Travel Guides

May is a quiet month in Kenya. The tourist season has ended and it is the middle of the three-month-long wet season. The savannas are lush green with fresh grass beds and animals in abundance. Some safari operators and lodges are closed for the rainy season (March-May), but this is hardly a matter as tourist crowds are already low. In fact, the low season offers visitors cheaper hotel and tour rates. With a decent holiday budget, visitors can experience and explore more of Kenya in May than during the high season.

If you are traveling to Kenya in February, brace yourself for hot weather and tourist crowds. Safaris are in heavy demand and the beach resorts along the Indian Ocean coast are busy during this time. But February is also a great time to stretch out your travel budget by visiting some lesser-known attractions. Kenya has lots of smaller game parks where you can spot all wildlife native to the country without having to jostle with the tourist crowds for a better view.

Jordan is fast becoming one of the most popular Middle Eastern holiday destinations due to its rich historical and natural sights and favorable weather conditions. Despite its location, Jordan in January is surprisingly chilly. But travelers can still enjoy the sights of the ancient city of Petra and explore the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum at a comfortable pace. January is also a perfect time to take a road trip in Jordan, bathe in the warm waters of the Dead Sea, stop at historical castles on the King’s Highway, or go snorkeling in the southern city of Aqaba. It is also the perfect time to experience the friendly hospitality of the Jordanian people, taste the delicious cuisine and explore Amman’s bustling indoor markets.

Croatia in December spells the arrival of winter; think snowy ski slopes, festive towns, and few tourists. The weather takes a dip in the north but the south coast still enjoys a few mild and sunny days. Much of the country celebrates Christmas, which in Croatia is a magical affair with numerous city markets and festivities. During December, a trip to Croatia is an absolute pleasure; from the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, you can take your time exploring these old-world wonders.

Winter in Switzerland is a magical time. It is the peak of the winter season and the country offers some of the best snowboarding and skiing conditions in the world. The mountain resort town of Zermatt is one of the prime locations for snow sports and is home to the iconic Matterhorn peak. Aside from hitting the slopes of the Swiss Alps, there are winter festivals and events to keep everyone entertained. As most visitors head towards the mountains of Switzerland in January, the cities of Zurich and Geneva tend to be less crowded, a perfect condition for sightseeing tours. Read on to find out why you should visit Switzerland at the beginning of the year.

Wrapped in emerald green forests and rolling hills, bordered by a turquoise ocean and dotted with charming colonial coastal towns, Sri Lanka surely is an idyllic holiday destination. And what better time to experience this island country, nicknamed the ‘Teardrop of India’, than in the mild summer month of January. Experience the adrenaline high riding the magnificent swells of Hikkaduwa, or simmer in suspense as you track a leopard in the dense forests of Yala National Park. Find meditative bliss in the quaint rock citadel of Sigiriya, or take a scenic train ride from Ella to Kandy. Heading to Sri Lanka in January is a perfect destination for chasing wanderlust.

Despite being a cold month, you'd be surprised by the vast number of activities you can enjoy when you visit Scotland in January. The Scottish Highlands are enchanting, with snow-capped mountains, white-dusted forests, and frozen lochs. If you love wintry landscapes and enjoy winter sports, you should definitely visit Scotland at this time of the year.

A trip to Indonesia in March starts seeing a shift in its weather as the rainy season is in its last leg. This is the time when the country’s eastern islands, including the Moluccas and Raja Ampat, are joined by parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan in the west as potential holiday destinations. Together they create a list of attractions and activities ranging from diving on colorful coral reefs and visiting traditional villages to exploring deep jungle in Indonesia in the search of orangutans.

Indonesia is the largest island country stretching over 5,000 kilometers, with some fantastic destinations to visit. Even though it is the monsoon season, on a trip to Indonesia in February travelers can still find many places with clement weather conditions to enjoy their holiday. For instance, the eastern islands of the Moluccas, West Papua, and Raja Ampat possess fine weather to go snorkeling in warm clear waters, soak up the sun on the beaches, or learn more about the country’s intriguing history and culture. The island of Sumatra is also just escaping its rainy period during this time, making an orangutan-spotting trek another option to include in your itinerary.

April lies in the middle of the wet season in Kenya. While prolonged rain, oppressive heat, high humidity, and buzzing mosquitoes may hinder your plans for a perfect holiday, the lush landscape, spectacular skyscapes, and intense wildlife action across the country’s nature reserves make up for the seasonal adversities.Track predators in Maasai Mara as big cats play hide and seek with newborn calves and foals. Get dazzled by migratory birds in Lake Nakuru National Park as they put their mating plumage on a gorgeous display. There are plenty of activities, despite wet conditions, if you tour Kenya in April.

When considering a trip to Indonesia in January it’s best to look to the east of the archipelago. Hundreds of kilometers from the rains affecting Jakarta, January is a great time to explore the unique landscapes and cultures of the Moluccas, Raja Ampat, and even West Papua. Here you can expect good diving visibility and mainly warm, sunny days.

Monsoon gradually settles across Kenya in March. But every region within the country, from highlands to deserts and the savanna, has a varied climate. For instance, the month is a good time to explore the remote and arid Samburu Reserve. This scenic nature reserve sees low foot traffic during this time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the place without rushing or being distracted. The coastal region of Kenya, including cities like Mombasa, also has plenty of treats, especially at the beginning of March. Steal a few days of clear weather conditions to bask on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and enjoy water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling before heavy rains lash the region.

November marks the approach of winter in Jordan, with temperatures cooling significantly and falling at high-elevation destinations like Jabal Umm ad Dami, located in the famous Wadi Rum. The rains also arrive in the northern parts of the country during this month and continue until March. However, if you are visiting Aqaba, in the south, temperatures remain balmy and warm.

If you hate crowded vacation spots and wish to save money on your trip, you might want to head for Switzerland in September. This month signals the start of fall and is part of a low tourist season in the country. With not many visitors around, the ‘playground of Europe’ is all yours to enjoy. Barring occasional rain showers, the weather conditions of Switzerland in September are mostly favorable for outdoor activities such as hiking in Gstaad and mountaineering in Valais.

A trip to India in December offers you a distinct experience depending on the regions you visit. Be amazed by the highlights of Gujarat and the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Go skiing in the snowy mountains of Manali and take part in North India's interesting cultural fairs. Explore Kerala, a perfect Christmas destination with its many Christian influences. With the tourist season kicking off, India in December will provide you with a wonderful vacation experience.