April is a wet, rainy month in Kenya. The coasts are extremely hot and rainstorms are frequent and steady. Meanwhile, wildlife is tougher to spot on safaris due to thick vegetation and lack of animals visiting water sources. The upshot, however, is that it's a cheap time of year to visit—and there are hardly any tourists. Plus, since rain often only falls in the afternoon, you'll still have time to enjoy the morning hours.
In March, the weather transitions quickly from "hot and dry" to "wet and rainy." The precipitation renders many of Kenya's national parks inaccessible and it becomes harder to book safaris or view wildlife. That said, prices are fantastic this time of year and there are hardly any tourists. Plus, if the rains arrive later in the month as they occasionally do, you can enjoy all the benefits of a March trip without the lousy weather.
February is the dry season in Kenya and, due to the lack of rain, also the high season. The absence of mud and wet soil makes the savannah easy to access and perfect for wildlife safaris. Destinations like Samburu National Reserve and Maasai Mara teem with elephants, zebras, and giraffes, and others while temperatures in the city are warm and pleasant, lingering in the high 70s to mid-80s. Do keep in mind that this is peak season—expect more tourists and higher prices than other times of year.
Due to the dry weather, January is considered high season in Kenya—a great time to spot spectacular wildlife in Maasai Mara or soak up stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park. The temperatures in Nairobi typically hover in the high 70s to mid-80s while coastal towns around Mombasa average about 90°F. It's a fantastic time for hiking, exploring, and safari-going, the only downside being that it tends to be crowded.
We interviewed local experts, scrutinized hundreds of actual trips, and considered the feedback of intrepid travelers in order to put together the very best Spain itineraries for first-time travelers. Plan for five days to two weeks with the itineraries below, all crafted by local travel specialists.
Take a tour through Russia's two capitals, where you will experience the impact of its Soviet history firsthand. Start with a tour of Moscow, before continuing on to St. Petersburg, where you'll find a mix of Eastern and Western influences. Walk through the medieval halls of the Kremlin, explore Moscow's palatial metro stations built under Stalin's rule, stand on the decks of the Aurora Cruiser that played an important role in the 1917 Russian Revolution, and more.
Get a crash course in Russia's multi-faceted identity and history on this tour of its two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This highlights tour will take you to the places you've read about in the books, as well as those known only to locals. Tour the medieval fortress of the Kremlin, view world-famous art in the ornate halls of the Hermitage Museum, shop like a local at GUM and the Eliseevsky Supermarket, and more.
On this three-week tour, enjoy waterfalls and hot springs, take bicycle tours, climb a mountain, go snorkeling, and spend plenty of time relaxing on gorgeous beaches on Bali, Lombok, and tiny Gili Air. There will be plenty of sights and activities included every day, but also enough downtime to relax around hotel pools and spend quality family time together.
In just five days you can experience the highlights of Lithuania on tours of its historic cities, country villages, and stunning coastline. It begins in Old Town Vilnius, the nation's capital, and from there you'll travel to rural castles and scenic lakes. After enjoying some time on the Baltic coast, you'll return to Vilnius but not before stopping at a historic Catholic pilgrimage site.
When it comes to planning the perfect Iceland itinerary, we have you covered. Our researchers scouted the island, our Iceland experts chipped in, and then we asked travelers themselves what cool sights and chill activities most thrill them. Then we assessed how much time most travelers are likely to have. We put all these ingredients together to come up with a satisfying hlaðborð (smorgasbord) of itineraries. Read on for our top recommendations for itineraries of 5, 7, 10, and 14 days.
Venice is justifiably one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, with a charming combination of scenic beauty and cultural treasures. But, with immense popularity comes the problem of overtourism. To have the most enjoyable experience in Venice while minimizing your imprint on the local people and surroundings, it's advisable to visit outside the peak season. Read on to find out when is the best time of year to visit Venice.
Normandy offers beautiful beaches and mild temperatures, a lovely combination. In spring, especially later in the season, expect beautiful flowers, sunny days, and manageable crowds, making it one of the nicest times to visit. The pleasant summer weather brings big crowds, especially paired with the D-Day commemorations in June, while autumn is rainy and winter is quiet. Read on for advice and information on the best times of the year to visit Normandy.
It's Christmas, the weather is warm, and Brazil comes alive in December like no other month. Visit Gramado—the Chrismas Capital of Brazil—to see the great Christmas Parade, a spectacular light show, ice skaters, and acrobats. Head to the Lapa district in Rio de Janeiro, where Christmas markets fill the streets, then celebrate New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach with the spectacular Reveillon Carnival. Keep reading to find out why December is a magical month to visit Brazil.
November in Brazil is still low season, but as the weather warms you can enjoy hiking, beach time, and sightseeing without worrying about getting lost in the crowds. Head to Salvador de Bahia and stroll around All Saints Bay, take a day trip to Chapada Diamantina National Park, and enjoy whale watching in Florianopolis. Get adventurous and try windsurfing or kiteboarding in Natal and Fortaleza, or visit the Botanical Garden in Rio to admire 6,000 species of plants, including 900 different species of palms.
It's the shoulder season in Brazil, and one of the best times to visit. October is the tail end of winter in Brazil, with warming weather and dry, sunny days throughout the country. It's a good time to head to the Green Coast beautiful Ilha Grande and visit some of the most famous beaches in Brazil, hike through forest trails, or embark on a riverboat cruise on the Manaus river. Enjoy October celebrations such as the Oktober Fest in Blemau, and watch films across the city of Rio de Janeiro at the Rio International Film Festival.
September in Brazil is shoulder season, and one of the best months to visit. It's winter in the southern hemisphere, with some cities (like Curitiba) seeing snowfall. Visit the winter capital of Brazil—Gramado—and hike through the mountainous city of Petrópolis. It's dry this month in the rainforest, so consider a trip to the Amazon to see wildlife. You might link together a visit to several cities with a trip to the Pantanal to make the most of the off-season prices. Read on to learn why September is one of the best months to visit Brazil.
August is the dry season in Brazil, which means sightseeing, beach time, and jungle exploration. Head to Salvador da Bahia to see its 17th- and 18th-century living museum, hike through white dunes and turquoise lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, or visit Santa Catarina to see right whales migrating. August brings big festivals (like Bumba Meu Boi in São Luís), ideal conditions for wildlife viewing in the Pantanal, and sunshine to the coastal cities. Read on for more travel tips if you're visiting Brazil in August.
July in Brazil brings wildlife watching and adventures in the Amazon, with jaguars making frequent appearances in the open wildlife area of Pantanal. Hikers will especially enjoy mountain areas like the Serra Gaúcha, Rio Grande do Sul, and Gramado. Rio de Janeiro is warm and sunny, and prime national parks and recreation areas this month include Tijuca and Campos do Jordão. Read on for more travel tips and advice for visiting Brazil in July.
June is an exciting month in Brazil. The famous June festivals take place across the country, and you can join celebrations in São Luís, Salvador, and Recife. Attend the world's largest Pride Festival in beautiful São Paolo and experience amazing parades, colors, and joyful spirit. Go climbing in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park and visit Brazil's most intriguing sand dune region in the Lencóis Maranhenses National Park, and celebrate Brazilian Valentine's Day—Dia Dos Namorados.
May in Brazil opens the doorway to the mighty Amazon and wildlife in Pantanal. Warm weather brings excellent hiking opportunities and city exploration time. Go on a boat cruise on the Amazon River, watch squirrel monkeys hanging in the trees, and spot a jaguar or two on a safari tour. Visit the Shell Open Air theatre in Rio de Janeiro and watch a movie on the world's biggest open-air cinema screen. Read on for travel tips for traveling to Brazil in May.
Easter brings parades and energy to Brazil from the beginning to the middle of the month. Mild weather makes this period excellent for hiking and city adventures, and it is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing, culture, and art in cities such as São Paulo. Check out the International Art Festival of São Paulo and head to Ouro Preto to attend one of the best Easter celebrations in Brazil. Continue to the world's largest wetland and wildlife haven—Pantanal, which begins its best season in April.
March brings big crowds and a dynamic, joyful vibe to Brazil with Carnival season and Holy Week, along with quieter beach time and sightseeing. No matter if the festivities take place during the month or not, it is a great month to visit and enjoy culture, hiking, and sun. It's a great time to visit the Iguaçu Falls, which are swollen with water after the summer rains, go on a hiking tour in Fernando de Noronha, or visit São Paulo to enjoy warm weather, culture, and nightlife. Keep reading to find out why March is a great month to visit Brazil.
February in Brazil means one thing: Carnival season. Colorful parades and street parties are held across the country, while cities like Rio de Janeiro put on spectacular city-wide shows. Don't miss the Galo da Madrugada in Recife—an epic parade and the biggest street party in the world. In the north, warm weather makes February an ideal time for sightseeing in São Luis and Fortaleza. In the south, conditions are perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
The weather is at its warmest in January, and it's a great time to visit if you want to spend time enjoying the country's many beaches. Visit the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, try windsurfing in São Miguel do Gostoso, and look for jaguars in the Amazon as you canoe through the flooded rainforest. Stroll around the streets of the charming old town in Salvador and experience the city's African-Brazilian culture or learn how to surf in Fortaleza — Brazil's fifth-biggest city.
South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger safaris in winter, Hermanus whale watching in spring, Cape Town beaches in the summer, and Franschoek wine in the fall. Visit during spring or autumn when the weather is predictable and mild, wildlife is active, and there are fewer crowds. Read on for advice on South Africa's weather, unmissable events, and travel tips.
With two days to spend on the French Riviera, stick to a couple of key destinations, like Cannes and Nice or Saint-Tropez. You can add some time sailing around islands or hiking in the Alps if you have three to five days, and if you have around a week, detour to Provence. Those with 10 or more days to spend have lots of options, whether you want to slow down and experience the region at a slower pace or add it on to a wide-ranging trip around France. Read on for advice on how many days to spend on the French Riviera.
Some of the best hiking, cycling, and skiing in the world can be found in the Dolomites, a portion of the Alps that crosses northern Italy. Even with 24 hours, there are great outdoor options, like day hikes in the gorgeous Ampezzo Valley. Come for three days and combine hiking with cycling for tours of remote prairies, glaciers, and limestone peaks. With a week you can cycle and hike from one side of the region to the other, stopping at high-altitude lakes, charming mountain towns, funky art installations, and relaxing day spas along the way.
Medellín, the capital of Colombia's Antioquia region, is perfect for a quick vacation—you can see the highlights, like Plaza Botero and the hip El Poblado neighborhood, in just 24 hours. Come for two or three days, and you can visit museums and botanical parks, plus ride a gondola high into the hillside comunas. With four to five days, the entire region opens up for a trip to the colorful country town of Guatapé to see its famous granite monolith, El Peñol.
This easy week-long itinerary lets you experience some of Costa Rica's finest national parks and natural areas. Spot turtles on the beach at the Tortuguero National Park; hike, swim, canoe or cycle in the Arenal Volcano National Park, with the mighty volcano as your backdrop; learn about one of Costa Rica's most important crops, coffee, at a plantation, and much more. Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this varied tour, which packs a lot into a week.
This eight-day discovery tour of Lombok and the Secret Gili Islands is perfect for adventure-seekers who are short on time. Immerse yourself in the Sasak culture and wisdom with visits to local villages before exploring the untouched beauty of Bali's lesser-visited neighbor, with trips to secluded waterfalls in the jungle, remote beaches, and quiet, untouristed islands.
This 14-day island-hopping trip offers equal parts exploration and relaxation. Uncover the history and culture of Sri Lanka, a jewel of the Indian Ocean, from ancient rock fortresses and historical capital cities to quiet tea plantations and national parks home to elephants and other endangered wildlife. You'll spend some time unwinding on the beaches of Unawatuna before heading to the capital city of Colombo to catch your flight to the Maldives. You'll spend the last few days of the trip snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying epic sunsets in this island paradise.
Whitewater rafting, hiking, archery lessons: the whole family will enjoy an active exploration of Western Bhutan on this 10-day itinerary. Highlights include the uphill climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, a rafting trip down the Punakha River, and an overnight stay with a Bhutanese family in their farmhouse. With a mix of cultural education and outdoor adventure, this lively trip is wonderful for travelers of all ages.
Journey through the heart of Sri Lanka on this 14-day loop around the island. Start your trip in the capital city of Colombo, then move on to Adam's Peak for an unforgettable early morning hike with sunrise views from the summit of the sacred mountain. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll learn about tea production, then take an epic train ride to Kandy. Travel back in time to the historical sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mihintale, and Anuradhapura, stop to see elephants in Minneriya National Park, and end up on the beautiful sandy beaches of Kalpitiya, where the trip finishes.
Discover the many sides of Thailand on this two-week tour, from Bangkok's busy streets to the spiritual north to the south's beautiful beaches. Start your adventure in the cosmopolitan capital before heading to Chiang Mai and Pai. Connect with nature at an elephant sanctuary, visit hill tribes, ride a bamboo raft through a cave, and then fly south to the sleepy fishing village of Khanom before ending your journey in the island paradise of Ko Samui.
The 12-day itinerary includes some of the South Island's greatest experiences. It begins in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, and ends in Queenstown, near the bottom. Between these two towns you'll get the chance to try some of New Zealand's finest wine in its largest wine-producing region, Marlborough; spot whales in Kaikoura; see glaciers and glacial lakes at Mt. Cook; cruise on iconic Milford Sound; try adventure sports in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown; and much more.
While many tours of Kenya focus on the country's spectacular wildlife, few offer a deep dive into East African culture. This lively two-week tour does both. Learn about the history behind the so-called "cradle of humankind" by visiting Kenya's top museums and cultural sites, including the Nairobi National Museum, the Karen Blixen House, and the Baden-Powell Museum. Then get out and explore the country's famous landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley, Amboseli National Park, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Embark on a quick-yet-adventurous five-day tour of Northern Peru’s highlights. Upon arrival in Jaen, head to Chachapoyas, your home base throughout the journey. Hike to the Mausoleum of Revash, followed by a visit to Musuem Mallqui, which is home to more than 200 preserved mummies. Then, take a day trip to discover the Kuélap ruins for a day of exploration. The grand finale includes a scenic hike to one of the highest waterfalls in the world—Gocta Waterfall—before flying to Lima for your departure.
From the Renaissance jewel of Florence to the vistas of the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, spend a week discovering central Italy's medieval hilltop towns and vineyard-strewn landscapes with this gentle Tuscan walking tour. Hike through undulating hills dotted with cypress trees to some of the area's iconic towns, including Radda in Chianti and Pienza, before finishing with a well-deserved glass of wine in beautiful Montepulciano.
In just over one week, explore the best of Northern Peru. Begin in Cajamarca and head to the archaeological site of Cumbemayo, then explore a pre-Incan cemetery. Next, drive to Leymebamba, take a woodworking class, and visit a museum that houses 200 mummies, followed by a visit to the Mausoleums of Revash. Tour the Kuélap ruins, check out the Sarcophagi of Karajia funeral statues, explore the Amazonas region of Chiclayo, and more.
Explore the culture and archaeology of Northern Peru on this eight-day adventure. Discover La Ruta Moche, the “road” along the northern coast of Peru, which includes the kingdoms of Moche, Chimu, and Lambayeque, with impressive archaeological sites that are among the most famous in South America. See a horse show, take a city tour, and visit the temples and Chan Chan in Trujillo. Then, check out the Archaeological Complex and the Museum of the Lady Cao in El Brujo. Spend time learning about Sican culture, and head to Túcume to enjoy traditional activities after visiting the iconic pyramids.
Explore the natural wonders of the Calamian archipelago on this six-day snorkeling trip. You'll begin on Coron Island, the third-largest of the Calamian islands and a snorkeling hotspot teeming with marine life. After exploring World War II-era shipwrecks and reefs, you'll transfer to Pass Island, snorkel at Smith Point Coral Garden, and swim at Barracuda Lake. Then, go on one last snorkeling adventure in Siete Pecados Marine Park before spending one last night in a beach cottage.
Experienced divers can experience the Philippines' vibrant marine biodiversity, colorful reefs, and white-sand beaches on this exciting nine-day itinerary. Begin your trip with an easy dive off the coast of Panglao Island before exploring underwater caves and reefs off Balicasag Island. See camouflaged creatures like octopi and frogfish in the volcanic sands of Dumaguete, spot huge schools of jackfish and barracuda near Apo Island, and go wall diving in Moalboal before ending your trip on Malapascua.
December on the Galápagos means two things: Christmas and sea turtles. It's during December that baby Galapágos giant tortoises see light for the first time and Galápagos green sea turtles accompany you on your snorkeling adventures. With a perfect blend of warming weather, cultural activities, and abundant wildlife, December is one of the best months to visit the Galápagos—which also makes it one of the busiest. Visitors during this month will experience the landscapes coming to life after the rains, and if you stick around for Christmas or New Year's Eve, you'll experience a holiday that's entirely unique.
November's cool weather and off-season quiet make it an excellent month to enjoy unique water activities and sightseeing. Swim with playful seal and sea lion pups as they enter the waters for the first time and enjoy snorkeling through volcanic tunnels at Los Tuneles. Visit Fernandina Island and share underwater space with penguins and marine iguanas, walk through swathes of pahoehoe lava flows in Sullivan Bay, and look for several different breeding bird species. Read on for more travel tips and advice for visiting the Galapagos in December.
October brings impressive scenery of the Galápagos Islands, and it is the prime time to catch beautiful sunrises and dramatic sunsets. The transition from colder to warmer waters creates the opportunity to see some of the best wildlife of the year. You can still spot dolphins and whales, swim with sea turtles and penguins, and watch for cute sea lions and sea fur pups. It is a quiet month with lower prices, mild weather, and fewer crowds. October is perfect for couples as well as nature lovers and animal explorers. Keep reading to find out why October is a fantastic month to visit.
September on the Galápagos is perfect for enjoying the low season's tranquillity, lower prices, and particularly active wildlife. The Galápagos fur seals arrive during this month, sharing space with the cute sea lions and their pups. Visit Isabela Island to see them mating, being lazy on the pavements, and taking up space on the beaches. It is also the season of the penguins, and the last chance to see the humpback whales. Snorkel with penguins around Bartolóme Island and hike to Pinnacle Rock to enjoy beautiful sea views. Read on to find out why September is an excellent month to visit the Galápagos.
August is high season in the Galápagos, and for good reason: marine life is abundant, the weather is great, and it's summer vacation for families in the Northern Hemisphere. This month is perfect for families, as well as adventure seekers. The whale-watching is superb during this month, and plenty of other marine species—such as dolphins and curious sea lions—are active as well. Galápagos hawks make their appearance, as do giant tortoises and lava lizards. Book in advance, especially for cruises, and pack warm clothing, as night can be chilly and windy. Keep reading to find out why August is one of the best months to visit the Galápagos.
July is the middle of the high season in the Galápagos, with many international and Ecuadorian families traveling to the islands during this time. Visitors during this month will enjoy colder waters, abundant marine life, and incredible birdwatching. It is the perfect time to travel with family, enjoy hiking, dive with sharks and whales, and go snorkeling among crustaceans and mollusks. Lazy sea lions and their pups will welcome you around the islands, and you will see blue-footed boobies go about their days. Keep reading for travel advice for visiting the Galápagos in July.
June on the Galápagos Islands is the start of the winter season, meaning cooler weather, clear water, and an uptick in marine wildlife activity. You'll see endemic bird species (like the colorful greater flamingo and frigatebird), go swimming with sharks, and snorkel with particularly active marine life. If you like being active on your vacation, June is an excellent time to visit for whale watching, diving, kayaking, and mountain biking. Since it's high season, you'll want to book a few months ahead.
May on the Galápagos Islands is shoulder season, with lower prices and quieter beaches. The sea is cold and clear during the month, which means the snorkeling is at its best. Take the boat to Santa Cruz Island to spot young land iguana hatchlings and visit the port of Puerto Ayora, where Galápagos sea lions take their afternoon siestas on the benches. Read on for travel advice and suggestions for visiting the Galápagos in May.
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