As a Travel Agent I am often asked to find holidays for people at completely the wrong time of year – for instance, people going to Dubai in August – way too hot. Majorca in November to get a tan – it probably wont happen or Iceland to see the Northern Lights in June – you wont see them. I am hoping the following will give you a good idea as to the best time to go to some of the most jaw dropping destinations. 

JULY  If you want a few days away – Lisbon and Cascais are high on my list of places to return to.  Cascais on the coast and just 20 minutes away from Lisbon has the most amazing restaurants – especially so if you like fish – or steak on a hot stone!! Corsica is perfect right now for those looking for paradisical beaches with turquoise water, although close to mainland Europe it will feel like you are on the other side of the globe!

AUGUST  School’s out for summer – of course, Europe for the weather is a great destination. My top 5 would be Turkey, Croatia, Greece, the Balearics or Italy. Perfect weather and amazing food make for a perfect holiday.  If you did want to go further afield then Africa plays backdrop to one of the great wildlife spectacles: the annual migration of over two million wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the grasslands of the Masai Mara. Combine a Safari followed by some chill out time on the beach in Zanzibar.  The sun is always out over Bali’s soft-sand beaches at a time of year before the crowds hit their peak. Planning in advance pays off, as some of my favourite hotels are quick to book up.

SEPTEMBER September kicks off the changing of the seasons in many regions, bringing with it shifting climates and bright landscapes. Before the wet season sets in, take a trip to Borneo and observe the orang-utan at the Sepilok sanctuary in Kota Kinabalu. In Peru, September is the a good time to take a hike to Incan city in the clouds Machu Picchu while there’s still very little rain. And there’s no better place to witness the seasons change than in New England where the changing of the colours transforms everything into a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours.

OCTOBER October is a great time to immerse yourself completely in another culture. Head to India and join millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for Diwali, the five-day ‘Festival of Lights’. Or discover the historical sites in Jordan, where the lifting of the summer heat allows you to explore in comfort the Roman ruins at Jerash, and biblical sites such as Mt Nebo and the desert of Wadi Rum.  Jordan is one of my favourite places, few tourists, it is very safe and cheap to get to and not too far.

NOVEMBER Though the temperatures may begin to drop, November still offers plenty of opportunity for active adventure. There are some really good deals to the Caribbean in November, before prices are hiked up for Christmas. Enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving in the warmer temperatures of crystal blue water.  Experience Vietnam by bicycle, along the countryside around the historic merchants’ town of Hoi An or through the rice terraces and remote villages of Sapa. And, if like me Bora Bora is on your bucket list, then November is a good time to go as flights are at their lowest.  

DECEMBER December brings celebrations of all shapes and sizes across the world. Top off your year joining in a New Year’s celebration in another part of the world. Travel to Brazil and watch the cariocas (Rio’s locals) dressed in white as they gather on a sunny Copacabana in tribute to the goddess of the sea. Spend Christmas in Cuba, a great place to be with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and most amazing bars to spend your evenings in. Or head to Australia for a New Year’s celebration of a lifetime in Sydney. Witness fireworks exploding off the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while enjoying the summer temperatures. If it’s a Christmas get-a-way you want, then I highly advise booking in January, this is still one of the busiest times to go away.

---

As a Norwich based ABTA and ATOL independent Travel Agent with 61 countries under my belt, I am always around to offer advice, not only on which destination to go to but on what to do and where to go when you get there. I like to get to know my customers and am more than happy to visit you in your home, a coffee shop or where ever suits you to meet to go through all the details to get that right trip.

---

Sarah Laverty, owner of Compass Connections has travelled the world all the name of passion and being able to pass on her knowledge to others. If you have a trip in mind or just want to discuss your next holiday plans please do get in touch. www.compass-connections.co.uk   01603 343555