Where to Go When: Best Travel Destinations for Every Season

Sometimes timing is simply not on your side. Like when you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway but can’t get any time off until Hurricane season… Or when you’ve finally booked flights for that European family holiday, only to discover that all the hotels and attractions are sold out.

I’m here to tell you that there’s a holiday for every season, and not only that – some destinations truly shine certain months over others! Here are some prime-time vacation spots for each season:

Spring

A fantastic season for travel to so many destinations, spring offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and increased hours of daylight.

While it’s synonymous with rowdy spring-breakers, Cancun is so much more than blaring music and parties. Spring in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region means a combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall and is one of the best times to visit.

Skip the summer crowds and visit the majestic Grand Canyon, with springtime making the Arizona heat much more tolerable. Lookout points are easily accessed without the throngs of visitors that descend on the park in the summer, wanting to marvel at the UNESCO-designated heritage site for themselves. If you’re looking to save on your visit, head to the Grand Canyon during National Park Week in April, when admission fees are waived to every national park in the country.

Summer

A popular time for travel, summer is often when families pack up and go exploring – be it long or short distances.

Vancouver, Canada shines in the summer months, with tourists and locals alike packing beaches, patios, parks, and trails. Visitors can scale the Grouse Grind (affectionately known as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’), go whale watching, take a day trip up to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, or simply stroll the streets in search of their next meal – the restaurants in Vancouver are diverse, delicious, and plentiful!

Summer is an ideal time to visit Bali, Indonesia, due to it being the dry season. Explore the outdoor temples, beaches, and don’t miss Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Nusa Penida. While most travelers stick to stunning and serene beachfront resorts (for good reason!) there’s something for everyone in Bali, including an active volcano in Kintamani, roaring nightlife in Kuta, and luxury wellness resorts.

Fall

Whether you’re staying local or venturing across the world – Fall offers stunning scenery, mild temperatures, and often very few crowds to contend with.

Visiting the Greek islands in early fall (specifically September) means gorgeous weather but without the large crowds. With kids back in school everywhere from North America to continental Europe, there’s plenty of availability at hotels, villas, and restaurants. Consider visiting Naxos, a gem in the Cyclades, where you can go on sailing tours, visit an olive oil press and museum, and spend lazy days under a beach cabana.

For a quintessential tour of fall foliage, you may want to join other autumn-lovers on their pilgrimage to Stowe, Vermont. A classic small town embodying the charm of a Hallmark movie, Stowe is nestled at the base of Vermont’s tallest mountain and delivers a plethora of vibrantly tinged trees and rolling hillside scenery. Go for a scenic drive along the countryside, take in the views on a hike of Stowe Pinnacle, awaken your adrenaline junkie with a zipline through Smuggler’s Notch, or rent a canoe and paddle one of the many lakes, with the bright leaves as your backdrop. Or consider a cruise from New York to Montreal to enjoy the Fall foliage.

Winter

From curling up fireside with a cup of hot cocoa to escaping the cold altogether, there are ample holiday options throughout the winter season!

If you’re looking to escape the cold, Turks & Caicos has warm waters and endless beaches. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures hovering around 80 degrees and still mild enough to lounge by the pool or at the beach. The famous Bahamian festival Junkanoo runs from the end of December to the beginning of January annually – and visiting during this time is a great way to experience the culture and history of the Bahamas.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just interested in the apres-ski festivities, Breckenridge, Colorado delivers. With five hills, 34 lifts, and 187 trails, there’s a run for just about everyone, from the bunny hill to the Inferno, a Double Black Diamond run. Skis or snowboards not your thing? How about mushing a team of sled dogs through a snowy trail, enjoying a Snowcat tour of the trails, snowshoeing under a canopy of trees, or strolling the shops along Main street.

My honest advice to friends and clients is to go wherever you want whenever you can. Don’t wait for the right season or reason to travel. Some of my most memorable travel experiences happened when I chose a destination based on curiosity about a place or culture or event. The perfect trip is the one you take.

Whatever the season, let’s plan a vacation that you’ll never forget!

Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation! Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Header photo by Harry Shum