Travel Guides

Whether picking olives in Kalamata or digging your toes deep into the black sand at Santorini, a trip to Greece in October is an attractive holiday escapade. After the scorching months of July and August, the country heaves a sigh of relief as the pleasant weather takes over in October. The tourist crowd retreats, the sun is kinder, and winter rains are still a month away. With fewer people, fantastic water temperature, clear skies, and lower rates, Greek Islands like Mykonos, Corfu, and Kefalonia beckon budget travelers. Enjoy their myriad highlights like the beautiful Balkan lakes, historical fortresses, internationally acclaimed boutiques, and picturesque alleys.

November is when winter officially starts in Iceland. The “Land of Ice and Fire” is bejeweled with pristine icy terrains during this time. From ice caving in Katla to skiing in Seljalandsdalur to embarking on an Iceland Northern Lights tour in Jokulsarlon, there are plenty of activities to partake in. If you are someone who craves adventure in a tranquil setting, then a trip to Iceland in November is a must. Just remember to wrap up warm and pay heed to the weather forecast and local travel advisory.

A trip to Spain in October is likely to be a fantastic experience. With fewer tourists, more affordable prices, and mild temperatures, this month is ideal for a Spanish adventure minus the mass tourism. Enjoy the sun, visit the most iconic cities, or explore one of the many national parks of Spain.

While it is true that Iceland in February is cold and snowy, with short, dark days, the country is no colder than some of its neighbors in northern Europe. And, despite the weather, there are many exciting things to do in Iceland during this time.Top on the list of most travelers heading for an Iceland tour in February is the magical Northern Lights. In addition to this, February is also a great time to enjoy indoor attractions (like the museums of Reykjavik) without too many tourists around, explore some of the country’s ice caves, and take a dip in the healing waters of a natural hot spring.

August is one of the best months to tour Iceland. Officially, in the month of summer, August’s weather is nothing less than glorious. Warm days with plenty of sunshine are perfect for enjoying Iceland’s beautiful landscapes, from summiting its volcanic peaks and hiking over glaciers to visiting national parks and cruising along the country’s rugged coastline. If you are lucky, you might even spot the first Northern Lights of the season, especially in the latter half of the month.

With summer just around the corner, a trip to France in May offers a mild weather with a few rain showers here and there. The mercury continues to rise as spring comes to a close, while tourists slowly trickle into popular sites and attractions. The sea may still be too cold to swim in, but now is an excellent time to enjoy the pleasant weather without contending with crowds. Take part in a plethora of outdoorsy activities while in the country during this time of year. Spy on celebrities in Cannes, be part of Grand Palais Éphémère’s Taste of Paris food festival, or explore the mountain villages of Bastia.

June marks the beginning of winter in Chile. This is when the Andes are clad in white with the first snowfall of the season. However, weather conditions vary across the county, with the country’s south experiencing a colder climate than the north. Having said that, this is one of the best months to go for a skiing vacation in Chile and a great time to visit the country if you are into winter sports. However, some hotels shut down during this time of year, so make sure you plan ahead when choosing where to go on your trip to Chile in June.

October marks the transition period in Iceland when the warm summer temperatures gradually make way for colder winter conditions. This is the time when mountain trails in some parts of the country start closing off, but opportunities still abound for several fun and exciting activities. Go kayaking in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, chase the Northern Lights, or take a road trip along Route 1 or the Ring Road. A trip to Iceland in October offers both summer and winter attractions.

As flowers blossom and temperatures rise, the arid Spanish winter starts its transition to a beautiful spring in March. The weather in Spain in April is mild, but the foot traffic is still sparse as the peak tourist season has not started yet. This gives travelers a chance to fully immerse themselves in their trip to Spain while avoiding the bustling, peak-season crowd.

France turns into a winter wonderland in December. If you do not mind the cold, now is a great time to experience the country's winter charm. A trip to France gears you up for a festive season, streets come alive with Christmas markets and concerts. Enjoy off-season rates and thinner crowds during the first few weeks of the month. Base yourself in Paris to discover its Christmas markets, hit the slopes in the Southern Alps, or seek respite from the cold at Côte d’Azur.

June marks the beginning of all things exciting in Iceland. It is the first summer month, the start of peak tourist season, and the month when you can witness the midnight sun phenomenon. June is when days are long — the longest in the year, and the countryside is in full bloom. The mountain paths that had been closed for winter are fully accessible now as the winter snow has fully melted off. The weather in June makes it the perfect time to spot wildlife, including whales, seals, and the famous puffin. A trip to Iceland in June is filled with many wonderful things to see and experience, making it the ideal time to visit this Nordic country.

Spring is in full bloom on your tour to France in April when the country enters its shoulder season. Temperatures continue to soar as winter’s last remnants fade. You will enjoy cheaper rates on accommodations, airfare, and trains during this time of year. Warmer weather and thinner crowds in most parts of the country mean that this is a great time to amble along the Loire Valley, discover the highlights of Avignon and enjoy the spectacular beaches of southern France.

Whether it is unraveling the conquistador history of Valparaiso or tracking pumas in Torres del Paine National Park, your trip to Chile in January is sure to be packed with thrills that are unique to this land. January falls in the middle of the high tourist season in Chile, and the weather during this time is a sweet tale of warm temperatures and nearly no rainfall. The cherry on top of this already delicious cake is long summer days promising a tempting series of seemingly unending outdoor adventures. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do in Chile if you are planning on visiting the country in January.

Warm November weather in most parts of Argentina encourages a spike in tourist activities. Several top destinations are easily accessible and activities are abundant throughout the country. While visiting Argentina, travelers can embark on trips to UNESCO heritage sites like Iguazu Falls or laze out on the famous beaches in Bariloche. As the last month of shoulder season, Argentina in November offers something for every type of traveler.

February, most definitely, is an underrated month for a trip to Spain. The winter season along with hardly any public holidays are the reasons why most people spend February at home. But booking a holiday to Spain in February can be a rewarding experience. Lesser foot traffic means a drop in room prices at hotels and plenty of opportunities to have the attractions for yourself and a select few.