Travel Guides

April is the start of the low season in Chile, which means that attractions will be quieter with fewer tourists around. As you might expect, the weather is not quite as nice as at other times of year in the low season, but there are still plenty of reasons for visiting Chile in April as it offers plenty of places to visit and things to do. The weather in Chile’s north is mostly pleasant and hiking trails in Patagonia are still open. This is also a great time to go on a road trip through the country.

August in Argentina offers a unique experience, as it's the heart of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the perfect time to explore the snowy peaks of Patagonia or enjoy the crisp air in the Argentine Andes. Whether you're skiing in the world-renowned resorts of Mendoza or experiencing the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, a trip to Argentina in August combines winter adventures with urban excitement. From breathtaking landscapes to cultural experiences, August is an ideal time to discover all that this diverse country has to offer.

As summer takes hold and festivals pop up around the country, a trip to Japan in July guarantees a memorable experience. Days are longer during this time of year, which gives you more time to explore each city and take part in traditional, colorful parades. There are countless incredible places to visit across Japan and traveling to the country in July lets you enjoy warm weather conditions as you take in the sights of this wonderful country.

Gifted with a Mediterranean climate (despite not bordering the Mediterranean Sea) and 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal pleases even the pickiest traveler. Come December, the country rustles up a festive fare of insane experiences. From Christmas market-hopping in Rossio Square in Lisbon to catching tall waves in Ericeira, from skiing down the slopes of Serra da Estrella to exploring a rustic village in Algarve, visitors looking to round off their year on a high note will find plenty to do in Portugal in December. Although the wet winter season has kicked in by this month, the weather is moderate with pleasant days and chilly nights, especially in the southern part of the country like Lisbon and Algarve. With December being a low season, expect fewer crowds and fewer prices during your trip to Portugal.

November in Peru is the beginning of the rainy season. However, even though some places like Machu Picchu experience lots of rain, others, such as Lima, are quite dry. This means that if you know where to go, November can be an ideal month to enjoy a vacation in Peru and avoid crowds. Discover the dunes around Huacachina or surf the northerly swells of Chicama. Listen to birdsongs in the Peruvian Amazon or be part of the Puno Week on Lake Titicaca’s shores.

With an enviable coastline of 13,676 kilometers and a dry, sunny Mediterranean clime, Greece is the first choice of many when it comes to a beach break during European summer. From the white sandy beaches of Ios Island to the red and black beaches of Santorini, or even a pink one in Elafonisi in Crete, a shade card of bewildering beaches is there to explore. Greece in August is at the peak of the summer season and, with soaring temperatures, now is a perfect month to swim and sunbathe. And as nights settle, wild island parties break out, inviting you to unwind and make the most of your Greek vacation.

May in Costa Rica is the time when nature comes to life with lush greenery. It is when animals rejoice as the rainy season kicks in. Despite the country making a gradual transition to the wet season during this time of year, you still have plenty of sunny days to explore this tropical paradise. Go whitewater rafting in the thundering San Juan River and explore the coastal areas of Guanacaste. Take part in numerous local festivities and join food fiestas in San Jose. Enjoy a trip to Costa Rica in May and indulge in a soothing getaway like no other.

Greece in February might not be suitable for the perfect Instagram post. The sky is overcast, the weather chilly with frequent bouts of rain, and snow can be seen as far down south as Peloponnese and Crete. But do not disapprove of the destination just yet! Greece in February is a beacon for budget travelers who are excited by out-of-the-box experiences. Now is the time for a crowd-free cultural exploration of Athens and to indulge in the gastronomic capital of Thessaloniki. While snow seekers can ski down the intimidating slopes of Mount Parnassus, sun-seekers can still find some warmth and relief in the southern islands of Rhodes and Crete. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit when on a trip to Greece regardless of during which month you are visiting.

A trip to Japan in May is a chance to explore the stunning island nation before the overbearing heat of summer makes traveling an unpleasant experience. May is also a big month for festivals up and down Japan, with many cities taking warm weather as an excuse to throw a party. The beginning of May is known as the ‘golden week’ of festivals in Japan, and it is worth a visit to see how traditional practices continue into modern parades.

From the warmer climes of Darwin to the cooler temperatures of Melbourne and Adelaide, the mercury tips both ways when you take a trip to Australia in May. Despite this being the last month of autumn, Sydney stays relatively warm, while a hot, dry spell kicks in throughout the tropical north, opening opportunities for national park visits. No matter where you find yourself, May is an exceptional month to visit the Land Down Under.

Spain in December can be a great month to explore the country, even though it is a popular summer destination, especially since a lot of celebrations and fanfare take place at this time of year. Like most parts of the world, Christmas is the most important festival in this winter month in Spain! However, besides this festive extravaganza, there are plenty of other activities in Spain in December!

A trip to Japan in January will give you an unforgettable experience in a beautiful country away from summer crowds. Be it new-year festivities around the country that are organized throughout the month or centuries-old celebrations honoring the rich history of the island nation, there is never a dull moment in Japan in January. Plus, the country has many places to visit for all sorts of travelers even during this cold winter month.

November is rarely taken into account when planning a trip to Spain, but traveling to Spain in November can offer lots of activities for all tastes! The weather is milder than in most other European cities. Rain is fairly common in most parts of the country, but the south can be a tad sunnier. Since November is the low season in Spain, you will find fewer tourist crowds and more affordable prices across the country. Booking a trip to the country in spite of a bit of rain allows you to enjoy festivals and celebrations.

January might be colder than the other months but a visit to France in January can be the most heart-warming winter holiday. Whether you dream of a skiing adventure in the Alps, a stroll along the spectacular French Riviera, or cozying up in cafés and indulging in pain au chocolat, visit France! Aside from the unparalleled beauty of the country, January also brings post-holiday bargains on flights and accommodation.

France in September offers warm weather with the added benefit of thinner crowds – a much-needed breather from the congested month of August. With summer in its twilight and autumn just around the corner, there are a host of wine-related festivals to take part in and mild water temperatures off the country’s coast beckon you to dive in. Now is a great time to explore Bordeaux and its wine-producing regions. You can also make the most of your stay in the country with a trip to the stunning French Riviera after the crowds have left.