Top Destinations for 2026 by Month: Where to Go & When
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Planning travel around when to go is just as important as where to go, especially if you want the best weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a bucket-list adventure, a family-friendly getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, this month-by-month guide highlights the best destinations for 2026 and why each shines at that time of year.
As a travel advisor, I help clients match destinations to the perfect timing, so if any of these spark your interest, I’d love to help you start planning.
January: Switzerland
Why go: Snow-covered Alps, world-class skiing, cozy alpine villages
January is peak winter magic in Switzerland. From skiing in Lauterbrunnen or Zermatt to scenic train rides like the Glacier Express, this is the month for snow lovers. It’s also an incredible time for winter festivals and après-ski culture.
Perfect for: Ski trips, winter honeymoons, scenic rail journeys
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel (Wengen)– Upscale boutique hotel with panoramic mountain views, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service in the Jungfrau region, or Hotel Château Gütsch (Lucerne) – Historic castle hotel with breathtaking views over Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, elegant rooms, and a fairytale setting.
Moderate: Hotel Silberhorn (Lauterbrunnen) – Comfortable alpine lodge with stunning valley views and easy train access to ski areas.
Budget: Hotel Stella D’Italia (Lugano) – Charming and affordable hotel in the heart of Lugano, offering cozy rooms, friendly service, and easy access to lakeside walks and the city center, or Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken) – Affordable, friendly hostel-style accommodations with a central location.
February: Jamaica
Why go: Dry season, warm Caribbean weather, easy escapes
February is one of the best times to visit Jamaica, especially after the blow they took last year from Hurricane Melissa, with low humidity, sunny days, and ideal beach conditions. It’s perfect for relaxing at all-inclusive resorts, exploring waterfalls like Dunn’s River Falls, or enjoying reggae culture and local cuisine.
Perfect for: Couples, families, honeymoons, stress-free winter getaways
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Rooms on the Beach – Cozy, budget-friendly stay steps from the sand, with local charm and a laid-back atmosphere.
Moderate: Iberostar Rose Hall Suites – Stylish resort with pools, on-site dining, and easy access to the beach.
Budget: Beaches Negril – Family-friendly all-inclusive resort with stunning beachfront, kids’ clubs, and endless activities for all ages, or Sandals South Coast – Adults-only all-inclusive resort featuring overwater suites, gourmet dining, and luxury amenities for a romantic escape.
March: Portugal
Why go: Mild weather, fewer crowds, spring blooms
March is a sweet spot in Portugal with comfortable temperatures, lower prices, and fewer tourists. A road trip from Lisbon to Porto with stops in the Algarve or Douro Valley is especially rewarding this time of year.
Perfect for: Road trips, food & wine lovers, laid-back Europe travel
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (Sintra) — A historic luxury palace hotel overlooking Sintra’s hills, blending stately interiors with elevated service and easy access to Sintra’s UNESCO World Heritage attractions.
Moderate: Lisbon Chiado Hotel & Spa (Lisbon) — Centrally located in Lisbon’s vibrant Chiado neighborhood, this stylish hotel offers modern rooms, a relaxing spa, and easy walking access to historic streets, cafés, and shops.
Budget: Out of the Blue Azores (São Miguel Island, Azores) – A highly rated and affordable hostel‑style stay in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island in the Azores.
April: Japan
Why go: Cherry blossom season (sakura)
April is peak cherry blossom season across much of Japan. Parks, temples, and city streets burst into pink blooms, making this one of the most beautiful (and popular) times to visit. Planning early is key for 2026.
Perfect for: Bucket-list travelers, culture lovers, photographers
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury:: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto) – Iconic hotel with beautiful gardens and cherry blossoms nearby in Higashiyama district, or The Peninsula Tokyo (Tokyo) – Elegant luxury hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, offering spacious rooms, world-class service, and top-notch dining.
Moderate: Dormy Inn Hirosaki (Hirosaki) — A popular mid‑range choice right in Hirosaki with comfortable rooms, solid service, and an excellent reputation.
Budget: UNPLAN Village Hakuba (Hakuba) – A very budget‑friendly hotel/hostel option in the Hakuba Valley with simple, clean rooms and a social vibe.
May: Turkey
Why go: Ideal weather, fewer summer crowds
May is a fantastic time to explore Turkey—from hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia to walking the historic streets of Istanbul and relaxing along the Turquoise Coast. Warm days without the intense summer heat make sightseeing enjoyable.
Perfect for: History lovers, unique experiences, shoulder-season travel
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Millstone Cave Suites (Cappadocia) — A unique cave hotel nestled in Uçhisar with traditional stone architecture and spacious suites that blend historical craftsmanship with modern comfort.
Moderate: Seven Hills Hotel (Istanbul) — A popular mid‑range choice in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, known for its excellent location within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Budget: Patara Viewpoint Hotel (Antalya) — A simple, well‑reviewed budget stay just minutes from Patara Beach, one of Turkey’s longest and most beautiful sandy beaches.
June: Alaska
Why go: Long daylight hours, wildlife viewing
June kicks off Alaska’s prime travel season. Expect lush landscapes, active wildlife, and extended daylight for exploring. It’s an excellent month for cruises, Denali visits, and scenic rail journeys.
Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, cruises
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Brooks Lodge (Katmai National Park and Preserve) — Iconic wilderness lodge offering comfortable accommodations, guided bear-viewing excursions, fishing adventures, and unparalleled access to the remote Alaskan wilderness.
Moderate: Hotel Captain Cook (Anchorage) — Comfortable mid-range hotel in downtown Anchorage with easy access to local dining, museums, and city tours, perfect for combining city and nature exploration.
Budget: Denali Backcountry Lodge (Denali National Park) — Affordable lodge-style accommodations with cozy rooms and easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and Denali National Park adventures.
Cruising Option: Alaska Cruise (Inside Passage) — A fantastic way to experience Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and coastal towns without changing hotels. Cruises range from mid-range to luxury, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your budget and travel style.
July: Peru
Why go: Dry season in the Andes, festival atmosphere
July is prime time for Peru, especially for visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Clear skies, cool temperatures, and cultural festivals in Cusco make this one of the most rewarding months to explore the country.
Perfect for: Bucket-list travelers, hikers, culture lovers
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Machu Picchu) — Exclusive lodge located right at the entrance to Machu Picchu, offering luxurious rooms, gourmet dining, and unparalleled access to the ancient citadel.
Moderate: Sky Lodge Suites (Sacred Valley) — Stylish, mid-range accommodations with spacious suites, modern amenities, and spectacular valley views, perfect for exploring nearby ruins and villages.
Budget: Pariwana Hostel Cusco (Cusco) — Affordable, social hostel with clean rooms, shared spaces, and a central location ideal for exploring Cusco and connecting with other travelers, or Suite Service Apart Hotel (Lima, Miraflores) — Budget-friendly serviced apartments in the heart of Miraflores, offering comfortable rooms, kitchenettes, and easy access to beaches, parks, and local dining.
August: South Africa
Why go: Prime safari season, whale watching
August is winter in South Africa, which means dry conditions and excellent wildlife viewing on safari. It’s also peak whale season along the coast near Hermanus and Gansbaai.
Perfect for: Safaris, wildlife lovers, adventure travel
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Altona Guest House – Cozy and welcoming guesthouse with comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a convenient location for exploring Cape Town’s beaches, waterfront, and city attractions.
Moderate: Pods Camp Bay – Modern pod-style lodging near the beach, offering comfort and a unique stay experience without breaking the bank, or Ocean View House – Guesthouse with spacious rooms and stunning sea views, perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, mid-range option.
Luxury: One&Only Cape Town – Exclusive luxury resort with elegant rooms, world-class dining, spa services, and prime waterfront location, or Cape Grace Hotel – Sophisticated hotel with refined accommodations, award-winning dining, and personalized service in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.
September: Slovenia
Why go: Shoulder season weather, fewer crowds, wine harvest
September is an ideal month to experience Slovenia’s charm. Lake Bled is peaceful, Ljubljana is lively but not crowded, and vineyards come alive during harvest season. You’ll get alpine scenery and European culture without the overtourism.
Perfect for: Couples, outdoor lovers, slow travel enthusiasts
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel (Ljubljana) — Elegant boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a charming historic setting, and exceptional service, perfectly located for exploring Ljubljana’s old town.
Moderate: Rikli Balance Hotel (Bled) — Modern mid-range hotel offering comfortable rooms, spa and wellness facilities, and beautiful views of Lake Bled, ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
Budget: Hostel Celica (Ljubljana) — Affordable, quirky hostel in a converted former prison, offering clean rooms, a social atmosphere, and a central location for sightseeing.
October: Bhutan
Why go: Clear Himalayan views, major cultural festivals
October is one of the best months to visit Bhutan thanks to crisp weather, clear mountain vistas, and vibrant festivals like Thimphu Tshechu. It’s a deeply meaningful destination focused on culture, spirituality, and sustainability.
Perfect for: Cultural travelers, photographers, once-in-a-lifetime trips
WHERE TO STAY:
Luxury: Le Méridien Thimphu (Thimphu) — Upscale city hotel offering modern, stylish rooms, panoramic views of the Himalayas, excellent dining options, and easy access to Thimphu’s cultural sites and markets.
Moderate: COMO Uma Paro (Paro) — Stylish mid-range resort with comfortable rooms, Himalayan vistas, wellness facilities, and easy access to Paro’s monasteries, trekking trails, and cultural sites.
Budget: Nirvana Inn (Paro) — Cozy, budget-friendly inn offering clean and comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and a convenient location near Paro’s main attractions, including the airport and local markets.
November: Antarctica
Why go: Start of expedition season, pristine landscapes
November marks the beginning of Antarctica cruise season. Expect untouched snow, dramatic ice formations, and early wildlife sightings with fewer ships than peak months.
Perfect for: Bucket-list travelers, expedition cruising
WHERE TO STAY:
The best way to experience Antarctica is on a cruise, where your “hotel” moves with you through breathtaking icy landscapes, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Cruises offer everything from cozy cabins to luxurious suites, all paired with expert guides who make the continent accessible and unforgettable.
Some of my favorite operators include:
Lindblad Expeditions + National Geographic Ships — Small, comfortable ships with expert naturalists, photographers, and guides. Ideal for immersive wildlife excursions and up-close experiences with penguins, seals, and icebergs.
Quark Expeditions — Adventure-focused ships offering a range of cabin types and exciting excursions like kayaking, Zodiac landings, and even ice-climbing or Polar Plunges.
Other Options: Aurora Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions — Smaller, expedition-style vessels that provide a more budget-friendly way to explore Antarctica without sacrificing access to wildlife and landscapes.
No matter the ship, cruising is the most practical and memorable way to experience Antarctica, combining comfort, safety, and unparalleled access to one of the most remote places on Earth.
December: Christmas Markets in Europe
Why go: Festive atmosphere, seasonal magic
December is made for European Christmas markets. Germany, Austria, and France come alive with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and festive traditions.
Perfect for: Holiday travel, winter city breaks, festive experiences
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: MEININGER Hotel München City Center – Clean, modern, and centrally located, providing easy access to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Munich’s festive Christmas markets, or Yooma Urban Lodge Eiffel Tower – A trendy, family-friendly hotel just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Yooma Urban Lodge offers compact yet cleverly designed rooms (including family and bunk options) at an affordable price.
Moderate: Fleming’s Hotel Frankfurt Main-Riverside – Comfortable modern rooms near the river and market areas, or Hotel Mondschein – A charming, family-run hotel in the heart of Innsbruck’s Old Town, featuring cozy rooms, traditional Austrian decor, and easy access to the Christmas markets, shops, and historic sites.
Luxury: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – Iconic 5-star hotel in the city center, perfect for a festive and luxurious stay, or Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg – Elegant, full-service hotel blending historic charm with modern luxury, featuring refined rooms, fine dining, and a prime location near Nuremberg Castle and Christkindlesmarkt.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Trip?
The best trips start with the right timing, and many of these destinations book far in advance. If you’re thinking about travel in 2026, now is the perfect time to start planning.
I’d love to help you choose the best destination, dates, and itinerary for your travel style. Reach out anytime to start planning your 2026 adventure!
