The Best Times of Year to Travel Anywhere

Mark Jackson — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 17:00:04 +0000

Sometimes, it's a bit of a hassle getting a trip together. Whether it be work, school, or social schedules, a family planning on traveling domestically or abroad may find it impossible to do so. And, worse, once you get to where you thought your dream vacation should be, is virtually shut down because of "low season."

Truth is, any time of year is a great time to travel — you just need to know where to go, when. (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)

Winter

Beaches, of course, both north and south of the equator, will be popular, but you can also escape the crowds and still have a great time.

Europe

If you are thinking about Europe, think again. While the summer crowds for popular sights in Western Europe will be gone, the weather will be cold and rainy across most of the continent. The only place that I would recommend traveling to would be the ski towns of Europe, in the Pyrenees and Alps. These winter months are great for skiing, and is considered "high" season.

Asia

To avoid the summer heat, why not Southeast Asia? Notoriously humid, countries like Thailand and Cambodia cool down considerably, and are out of the monsoon season during the winter months

Africa

Beach season hasn't arrived yet in Northern Africa during the winter, but if you were wanting to backpack through the desert or check out the Pyramids of Egypt, the winter would be an excellent time to cross the Mediterranean. Further south, crossing the Equator, the high season in South Africa has arrived, and the beautiful beaches are full. I would avoid the East Coast of Africa, which can see cyclones during this time of year.

The Americas

South America is great during this time. The Caribbean coast of the continent is cooled off from the summer heat, and Argentina and Chile are in the midst of their summer seasons. Virtually the entire continent is open for business during this time!

Spring

If you can get the kids out of school early, spring is a wonderful time to travel.

Europe

This is a great time of year to visit Europe, and especially if you can push the trip to as close to summer as possible. The crowds have yet to descend upon the cramped continent, and the summer weather is beginning to come back. In the south of Spain and Portugal, summer-like weather abounds.

Asia

The only places in Asia that may be decent this time of year are in North Asia, especially Japan, which experiences its famed cherry blossoms during this time. China also experiences pleasant weather during the springtime.

Africa

Central African nations are good to visit this time of year, since the heat of summer has yet to arrive. Island countries in the Indian Ocean like Reunion are also very pleasant in the spring.

The Americas

Central America and the Caribbean are still open for business, as springtime is right before the rainy season and hurricanes, which are definitely to be avoided. Baja Mexico and its Pacific coast are also good to go.

Summer

Everyone is on the road during summer, which means plenty of options, and unfortunately, plenty of other travelers.

Europe

If you can handle the crowds (and a little heat), summer in Europe is a delight. If you plan on hitting Iceland during your travels, I would recommend going now, with temperatures in very comfortable ranges and almost 24 hours of daylight!

Asia

Tourist season is certainly up in Asia, despite the heat. Indonesia's weather is quite nice during this time of year, so maybe meet up with some of your other backpacker friends and have some fun! It is monsoon season, though, which I wouldn't want to be a part of!

Africa

I would stick with Northern Africa during the summer, as the beaches can be quite nice this time of year.

The Americas

In South America, check out the Andean highlands of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, which are quite pleasant this time of year (I've been).

Fall

Moderate temperatures and sometimes unpredictable weather make fall a comfortable and thrilling time to travel.

Europe

Deep in the Mediterranean, you can still find swimmable weather in Sicily, Malta, and Ibiza/Mallorca in Spain. Everywhere else may be a bit cold, but ski season should be open by late November in the Alps.

Asia

Autumn is a particularly amazing time to visit South Korea when the leaves change. Hong Kong's notoriously humid weather has given way to quite a temperate climate. And, don't forget about usually steamy Singapore.

Africa

It's shoulder-season in Morocco, and empty of tourists if you want to see the sights on a budget. In Mali and Mauritania, river cruises make for a good vacation at this time.

The Americas

In the Americas, Central America is still in the rainy season, but Costa Rica's temperatures and prices might be good at this time. In the USA, the South is great this time of year, and the beaches are still open in Miami.

When's your favorite time of year to travel? Where do you go? Please share in comments.

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This article is from Mark Jackson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

off season travel

The Best Times of Year to Travel Anywhere

Winter

Europe

Asia

Africa

The Americas

Spring

Europe

Asia

Africa

The Americas

Summer

Europe

Asia

Africa

The Americas

Fall

Europe

Asia

Africa

The Americas

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