Explore our top picks for…
Calendar Map
Winter
December – February
Caribbean
Although peak season for the Caribbean is generally December through to early new year, prices and crowds soar. We visited Barbados in November time, and enjoyed plenty of lovely hot days in the Bajan sun with only a smattering of showers!
Explore our guide to the Caribbean here…
Morocco
Morocco is hot throughout the year although the intensity of the sun can be a little overwhelming if you’re trying to explore the cities during Summer. We visited in Spring and, whilst the evenings can be a tad chilly near the Atlas mountains, the weather is much more pleasant. During Winter you can find great discounted flights and accommodation whilst still enjoying the lovely weather.
Mexico
Mexico is such a popular destination for British travellers and one that often makes it onto my shortlist when trying to decide on our next adventure. Although we haven’t made it across the Atlantic yet, the thought of pristine white beaches, Instagrammable cenotes and diving with great white sharks makes it hard to resist.
South Africa
Peak season for South Africa hits around January as the temperature hits peaks of 30 degrees. The region around Cape Town is beautiful during the summer, particularly for exploring the Stellenbosch wine region. Those seeking a safari to see the Big Five should wait a bit later in the year as South Africa’s Winter (June-August) makes for better wildlife viewing.
Although we all like to avoid the cold and snow there are some destinations that are amazing to visit in the Winter months. Wrap up warm and discover magical worlds of snow topped mountains and intricately formed icicles.
Spring
March – May
Thailand
Peak season for lazing on gorgeous Thai beaches is slightly earlier in the year, however those seeking the natural wonders below the water should visit in March as its the perfect time for seeing Mantas and Whale Sharks. Try to avoid the end of Spring though as humidity levels soar and from May onwards the rainy season begins to set in.
Explore our guide to Thailand here…
Tuscany
Outside of Florence lies a rolling land of picturesque hills, dotted with iconic farmhouses and vineyards, through which you can zig zag between charming towns, languidly enjoying the Italian lifestyle. Head for the Val D’Orcia and explore the exquisite medieval towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, whilst of course sampling their delicious local wines!
Istanbul
Similarly to Morocco, Turkey can get incredibly hot in summer with the usual crowds also descending on this increasingly popular city. As with much of southern Europe, the shoulder season brings much smaller crowds and lower prices whilst retaining great weather throughout the city.
Summer
June – August
We generally tend to stay in the UK during our summer – why waste the good weather we get for free? With European beaches rammed with holidaying families and prices to match, we prefer to maximise what we get blessed with in Blighty rather than face the hoards on the Costa del Sol.
UK
As we’ve said we love London in Summer as it really comes alive with the promise of Friday evening Pimms in the city and languid Sunday picnics in Greenwich Park. There might be only a few weeks of good weather but it’s what we spend the other 50-odd weeks of the year waiting for! Outside of the capital, a Summer day in the Sussex countryside or on the Cornish coast really are hard to beat and for those visiting from abroad definitely not one to miss!
Explore some of our favourite London bars and restaurants…
Rwanda
July and August are peak season for Gorilla trekking in the northern Volcanoes National Park, but do not miss out on the highlights of Kigali and Lake Kivu. Other parts of East Africa also see some of their best seasons now, with the Masaai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) both popular safari destinations!
Autumn
September – November
Portugal
As the weather turns colder and the days shorten in the UK, Portugal offers the perfect sunny escape on the Atlantic coast. We explored Lisbon, Sintra and Porto in early October, without a cloud in the sky and lovely temperatures around the high 20s. With incredible culture, and a stunning food and wine scene, the country has everything you need for the perfect escape from the cold winter days!
Explore our guide to Portugal here…
Greece
Greece is another tourist destination often frequented by Brits, particularly the main islands such as Santorini, Kos and Mykonos. Like so much of southern Europe, the weather is still awesome in September / October. Try and take advantage of the regular (and relatively reliable) ferry service and avoid the all- inclusive resorts by escaping the main islands and exploring some of the lesser known islands. My favourites are Leros (55 minutes from Kos with 11 journeys a week) and Folegandros (40 minutes from Santorini, 15 journeys a week).
Canada
Churchill, land of Polar Bears; British Colombia, where grizzly bears roam, Sea Otters float in adorable rafts and whales can be spotted from kayaks! Canada is teeming with some of the world’s most incredible wildlife, alongside breathtaking landscapes unrivalled anywhere in the world. In Autumn the leaves start to change across the national parks providing picture perfect landscapes to explore before the cold Winter sets in.
Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest group of islands in the world. When most tourists visit they fail to escape hectic Bali tending to spend their days relaxingin luxury eco resorts and partying at beach clubs. For something a bit different explore some of the other Indonesian islands – travel to Borneo to seek orangutans, Java for a spot of culture and Komodo to dive amongst gorgeous coral reefs. Autumn is the perfect time to visit as the weather is still great but the crowds are thinning meaning fewer fights over sunbeds!
Explore our guide to Indonesia here…
