There are many attractive locations to visit throughout the year, ranging from tropical resorts to cultural centres and areas known for their festive decorations. However, with such a wide variety of destinations, events, and activities to choose from, deciding where to go can be daunting. To help narrow down the options, this guide explores the top places to visit and the best times to go for truly memorable experiences. In the third edition of my monthly travel guide, you will find my personal recommendations for each month of the year.
January. Cruising Caribbean
January is an ideal time for a Caribbean cruise, particularly to the Antilles. However, with so many options to choose from, first-time visitors to the region can easily feel a bit overwhelmed. Each island in the Lesser Antilles has its own unique appeal. Guadeloupe boasts lush forests and mangroves, while Barbados enchants with its golden beaches and rich colonial heritage. Saint Lucia offers a dramatic landscape dominated by the Pitons, Grenada delights with its fragrant spices, and St Vincent & the Grenadines features beautiful gardens and cascading waterfalls. Martinique is known for its flowers, rum, and coffee. The MSC Virtuosa is a luxurious cruise ship with multiple restaurants and bars, swimming pools, and a wide range of entertainment options. Its most striking feature is the 112-metre promenade, topped by a stunning LED sky dome, which serves as the social heart of the vessel. Each deck is named after a musical instrument, reflecting the ship’s namesake, Virtuosa.
February. Paris
Many people typically think of visiting Paris in the spring or summer, but February can also be a great time to go. The city is less crowded, hotel prices are lower, and the weather is usually mild. If you are planning a trip to Paris, consider this one-day Paris itinerary, which includes a visit to the Le Train Bleu restaurant at Paris-Lyon Station, the iconic Opéra Garnier, the famous Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, the historic Hôtel de la Marine, and the charming Petit Palais.
March. Guangzhou
Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is a major commercial centre in South China and serves as the capital and largest city of Guangdong Province in southeastern China. With a population of nearly 19 million, it is currently the third-largest city in China, after Beijing and Shanghai. Once the capital of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, the city boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years and has long been a prominent trading hub with the West. Today, Guangzhou is renowned for its blend of historical and modern sights, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. As a key economic and trading centre in southern China, the city is particularly famous for the Canton Fair. Known as the Flower City, Guangzhou has a long-standing tradition of flower growing and appreciation, with the kapok flower, which blooms in March, designated as the municipal flower.
Feel free to explore my one-week Guangzhou itinerary to enjoy the highlights of this dynamic city and its surrounding attractions.
April. Sicily
April is a great time to visit Sicily for sightseeing. During this month, the temperatures are pleasant, the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer months. When exploring the island, be sure to visit Palermo, Agrigento, Catania, and Taormina. Palermo, the largest city in Sicily, offers a captivating and surprising experience with its blend of history, culture and folklore. Agrigento is famous for the UNESCO-recognised Valley of the Temples, which reflects the city’s ties to the classical world. Catania, located at the foot of Mount Etna, is renowned for its distinctive Sicilian Baroque architecture. To fully appreciate its charm, consider taking a self-guided walking tour of Catania’s city centre to explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed urban areas.
May. Victoria Falls and Botswana
The primary purpose of my trip was to visit Victoria Falls and explore the surrounding area, which is why I chose the Intrepid Botswana Highlights tour. Victoria Falls is formed by the Zambezi River flowing over a basalt rock ledge and cascading 108 metres into a whirlpool, making it the world’s largest waterfall. Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the “Smoke that Thunders”, the roar of the falls can be heard up to 40 kilometres away – a truly awe-inspiring experience that every traveller should see at least once. Choosing the best time to visit Victoria Falls can be tricky, as weather conditions differ from year to year. Ideally, you want neither too much nor too little water. In May 2025, there was slightly too much water, but in years with lower rainfall, the falls could be at their best. 
The Botswana Highlights tour, which starts and ends in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and passes through Namibia’s Caprivi region, showcases the natural and cultural attractions of Botswana. Staying in a lodge overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, spotting hippos in the Chobe River, and paddling through the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe were among the highlights of the tour. The Chobe National Park Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive was a particular favourite. For anyone seeking a blend of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultures, this trip is hard to beat.
June. Lyon and the surrounding areas
During my one-week trip, I visited Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry, and Annecy. Lyon offers a unique French experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions of Paris, allowing visitors to wander historic streets, uncover hidden gems, and savour its delicious cuisine. Grenoble, known as the “Capital of the Alps”, is a historic city with landmarks such as the Grenoble Bastille and a vibrant cultural scene. Chambéry, often seen as a hidden gem in the French Alps, is notable for its history as the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy. Annecy captivates visitors with its Alpine scenery and medieval architecture, with the pristine Lac d’Annecy providing the perfect setting for water sports, lakeside picnics, and boat rides.
July. Manors in Lithuania
I have a strong appreciation for manors as beautiful examples of historic architecture, as well as for their lovely parks and the glimpses they offer into the past. I make an effort to visit manors as often as I can. Here, I'm going to present a list of ten impressive manor houses in Lithuania that you may wish to consider including in your future travel plans to the country. Among them, Raudondvaris Manor, dating back to the 17th century, stands out.
Located just 9 kilometres from Kaunas on the Nevėžis River, its main building is a castle with a tower. The estate also includes a 3.8-hectare park. Another notable manor is the Užutrakis Estate in Trakai, situated on a peninsula between lakes Galvė and Skaistis. The manor house, park, and outbuildings together make up this well-preserved estate. 
Lastly, Pakruojis Manor, in the northern part of Lithuania, is the largest complex of manor buildings in the country. This 19th-century Classical-style manor is situated amid 48 hectares of gardens, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely walks.
Visitors can also participate in traditional Lithuanian workshops and learn crafts such as weaving and pottery.
August. Estonia
Many travellers start their journey in Estonia by visiting Tallinn, drawn by its quaint medieval appearance and rich history. However, the country offers much more beyond its capital, as demonstrated by the variety of day trips available from Tallinn. These excursions allow visitors to explore various national parks with diverse landscapes, including forests, bogs, waterfalls, and scenic spots along the Baltic coast. This particular day trip is perfect for anyone interested in both history and nature, comprising visits to former manor houses, monastery ruins, the Rummu Quarry, coastal cliffs, and other scenic and historic sites.
For those with additional time, a visit to Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, is also recommended.
September. Mangistau
The Mangystau region, also known as Mangistau, lies in the southwest of Kazakhstan, to the east of the Caspian Sea. Its capital is Aktau, formerly known as Shevchenko, and it is often referred to as the “Sea Gates of Kazakhstan”. Covering an area of 165,600 square kilometres, the region is roughly twice the size of Austria. Mangystau is a major industrial centre, responsible for a quarter of Kazakhstan’s oil production, making it one of the country’s most prosperous regions. Yet despite this, the region’s remarkable natural beauty – including dramatic canyons, sheer cliffs, and towering mountains – is often overlooked. The landscape of Mangystau evokes a bygone era, with wild horses and camels roaming freely across vast, arid steppes that meet rugged mountains beneath endless skies. Human presence is minimal, allowing nature to reign supreme. Personally, I find this region one of the most captivating places on Earth, offering a sense of isolation that feels like stepping into another world. For those seeking a truly unique and extraordinary experience, a visit to Mangystau is highly recommended.
October. Slovenia
Slovenia offers a diverse range of attractions, including beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, and medieval towns. Visitors can explore a wealth of architectural landmarks, museums, and art galleries, as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports, cave exploration, and zip-lining. Thanks to the country’s compact size, it is easy to combine city life in Ljubljana with nearby natural wonders, making Slovenia an ideal travel destination. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit Slovenia, as the foliage changes to vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange across the country. With fewer tourists around, it is also a great opportunity to experience popular attractions without the crowds.
November. Valencia
Valencia in November has a special charm, with its warm sunshine, quiet plazas, and authentic local atmosphere. During my visit in November 2025, I was impressed by the city’s peaceful yet lively ambience. Founded in 138 BC by the Romans, Valencia is a blend of Roman, Visigothic, Muslim, and medieval influences, evident in iconic monuments like the Silk Exchange and the Cathedral. The city balances its historic past with modern constructions, most notably the City of Arts and Sciences. Architecture enthusiasts should not miss landmarks such as the Convention Centre and the Veles e Vents building. Be sure to explore the Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter Martyr, known as the “Valencian Sistine Chapel”, and discover its Gothic and Baroque architecture through the unique The Light of Saint Nicholas exhibit. If you have time, take a day trip to Gandia.
December. Bucharest
If you've ever wandered through Bucharest in the spring, you might be tempted to return in December for a completely different experience. Bucharest in December is a festive, culturally rich, and affordable destination. The city features cosy markets, concerts, and a charming old town. Therme Bucharest is a popular attraction open all year. Visitors can spend a relaxing day at Europe’s largest indoor wellness and entertainment centre, with pools, saunas, waterslides, and more. Different areas within Therme Bucharest cater to families, adults seeking relaxation, and those looking for a premium spa experience. 
The Romanian Athenaeum, a famous cultural landmark, hosts concerts and events for art lovers. The Bucharest Christmas Market in Constitution Square is unmissable, featuring festive stalls and a large Christmas tree. 
The Romanian Palace of the Parliament, celebrated for its grandeur and historical significance, offers guided tours that should be booked in advance. Additionally, the Cotroceni Palace serves as the official residence of the President of Romania and houses the National Cotroceni Museum, which showcases the country's royal history.
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What did you think? What is your favourite month to travel? Where do you go then? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.
Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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