Travel Guides

January might be the coldest month of the year in Portugal, but there is also a catch. Compared with the abysmal weather of northern European countries, Portugal in January is still a sunny respite. Of course, the Mediterranean’s wet winter phenomenon affects both the mainland and the islands. But if you dig deeper, you will find a few dry stretches. So, hug the sun-sprinkled southern shores of the Algarve or visit Sintra's Pena Palace minus all the maddening crowd. Catch some mammoth swells in Sagres atop your surfing board or ski down the slopes of Serra de Estrela. Make the best of the low season and create a memorable Portugal holiday experience on a soul-satisfying budget.

As the start of South Africa’s spring, September is a great time to visit this beautiful country. A peak season for both safari and whale-watching, there are plenty of things to enjoy in September. In terms of weather, you can expect near-constant sunshine, minimal rain and blue skies, perfect for sightseeing in Kruger National Park, sunbathing on Durban beaches or taking on new adventures. If you want to escape the autumn months of the Northern Hemisphere for some much-needed heat, South Africa in September might be just the ticket. Not sure what there is to see and do on your trip to South Africa? Read on to find out.

If you are looking to visit South Africa in February, you are in for a treat. Expect glorious sunshine, moderate-to-warm temperatures and welcoming waters during your stay in the country at this time of year. As February falls during the country’s summer season, you can enjoy a lovely beach holiday along the Atlantic, which benefits from the ocean breeze. It is also worth noting that Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast can be oppressively hot during February, so you will need to plan around this. The peak nesting season for both loggerhead and leatherback turtles falls in this period, so head to iSimangaliso in the evening for nighttime tours to see these creatures.

If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything, South Africa is a great choice. In July, the weather is sunny but the temperatures aren't scorching, making it perfect to get outside and go on a safari or check out some of the country's iconic landmarks, such as Table Mountain or the Castle of Good Hope. Plus, there are plenty of cultural attractions to make your vacation a lively one. Keep reading to learn more about a trip to South Africa in July.

Forget about overdone ski holidays in the Alps, Japan is the hot new winter destination that should be on top of your radar. Visiting Japan in December promises stunning sites and snow-covered vistas, a surprising number of sunny days and the perfect conditions to sip on a hearty bowl of ramen. See what else you can expect from Japan as winter settles on the land of the rising sun.

The official start of the fall season, the month of March sees cooler temperatures across Australia, although that does not mean you should be preparing your winter wardrobe! You will still find plenty of people taking to the beaches of Western Australia and New South Wales during this time of year, and this month is also a great time for sightseeing around Sydney Harbor and exploring Melbourne’s alleyways. Plus, although it is still a peak season in Australia in March, you will not find quite so much competition for flights and accommodation as during December, January, and February either.

Because of its Southern Hemisphere location, it is the start of the fall season in Australia in April. The unpleasantly hot temperatures of summer have come to an end, meaning there is hardly anywhere in the country that is off-limits to travelers. In addition, there are several major events to look out for, ensuring any visit to Australia is a special experience. Anzac Day is particularly important to the nation, but we have got all you need to know about Australia in April right here.

A trip to Australia in January is bound to involve beautiful sunny days spent lounging on the beaches around its coast. It is the middle of summer in the country during this month, and visiting Australia in January makes a great escape from the cold dark skies of Europe and North America. Whilst the Outback and the Red Center are burning up, temperatures along the Great Ocean Road are ideal, and Tasmania sees the best conditions of the year for outdoor adventures, which range from hiking to fishing.

With the south getting its first taste of winter and the north in its dry season, Australia in June offers a wide variety of activities. This month sees snowbirds flocking to warmer attractions like Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, leaving colder southeastern destinations with more breathing space. Now is a great time to take in the highlights of Sydney and Melbourne, discover the stunning Great Barrier Reef or ski down the powdery slopes of majestic Tasmanian mountains.

At first glance, Norway might not seem like an ideal vacation destination for February. But look a little closer and you will find the most romantic month of the year has a lot going for it in this Scandinavian country. Full of local festivals and still covered with a soft blanket of snow (especially in the northern regions), a trip to Norway in February also offers a chance to catch the elusive Northern Lights. Is there anything more romantic than that? Read on for more details.

Australia in July is a mixed bag of hot and cold weather conditions depending on where you are. The spotlight is on the tropical north with its warm and dry season, while the south is smack in the middle of winter. July is ideal for a wide range of activities like skiing on the slopes of Tasmania, swimming on the stunning beaches of northern Queensland, or sightseeing in southern cities.

July does not tick off as an ideal time to visit Morocco, considering the hot, arid climate conditions in most parts of the country. However, if you know your way around, there is no other month better than July to discover Morocco. There are plenty of events to attend during this month, and the beaches offer the perfect condition to relax and get that tan on!

Norway is a winter wonderland full of delights in December. Attractive old towns in the southern part of the country, such as Bergen, take on an even more impressive appearance with the run-up to the Christmas and new year celebrations during this time of year. While in the north, snow provides no end to outdoor activities, from skiing and reindeer-herding to capturing the magic of the Northern Lights. So while it may be time to slip on your thermals, there is no denying that a trip to Norway in December is a must.

August is the tail end of summer in Norway. The weather across the country during this time of year is as spectacular as ever, and exploring Norway in August means discovering its highlights before the infamous Norwegian chill rears its head. Longer days and warm temperatures offer endless opportunities for outdoor excursions. However, be prepared for high-season crowds and skyrocketing prices. This is also the perfect month for scenic hikes in fjords as well as surfing, fishing, and island-hopping. Similarly, several major festivals like the Bergen Food Festival and the Nordic Light Photo Festival add flavor to the month.

Whether you love a holiday by the ocean, enjoy hiking or prefer taking in the wonders of nature in a relaxed atmosphere, a trip to South Africa in May has something for everyone. It is an ideal month to dive into an ocean full of sharks, take to the waves and surf, enjoy many vibrant winter festivals and benefit from the bustling crowds that really bring the South African party vibes! It is this balmy temperature that gives visitors the opportunity to really go out and discover everything South Africa has to offer, free from the overly oppressive heat of summer.