Seasonal Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in Every Season

Timing is everything when it comes to travel. Whether you’re longing for snow-covered mountains, sun-drenched beaches, fields of blooming flowers or fiery autumn foliage, choosing the right destination at the right time of year can elevate your holiday from ordinary to extraordinary.

At New Era Travel, we believe every season brings a unique kind of magic. Here’s your ultimate season-by-season guide to the best places to travel throughout the year – including travel tips, top locations, and inspiration to help you plan your perfect getaway.

Spring (March – May): A Time of Bloom and New Beginnings

As winter fades and nature awakens, spring is one of the most beautiful and refreshing seasons to travel. With mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning displays of flowers, it’s a brilliant time to explore both near and far.

Top Spring Destinations:

• Kyoto, Japan
  Spring in Kyoto is synonymous with cherry blossom season (sakura). Stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, visit historic temples, and enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in serene parks.
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
  Cycle past tulip fields in full bloom, visit Keukenhof Gardens, and soak up the city’s charming canals, galleries, and cafes during one of its most vibrant times of year.
• Washington, D.C., USA
  The National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the capital into a sea of soft pink. The weather is perfect for sightseeing, and the monuments look even more majestic framed by blossoms.
• Marrakesh, Morocco
  With warm (but not scorching) temperatures, spring is ideal for wandering the medinas, visiting palaces and gardens, or heading out to the Sahara Desert.

Why Travel in Spring?

• Avoid peak tourist crowds
• Great for flower and nature lovers
• Pleasant temperatures in many regions
• Shoulder-season pricing on flights and accommodation

Summer (June – August): Peak Holiday Season

The days are long, the skies are blue, and the world is buzzing with energy. Summer is the prime time for beach holidays, family breaks, and outdoor adventures. While popular destinations can be busy, others truly shine during these months.

Top Summer Destinations:

• Greek Islands (Santorini, Crete, Mykonos)
  Picture-perfect beaches, historic ruins, vibrant tavernas and sunsets that light up the Aegean Sea – Greece in summer is iconic.
• Banff, Canada
  The Canadian Rockies offer dramatic mountain landscapes, glacier-fed lakes, and excellent hiking. Summer is ideal for wildlife watching and scenic road trips.
• Iceland
  Enjoy endless daylight under the Midnight Sun, explore black sand beaches, waterfalls, and geothermal pools, and drive the Ring Road for an epic adventure.
• Alaska, USA
  Cruise season is in full swing, with opportunities to see glaciers, bears, whales, and rugged coastal scenery.

Why Travel in Summer?

• Best weather for northern destinations
• Perfect for outdoor activities and festivals
• Ideal for family holidays during school break
• Long daylight hours maximise exploration

Autumn (September – November): Culture, Colour and Calm

Autumn is a favourite among seasoned travellers. With fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures, and spectacular displays of colour, it's a brilliant time to explore both nature and culture.

Top Autumn Destinations:

• New England, USA
  Famous for its vibrant autumn foliage, New England is a wonderland of gold, red, and orange. Add in charming small towns and harvest festivals, and it’s a perfect autumn escape.
• Bavaria, Germany
  Visit fairy-tale castles surrounded by golden forests, hike the Bavarian Alps, or join the world’s most famous beer festival – Oktoberfest in Munich.
• Tuscany, Italy
  Autumn is harvest season. Enjoy wine tasting in rolling vineyards, seasonal cuisine, and fewer crowds in Florence and Siena.
• Seoul, South Korea
  The city’s palaces and parks are especially stunning during autumn. Attend traditional festivals and sample seasonal Korean dishes like roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts.

Why Travel in Autumn?

• Ideal for food and wine enthusiasts
• Gorgeous scenery with fewer tourists
• Mild weather for city breaks and countryside escapes
• Lower prices on flights and hotels

Winter (December – February): Snowy Magic or Sun-Seeking Escapes

Winter is a season of contrasts. Some crave snow-dusted cities and cosy firesides, while others flee to tropical beaches for sunshine and sea breezes. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or lounging in the sun, winter offers something for every type of traveller.

Top Winter Destinations:

• Lapland, Finland
  A true winter wonderland. Ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer, go dog sledding, visit Santa Claus Village, and gaze at the Northern Lights from a glass igloo.
• Zermatt, Switzerland
  A top destination for skiing and winter sports. Nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers world-class slopes, après-ski charm, and panoramic alpine views.
• Dubai, UAE
  Warm weather, luxury shopping, desert safaris, and stunning skyscrapers – Dubai is perfect for those seeking sunshine during the UK's colder months.
• Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
  It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Hike through Torres del Paine or explore the glaciers and lakes of Argentine Patagonia.

Why Travel in Winter?

• A choice between snowy retreats and sun holidays
• Magical Christmas markets and seasonal festivals
• Off-peak pricing outside school holidays
• Excellent time for wellness breaks or romantic escapes

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Bonus: Month-by-Month Travel Inspiration

January: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Norway (Northern Lights)
February: Venice (Carnival), Lapland, South Africa
March: Japan (early blossoms), Portugal, Costa Rica
April: Netherlands, Morocco, Cyprus
May: Greece, Vietnam, southern Spain
June: Iceland, Croatia, Canada
July: Alaska, Bali, Scotland
August: Switzerland, Indonesia, East Africa (safari)
September: Italy, Turkey, Kenya
October: Japan (autumn colours), Germany, New England
November: Thailand, Chile, Jordan
December: Austria (Christmas markets), Dubai, Antarctica cruises

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Final Thoughts: Make Every Season Count

There’s no such thing as a “bad” time to travel – just better times for certain places. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-kissed island, a wintry escape, or a cultural city break, understanding seasonal travel can help you make the most of your holiday.

At New Era Travel, we tailor each trip to suit your interests, schedule and the season. We’ll help you find the right destination at the right time, so you return home with more than memories – you come back transformed.

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Let’s Plan Your Seasonal Escape

Need help choosing where to go next? Our travel specialists are here to assist with personalised itineraries, expert advice, and exclusive deals.

Call us on 01962 396 100 to book your next holiday with New Era Travel

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