Many avid travellers often believe that planning your vacation is half as fun as actually visiting a destination. This is mostly due to the anticipation you would already have when reading up about the holiday. However, many holiday destinations are often influenced by seasonal changes. So, how will you decide on the best season to visit your destination of choice?
To help you discover the best places to visit according to their season, we’ve curated a list of recommendations that would make any holiday your most memorable yet. From suggestions of where to visit in spring to must-see places in summer and finally top spots for a winter holiday, this season-by-season guide will have your travel companions impressed and your holiday planning done in no time.
Why should you plan a vacation according to the season?
Before we nail down where to visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, let’s discuss why you should plan a vacation according to the season.
For starters, knowing the best season to visit a destination will help you see the best that the country has to offer. After all, there’s no feeling worse than when you fly into your holiday destination and are faced with terrible weather. Or perhaps you may even bump into local celebrations where everything is closed, hampering your vacation plans.
An example of this is to avoid Bali during the “Day of Silence” or Nyepi – where locals and tourists alike are not allowed to leave their homes or hotels. It’s a celebration that lasts 24 hours and a no entertainment rule is to be respected. The I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is even closed on this day, making travel plans difficult especially if you have a connection to catch. Nyepi is usually celebrated in March and the actual date will vary according to the Balinese calendar system.
Photo by Joe’s Gone Diving
Subsequently, planning your vacation according to the season can also help you anticipate crowds and get the best rates many accommodations have to offer. For budget travellers, this can be great as you’ll enjoy the same quality of stay at a fraction of the regular price.
Knowing the best season to visit your favourite destination is also helpful for avid photographers hoping to snap some long-lasting memories. From ensuring that your gear doesn’t overheat in the summer or freeze during winter, planning ahead according to season will often give you picture-perfect results. On the flip side, if you’re someone who likes to coordinate your outfits before a trip, then knowing where to visit during their best seasons will definitely help with your packing plans.
Breathtaking getaway spots for a spring holiday
For countries blessed with seasonal changes, spring is undoubtedly the best time for travel plans. With fewer crowds and more pocket-friendly options, here are some of the best places to visit in spring.
Europe
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After months of grey and weary weather, Europe often springs back to life (no pun intended!) as soon as the season changes. More locals will be seen with their coffees on terraces, outdoor picnics will be possible again, and everyone will be generally happier as soon as spring arrives.
Thankfully, it doesn’t matter which country you decide to go to as everyone will agree that Europe is gorgeous in spring. With blooming flowers and sunny skies, the classic architecture that lines most of Europe’s cobblestone streets is suddenly even more aesthetic.
Can’t decide where in Europe you’d like to spend your spring holidays? Well, why pick when you can travel through Real Britain, Germany or Austria through Trafalgar’s carefully curated itineraries? Ideal for travellers looking for a hassle-free spring holiday, all you’ll have to do is pack your best spring outfits and off you go.
Japan
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No mention of a spring holiday will ever be complete if Japan isn’t on the list. Best known for its breathtaking cherry blossom blooms, visiting Japan in spring is a bucket list itinerary for many.
However, this season may also be one of Japan’s priciest and most packed seasons yet. According to history, the spring cherry blossom season attracts nearly 2 million visitors to the country each year. Coupled with great weather and good vibes, the fleeting blooms are truly a feast for the eyes but do be prepared to brave the crowd of locals and tourists alike.
If you remain undeterred to visit Japan in spring, our recommendation is to look out for the cherry blossom forecasts each year. Released ahead of time by the Japan Meteorological Corporation for ease of travel planning, this is a great guide on which prefecture or city you should visit to catch the best blooms and is updated frequently.
Top places to be for a summer holiday
Mention a summer holiday and the thought of taking a European vacation will always come to mind. And while this is true thanks to longer daylight, venturing into Europe during summer can mean travelling during the busiest and most expensive season.
Instead, here are some great alternatives that make our list of top places to be for a summer holiday.
New Zealand
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If you want to create a unique summer holiday experience, then a trip to New Zealand will truly satisfy you. Marrying gorgeous views and plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities, New Zealand is an often-overlooked gem.
In Queensland, daredevils can look into ticking off lifelong bucket lists such as bungee jumping or skydiving. For anyone who wants an experience that’s just as exciting but turned down a notch, you may find activities like whale watching by the South Island in Kaikoura a better choice.
Fans of the international The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises must also make a pilgrimage to the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour over in Matamata of Waikato. This movie set that serves as the stand-in of the Hobbiton town will take you right back to the show, so you too can recreate Bilbo Baggins’ famous line, “I’m going on an adventure!”
And did we mention that you’ll enjoy cooler weather thanks to New Zealand being in the southern hemisphere? This means you’ll technically be enjoying winter, so we recommend packing warmer outfits to keep yourself comfortable.
Royal Caribbean Cruise
Continuing in the theme of an unusual summer escapade, we also recommend getting onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise. With a set number of passengers on every voyage, you wouldn’t have to be a part of the otherwise busy summer holiday crowd from popular destinations.
Out in the waters, let the cooling winds from the ocean blow away your weary days while enjoying the warm glow of the sun. Relax on the top deck or pick from any of the fun activities available onboard – either way, you’re out for a great summer holiday from the moment you set sail. Furthermore, you’ll also get to experience different cities and countries when you port, so you can make an excursion out of these pit stops without the extra hassle of flying.
With a variety of Royal Caribbean Cruise lines to choose from, the choice is yours on how you want to shape your summer vacation. The Royal Caribbean Cruise welcomes families with young children, making it the perfect school holiday escapade to remember.
Must-visit escapades in autumn
As cooler weather sets in, so does the hunt for the best autumn escapade. It’s the perfect season for travellers who enjoy breezier adventures at more affordable prices and with fewer crowds. This is because there aren’t as many public holidays around this season and families with school or university-going children are unable to travel due to study schedules.
However, if you’re looking for the perfect vacation for this season, here are our must-visit escapades in autumn.
China
Photo by ThisIsBeijing
As mentioned previously, the cooling weather plays a huge part in many autumn travelling plans. And what better time to visit China than when the breezy wind takes over hot and humid climates?
From strolling down The Bund in Shanghai to climbing the historic Great Wall of China in Beijing, China is a fantastic autumn destination with plenty of activities to fill your vacation days with.
While you’re here, don’t forget to pop into Diaoyutai Gingko Road in the Xicheng district to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous tree-lined path. Usually lush and green, visitors coming by in autumn are instead welcomed to a golden sight as the leaves yellow. It’s a hotspot for many young couples in the city but if you’re there early enough, the soft morning light pouring between the tall trees will make for unforgettable pictures.
Australia
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In case you’ve missed out on a spring vacation, a visit to Australia in the typical “autumn” seasons will give you a second chance. This is because the country is set in the Southern Hemisphere, causing the seasons to be in exact opposites from the likes of Europe and more.
Like most destinations, Australia’s version of spring brings forth sunny days and cool nights that are enjoyable if you’re not keen on extreme heat or terrible cold. There’s little rainfall during this season, so you can truly explore the land down under without worry. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore Australia through water excursions such as kayaking in the Whitsunday Islands or surfing by Bondi Beach.
Back on land, spring also marks the best season to visit Australia as you’ll get to spot kangaroo and koala joeys hopping out of their mother’s pouch for the first time. Be sure to visit the Australia Zoo of Queensland if you don’t want to miss out.
Best places to visit FOR A WINTER HOLIDAY
Coming from a country where we only experience the hot or rainy seasons, planning a trip during winter can open up some of the best vacation memories. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the chilly crisp air while layering up to create your best look. But where should you go to make this happen? Well, here are the best places to visit for a memorable winter holiday.
Austria
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While most of Europe is set to look beautiful come Christmas season, Austria is exceptionally pretty in winter. With the right weather conditions, the cold in Austria often results in light snowfall. For many Malaysians, this can feel like a magical experience coming from a tropical climate.
The little village of Hallstatt is a must-see in winter as the old wooden houses are draped in blankets of white snow. It’s set approximately 2 hours away from Salzburg city and is reachable by a convenient bus ride. Optionally, consider a train ride and switch to a 10-minute boat transfer across the Hallstätter See for a more scenic experience. Do note that the tickets for the boat transfer can only be purchased on the spot and must be paid in cash.
Many see Hallstatt as the perfect day-trip excursion, but we do recommend staying the night at any of the village’s bed and breakfast establishments. Unlike most cityscapes, the village is carefully enveloped by tall mountains and you’ll be wowed with unbelievable views of the stars at dark. For the best experience, bring a tripod and dress warm as temperatures in the village can dip to -3°C at its lowest.
Norway
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Unlike many lists that recommend visiting Norway during summer, we truly believe that the best this country has to offer is in winter. The low season for the country means more affordable accommodations and less crowd, so you can continue to enjoy everything you’d also get during the warmer months.
For the adventurous, you’ll want to pack your hiking shoes to make it up Pulpit Rock set by Lysefjord. Movie enthusiasts will immediately recognize this as the backdrop to the iconic fight scene from the 2018 Mission: Impossible – Fallout by Tom Cruise. Afterwards, head into any restaurant in town for a serving of Kjøttsuppe. This is a traditional Norwegian meat soup that will warm you right up.
Furthermore, visiting Norway in January also gives you the best chance of catching the breathtaking Northern Lights. Considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, you can best enjoy the aurora from any of the lodges that overlook the Lyngen Alps. Or better yet, why not treat yourself to an unforgettable splurge in one of the glass igloos that will give you unbeatable night sky views so you can watch the lights from the comfort of your bed?
Have your mind set on where to visit according to the season? Reach out to our holiday advisors to complete your holiday planning today.