long, fairly turbulent history, much of which can be dated back hundreds, if not thousands of years, has a rugged geography akin to many Meditteranean islands and isn’t what you’d call “cheap”. While other times of year are also a good time to visit, there is something about Corsica in the hustle and bustle of a hot, sunny, summers day that really is hard to beat.

From the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Honolulu, the surfing locals and historical attractions such as Pearl Harbour, to the free-flowing magma of the numerous volcanos and Jurassic-Park scenery, Hawaii has it all. July is a perfect month to visit, with temperatures averaging 30°c, plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall and cooling trade winds all-but-guaranteed across the islands

South Africa really is blessed with a glut of both fauna and flora, but it’s the former which people most often come to see, and when they do, the biggest and most famous place to see the majestic creatures that roam here are the parks readily accessible from Johannesburg, including world-renowned Kruger National Park. Winter here (in the southern hemisphere of course) is beautiful, with days warm and very sunny and nights cool, as well as being almost entirely dry. Conditions which are perfect for getting out and about on multiple expeditions and drives across the vast plains, with cameras and binoculars to hand, ready to see, first hand, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, hippo etc. etc. The cool mornings are best for heading out in convoy, before coming back to your base, enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, perhaps lazing by the pool, chatting over your morning, before heading out at sunset to do it all again! Magic!

Seattle and Vancouver are only 2-3 hours drive apart and both great cities to see in July. Perhaps in Vancouver you might want to see Stanley Park or Granville Island for the day, explore Vancouver Island, or instead of heading indoors to the Vancouver Aquarium, take a whale-watching trip to see Orca in their natural habitat off the coast. 2-3 hours away is Seattle, with Pike Place market, the stunning views of both Mt Rainier and the city centre from the Space Needle, the huge number of eateries in Chinatown, or see the whole city from the water on a ferry trip around the harbour

The word “Baltic” is often used to describe something really cold and yes, the Baltic region in winter is very cold and snowy, but summer is different. From eastern Sweden, to Finland and down through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, this region sees long, warm summer days and a lot of sunshine. Temperatures are similar to the UK in July, but sunshine amounts are considerably higher (on a par with Barcelona), so perhaps a trip to northeast Europe could be a change to your standard Mediterranean offerings and experience the cultural differences of these Baltic and Scandinavian countries

There aren’t many people that enjoy “hot and cloudy” weather, but if you’re one of these people (apparently they exist), then perhaps you’d like to spend the month of June in far western Ecuador or its neighbour, Colombia. Temperatures of 30°c will require t-shirts, but if getting a tan is what you’d like from your holidays, perhaps this isn’t the place for you… Foggy mornings and predominantly cloudy days are the norm here and overcast gloom means more than 2 hours of sunshine a day is rare… bizarre considering the temperatures and location on the equator!

A relaxing or idling holiday this will never be, but a genuine alternative to a trek through the Nepalese Himalayas this could very well be. Jagged snow-capped mountains in every direction, deep blue skies, rocky valleys and wonderful little towns and villages dotted throughout the region, this is a true trekkers paradise… or at least could be, if the terrorist activity and political in-flighting abates. Sadly this doesn’t look like happening any time soon and for a region well-versed in the art of conflict, there’s a very real probability the status quo will remain in place for a while yet. If however things do improve drastically, head out to Kabul or Islamabad and base your next mountain adventure in this eclectic, diverse and wonderful part of the world

30 years ago, this was a war-ravaged, relatively poor city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. How things have changed. It is now one of Europe’s party capitals during the summer and while “clubs” per se aren’t overly common, the pubs in this relatively small Croatian town more than make up for it.
June is a quiet month weather-wise, with warm sunshine by day and mild evenings, perfect for walking off that possible hangover from the night before

A small island, c.400 miles of the coast of the Carolina’s in the US and a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda has a subtropical climate, and June is the one of the driest and sunniest months of the year. The beaches on Bermuda are generally found in small coves, rather than long stretches of sand, but are plentiful and extremely clean, with subtropical warm waters. There are also a few rare pink-sand beaches for those Instagram moments… should that be your thing! These islands (predominantly one large island and a host of very small islands), cram a lot in to a small space, feel distinctly British and really won’t disappoint!

Think Portugal, and you often imagine long sandy beaches with hoards of tourists bronzing themselves by day and eating and drinking by night. But head further north, from the capital Lisbon through the city of Coimbra and on to the city of Porto and you’ll see a very different Portugal. Hilly, rugged and scenic with a much more authentic Portuguese feel, this area is hugely popular with cyclists, wine-and-food lovers, walkers and city-goers alike. So avoid the crowds and come in June, when the weather is beautifully warm and sunny, with only the occasional shower and traverse your way up, or down, the west coast of northern Portugal

With the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu and significant Incan ruins and historical monuments and artifacts to be found in the region, as well as high mountains and long, wide valleys, June is the ideal month to head to this part of South America. Rainfall is rare, skies are clear and temperatures wonderfully mild, at around 20°c

Forming the central and southern end of the Great Rift Valley, a boundary line between the African and Indian tectonic plates, this region of Africa is festooned with large and deep lakes, high mountains, deep valleys and a huge variety of ethnic groups, cultures and nationalities. If you’ve ever wanted to take a long journey across this region, from the vast but shallow Lake Victoria in the north, all the way to Lake Malawi and even possibly Lake Kariba on the Zambian / Zimbabwean border (ending your trip at the staggering Victoria Falls), June is an ideal month to do this. The weather is warm and sunny, rain is rare and travel throughout this region, somewhat challenging at the best of times, is at its most predictable during this period.

The area of Canada hosting the cities of Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa and Toronto represents approximately 1% of the total landmass of the country, but 85% of its population. A distance of 500 miles separates all 4 cities, so hire a car, or take an organised expedition and explore this wonderful part of Canada at the best time of year, with warm and mostly sunny weather throughout. Take in the very French city of Quebec, or Montreal, the heart of Canada’s arts and culture and food scene. Enjoy Ottawa, the nations capital and Toronto, it’s largest and secondmost cosmopolitan city after far-flung Vancouver. And why not finish your trip at Niagara falls… a thunderous and world-famous sight… definitely best witnessed from the Canadian side of the border!

From the modern, high-tech coastal city of Tel Aviv with it’s palm-fringed beaches and plethora of fantastic cafes and bars, inland to the ancient city of Jerusalem, then continuing on to the marvel of the ever-shrinking Dead Sea and south to the Red Sea town of Eilat, June in Israel is very warm, gloriously sunny and full of varied experiences, culture and history as far back as you could ever wish to go. It hasn’t always been a politically or religiously harmonious region of the world, but that does make for a truly enticing vacation. While in this region, if you can (getting across from Israel to Jordan and vice-versa isn’t always the easiest), visit the city of Petra in Jordan (of Indiana Jones fame), the wild but incredible Wadi Rum and head north through ancient towns to the capital Amman for some superb local cuisine.

If sunshine is what you crave, not warm sunshine we hasten to add, then the far northern town of Eureka, on Ellesmere Island in May is where you should head (yes, you’ll probably need a map!). While there’s very, very, VERY little to do here, your quest for sunshine will see you fulfilled, with around 500 hours of it during the month (averaging 16hours per day!), it is the sunniest place on earth, in any month of the year! But, despite the quantity of sunshine on offer, think more puffed-up coat, than puffed-out chest, as daytime temperatures rarely exceeed 0° and frequently drop below -15°c!

This is a stretch… even for a list that looks at countries which could be suitable for a holiday in the coming years (decades!!) given a range of factors unlikely to play out favourably! But, Western Sahara, on paper at least, is not a lot different to southern and western Morocco. They share cultural, religious and geographical similarities and are only c.6 hours from the UK. The climate here throughout the year, but especially in May in the coastal region, is just about perfect for lazy, or active holidays, with temperatures averaging 24-26°C, absolutely no rain, sea breezes and clear blue skies. If you were a little more adventurous the Sahara “proper” isn’t far inland, so think sand-surfing and dune-bashing as you would in Namibia or the UAE today. This will all be dependent on the country being politically stable, having any form of infrastructure to support tourism, including hotels, airports, roads etc. and retaining a level of stability and indepedence financially, all before you’re able to book a flight or vacation here. But here’s hoping…

Not all of this eastern Meditteranean island is adorned with bars and clubs, some of it is highly rural and mountainous, very traditional and often as laid back as your granddad after his evening glass of Port. Some of it however, is not. The towns of Larnaca and Limassol are the largest on the island and have a wealth of bars and clubs, and further east, in world-renowned Ayia Napa, there is enough to keep even the hardiest clubber content for several weeks! May is warm, dry and sunny and the one of the only places in Europe at this time of year to be fully open to tourists, so if you fancy dancing or drinking the night away in May, head to Cyprus!

With some of the most picturesque and photographed beaches in the world, and a byword for luxurious escapes, the Seychelles are a true tropical island paradise. May is the sunniest month of the year in the Seychelles and the perfect time of year to experience these incredible islands, with their lush green hilly interiors, brilliantly blue warm waters, rare wildlife, spectacular flora, wonderful cuisine and world-leading hotels. If you’re on a tight budget, this isn’t the island chain for you, but if it’s a really special ocassion, or you want to empty a little from your virtual wallet, May in the Seychelles is just about as good as it gets

Not the warmest month of the year in Iceland, that honour going to July, but certainly not in the grips of their long, frigid and windy winter either. May is the sunniest month of the year across Iceland and represents a fantastic time of year to visit this geological marvel of a country. If you’re looking for a budget holiday, or something mundane, maybe try somewhere else… Iceland is a wild place geologically, and the locals, while very friendly and hospitable, do have a reputation for being on the fearless side of adventurous, and when you consider they live on an island overflowing (sometlimes literally) with magma and volcanic activity, not to mention earthquakes and hot springs, it’s hardly surprising. Iceland is an extremely safe, brutally rugged and very different holiday, but one thing is for sure, put your brave shoes on, try a few new things, get out and about and you’ll be amazed how much fun you can have this close to the arctic circle!

Warm, sunny and windy conditions abound in May in northern Madagascar, which makes visiting this unique island even more of an experience. With tourism developing steadily in the far north of the island, and the central plateau home to unique wildlife and flora, as well as incredible natural features, Madagascar in May is a destination well worth trying

Visiting China’s capital in May avoids the summer heat and winter cold, and is the perfect time to explore the marvels of the Chinese Capital. Under blue skies and warm sunshine, visit sights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden city, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the many parks and lakes with locals practicing their morning Tai Chi, or dine in traditional Chinese restaurants enjoying the authentic Chinese cuisine, all at greatly reduced cost and increased flavour from that found in the UK.

If you’ve ever seen pictures or heard stories of Western US road trips and wondered if, a) you should try one and, b) when and where to go… yes, and these regions in May, are the answers! Stretching from San Francisco and Sacremento in the far West, through Lake Tahoe, Nevada’s “other” gambling mecca, Reno, through the Lakes of northern Utah, the mountains of southern Idaho and into Wyoming, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a lot of driving, but well, well worth it. The huge number of National Parks (Yosemite and Yellowstone being the 2 best-known), are aguably at their best during May when the weather is warm and sunny and the final winter snows are melting, with waterfalls at their strongest, spring flowers at their brightest and the huge aray of wildlife on full show after emerging from the bitter winter cold

Typically, the area from the northeast of Texas, up through Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska in late April and early May are known as “Tornado alley”, and for good reason. While the number of twisters actually touching down, given the enormous area, is actually quite low, the size and destructive force of the storms that do form in this part of the world are astonishing. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, clashes with the cold, dry air descending from the Rockies and Canadian north, causing volatile conditions leading to severe thunderstorms and occasional tornados. If you’re unlucky (or lucky depending on your perspective), you’ll get to witness the fastest windspeeds on earth and if you’re very unlucky (regardless of perspective), you’ll unfortunately see complete and utter devastation caused by these ferocious storms.

Both Syria and Iraq are countries with so much to offer the outside world. Fabulous food, incredibly friendly and hospitable lcoals, magnificent scenery and eons of history and historical monuments… well, those that have survived the last few years ravaged by war anyway. It is unlikely this part of the middle east will be a destination-of-choice for anyone in the coming few years, given the level of instability and terrorism activity, but hopefully soon this will change and the outside world will once again be able to experience all that this wonderful part of the world has to offer.

April is the sunniest month in the Philippines and coupled with some extraordinary beaches, (often cited as some of the world’s best), stunning coral reefs, multicoloured marine life and incredible cuisine, you have a very good reason to visit the many varying parts of this large island chain.

Andalusia is a large region in southern Spain, stretching from the Portuguese coast, all the way across to what us Brits refer to as Mediterranean Spain. It’s a hilly, sometimes mountainous region, with pretty, historical and culturally significant towns dotted throughout. Of particular note are Seville, Cordoba and Granada inland, offering an older-world and more traditional feel, to Marbella and Malaga on the coast, with their shiny ports, big boats and abundant bars and restaurants. You could also pop down to Gibraltar for a day while you’re here for a (very) small slice of the UK abroad. April is warm and mostly sunny and avoids the intense heat of summer, so hire a car and explore this fantastic region dining on plenty of tapas while you’re at it!

With some of the best beaches in Asia sitting alongside large cities with incredible food and a rich, if traumatic history, the southern and eastern coasts of Vietnam in April’s warmth and sunshine are simply hard to beat. Only recently having started to become a true destination in its own right, the East coast of Vietnam is fast being seen as the next “big thing” in Asia… so get here before everyone else realises what they’re missing!

On the northern tip of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan in Indonesian), lies the Malaysian province of Sabah. A mountainous, rugged and heavily forested region, with limited transport routes and difficult access, makes this a location truly off the beaten track. But river-side jungle lodges, established camping grounds and some hotels do provide shelter and accommodation for those braving the elements. April is a fantastic month to visit this region of northern Borneo, it is the sunniest time of year, with hot days and warm nights, all before the onset of the torrential monsoon rains in late May

Not far from sleepy golfers paradise, Palm Springs, lies the inconspicuous town of Indio, California. Meteorologically blessed in April with long, hot, sunny days and balmy nights, this region of southern California plays host to Coachella (named after the valley in which it lies). This music and arts festival began in 1999 and is now globally acclaimed as one of the largest of its types in the world with well over a quarter of million people visiting over the course of 2 weekends! Not only does this event, similar to Glastonbury in the UK attract some legends of the music world, but it is also a showground for new and upcoming artists in hip-hop, pop, indie, dance and rock. Sleep is not something you’ll get a lot of here during the festival, but hey, we only live once right!?

If you’ve ever been curious to know what it smells like to walk around the thousands of spice-stalls of a Moroccan market, or to stay in an old Kasbah, visit ancient palaces, all within sight of the snow-capped Atlas mountains, how about visiting Marrakesh and the surrounding areas of central Morocco in the warm April sunshine?

A lot of places in the world at the 40-50° latitudes experience occasional snowstorms during the winter months, but very few have blizzards like the north east of the US, particularly inland New York state. In the UK, 3 inches is generally regarded as “heavy snow”… in the US however, 3 inches is the amount of snow that is expected to fall each hour during blizzards which can last for days! Swept along by gale-force winds and temperatures well below 0°c, these storms are infrequent throughout the winter, but March is historically a month likely to see at least one “nor’easter” (a term used to describe these storms, based on the prevailing direction from which the howling gales originate). If you’re going to pick a place to see these enormous dumps of the white stuff, anywhere from Buffalo, through Rochester and on to Syracuse will be a good bet!

Surf through Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime or any large-scale, online video platform and you’ll find multiple documentaries, films and series about the perils of the drugs trade in northern Mexico. From gang warfare and rampant violence in some regions, to political corruption and widespread fraud and bribery at the highest levels in others, this is not regarded as a particularly “safe” destination for tourists to be ambling about in. This is a real shame, because it’s a beautiful part of the world, akin to the southwestern Desert US in many areas, with the Sierra Madre mountains near to the Gulf of California in the west. Natural wonders and landmarks along with extensive history, culture, great food and friendly locals (those not involved in the drugs trade!) make March in this part of central America a definite must-do… when circumstances and safety levels improve.

Cancun is almost entirely synonymous with Spring Breakers heading here from the US in March / April and they are not here with their Kindles! The bars, clubs, hotels and promenades are festooned with drinking and dancing options galore and providing you don’t mind a glut of American college students, this is the destination for you in March. Hot and sunny by day, warm and dry at night, it’s a no-brainer really!

A small sliver of a country on the western coast of Africa, entirely surrounded by Senegal or the Atlantic Ocean, the Gambia isn’t an obvious choice for a beach holiday, but when everyone else is wondering when spring will finally arrive in the UK, you could be lazing under clear blue skies and temperatures of 30°C on the white sand beaches of The Gambia.

Most people head to the French Riveria in late spring and summer.. And it’s easy to see why, but if you want a little more space and are prepared to put up with a few showers every now and again, you could save yourself a bundle and come in late March when the weather will be a darn sight warmer and sunnier than at home. The hotels will also represent far better value and you’ll get a much more authentic experience of this corner of southern France. From the Italian border, through Monaco, Nice, Cannes, St Tropez and onto Marseille, there is a great deal to see and do in this beautiful part of the world. So go out of season, enjoy some warm spring sunshine and live a life of cafes and lazy days for a while until you return home

From the black sand volcanic beaches to the rainforests and mountain ranges, western Costa Rica has a wealth of natural wonders to enjoy. If you add into the mix the abundance of vividly coloured exotic wildlife and eco-friendly approach the Costa Rican government has taken in this small central American country, then March is the perfect month to visit and explore this tropical paradise.

A truly unique world in just about every way imaginable. Practically the only place left on Earth where the wildlife has no fear of mankind, going about their day while you take photo’s and memories you simply cannot get anywhere else. Preserved as a collection of Volcanic islands, with wildlife unique to them due to their geographically isolated location and with tourist numbers dutifully limited, these amazing islands should hopefully stay a pristine wilderness for decades if not centuries, to come.

There is no such thing as a “dry” season in this part of the world with both of these internationally-recognised cities just a stones throw north of the equator. For both cities however, March is the sunniest month of the year and as good a time as any to visit these modern, advanced, cultural melting pots. Temperatures above 30°c year-round make it hot and humid, so unsurprisingly, everywhere you go, from taxi, to underground, and shopping mall to cafes, all are chilled beautifully, so if the heat becomes too much, just pop inside somewhere for some cool relief. An hours flight apart, these 2 cities have emerged in recent decades as international hubs of south east Asia. Singapore’s status as a fastideously clean, efficient and wealthy city-state brought about by its optimal position for global trade and Kuala Lumpur’s similarly diverse culture slowly emerging as the city moved from a small town in the early 20th century, to one of the most visited cities on earth in recent years.

The lowest lying nation on earth, with a maximum height of 5m… yes, 5, i.e. equivalent to a 2 storey building, these islands are exceptionally prone to sea level rises being witnessed due to climate change. For the time being however, they really are making hay while the sun shines, and it does so in March more than any other month. If you’re after beaches as white and soft as sugar, seas as blue as your favourite hollywood icon’s eyes and hotels so decadent they have underwater restaurants (bit mean letting the surviving fish see what might become of them one day… ), then you have no choice, but to visit the Maldives. Paradise is a word used to excess nowadays and really should be reserved for places like this. But, if you’re on a tight budget, you’re best off looking elsewhere, these are fast becoming resorts accessible only to those who own houses, cars and planes we mere mortals can only dream of!

If snow is your “thing” and you like the stuff really deep and really fluffy, then northern and eastern Japan should be on your bucket (shovel?) list. During the month of February it snows here almost constantly, with often relatively light falls of snow, interchanged with days of heavier, deeper accumulations. Images of coaches driving through roads cleared from snowmounds 30ft high are not, unlike many things we see nowadays, photoshopped or edited, they are very real and demonstrate clearly the huge quantities of snow that can fall in this region each winter. But of course, being Japanese, everything still runs like clockwork, despite conditions that would render almost all other locations around the world utterly helpless!

The Jewel of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, has a long, rich history, a number of impressive religious shrines, wonderful food and great scenery. But it also has a lot of fantastic beaches. February is the last of the truly dry and sunny months before the onset of the monsoon in late March / early April and is a great time of year to visit Sri Lanka

It would be rude not to include this, especially if you have children (not a pre-requisite, but it tends to be a big factor in people choosing to visit Lapland). Going in December is the obvious choice, with the much publicised and advertised Christmas offerings, however in recent years despite straddling the arctic circle, December can be almost, if not totally, lacking in snow. Hardly what your festive images had conjured up. February is a different matter. No, the big chap with the white beard won’t be here, but the sleigh rides, huskies and snow will be in much greater and more reliable quantities, so get those mittens, faux fur scarf and chunky boots at the ready and book yourself into something very cool (in every sense of the word). You’ll be sure to have an amazing time in this wild and wonderful part of the world for a few days… at half the price it is in December!

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, if not its capital and February is a wonderful month to experience all it, (and the rest of New Zealand), has to offer.. Which is an awful lot.. With hot springs, mountain ranges, rainforests and lakes galore being just some of the natural things on offer! The cities are some of the safest and most enjoyable places to live on earth with the quality of life exceptionally high, culturally diverse from modern day New Zealanders to the ancient Maori’s, there is a reason many Brits choose to holiday… and emigrate here!

Despite being one of the worlds most populous cities (c.22 million people within the metropolitan area), few people who venture to Mexico make it to the country’s capital. Being situated in a bowl, surrounded by mountains and volcanos, Mexico city is a melting pot of Aztec, Spanish and colonial cultures. Outside the city, the region is geographically challenging, with the high plateau stretching for hundreds of miles in every direction. Exploring this region will be an adventure, the food will be fantastic and the locals will be happy (if possibly a little surprised) to see you. If you’re looking for something a little different on your next adventure, central Mexico in February might just be it

Cape Town has plenty to offer any visitor, wheather taking in the stunning views from atop Table Mountain, seeing the penguins on Boulders Beach, experiencing an exhilarating skydive, visiting Robben Island, or for the even more daring, a shark-cage dive in the South Atlantic, February, with its nigh-on perfect weather of sunshine and warmth is the ideal month to see and do all these and more in probably Africa’s most cosmopolitan city

Sunny year-round, but fiercely hot in summer, February is a great month for sightseeing in southern Egypt. Beat the tourists who flock here in Spring, get beautifully warm (25°C) sunny days, and explore everything this part of the world has to offer, including the huge aray of ancient monuments stretching along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and Abu Simbel. Either stay in different land-based hotels as you work your way along the river, or board a Nile cruise and experience the this part of the worlds longest river afloat, stopping off to explore the many wonders en-route.

So you’re bored of seeing “Blue” skies are you… well for most of the year, in most countries, you get a choice of blue, or a varying shade of grey. But not here in winter. Colours range from green, to yellow, red, blue and purple. They are the Aurora. Regularly found in the northern reaches of Alaska from Dec to Feb, but probably at their most vivid during the almost incessant nights of January, these bewitching sights are far more spectacular to witness in the flesh than when seen on camera or film.

Due to the way in which Haiti’s independence from France came to be, as a country it has never really been able to stand on its own two feet and thus often experienced crippling levels of poverty and political instability, rendering it next to impossible to become an established holiday destination. However, were these circumstances addressed, this country in the northern reaches of the Caribbean has everything the likes of the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica have to offer, and more, and would almost certainly become a wonderful destination in its own right, and January, with hot sunshine and minimal rainfall, would be the time to enjoy it

One of THE party destinations of the world in recent years, southern Thailand, particularly the island of Phuket, really has everything the hardened clubber or bar-hopper might hope for. From full-moon parties on warm, moonlit (obviously) sandy beaches, to traditional beachside shacks and full on nightclubs, this part of the world could never be described as “sleepy”. January is hot, dry and sunny… not that you’ll really care too much if you’re looking under the “party” category!

A collection of mostly small and rocky islands in the mid Atlantic may not seem like an obvious beach holiday destination, but with a significant number of hotels emerging in recent years and a number of excellent, large, clean, white-sand beaches and warm waters, there aren’t many places better in January to get a winter tan and laze away the days with a good book, than the Cape Verde Islands

January in Europe is not a particularly wonderful place truth be told (at least not weather-wise). There are very few parts of the continent that are not cold, snowy, rainy or overcast. Even the Mediterranean sees severe storms every now and again at this time. So instead of trying to avoid the cold, maybe go somewhere that embraces it. Vienna and Bratislava are barely an hours drive apart, but very different cities. The former frequently tops the lists of “nicest places to live on earth” and comes complete with beautiful architecture, a rich (not always positive) history, a vibrant music and arts scene. The latter is visually similar to Prague, but retaining a much more authentic feel, possibly due to the lack of stag and hen dos! Either way, this part of Europe is cold in January, so wrap up warm and enjoy wandering around these 2 great cities you probably hadn’t considered before

If you’ve ever fancied visiting Patagonia and it’s spectacular lakes, glaciers and mountains, coupled with mindblowingly great steaks washed down with superb wine or beer, January is probably the month to do all of that. Clear blue skies are the norm, with temperatures in the mid to high 20°C’s. The Argentine side, centred around San Carlos de Bariloche,is one of the sunniest places in the world in January and just right for getting out and about amongst the epic scenery. Just make sure your camera batteries are fully charged!

Warmth and sunshine are far from guaranteed this far south in South America, but if you’re going to travel to somewhere so remote and untrodden by the masses, this is about as good a chance as you’ll get for half-decent weather to experience all that the southernmost inhabited places on earth have to offer. Both the Argentine and Chilean sides have magnificent scenery and whale watching opportunities, but don’t expect a great deal of luxury or sandy beaches here. This is about getting back to nature and, if you’re really emboldened (and have booked in advance and brought your wallet!) maybe, just maybe, you’ll fancy heading off towards the northernmost tip of Antartica while you’re here!!

Arguably the most transformed location on earth in the last 20-30 years, from sleepy fishing village to thriving tourist hub, Dubai is world-renowned for its mega-high buildings, lavish hotels and abundant opulence. January is the perfect time of year to visit these and many other attractions such as desert safaris and camel rides, Dubai Marina, Atlantis Waterpark, or the Mall of the Emirates and its wealth of restaurants and shops. Dubai isn’t cheap, but if you’re prepared to spend a little money, you’ll never, ever be bored here