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Julia van der Sluis

Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the taste for international travel started young, and I made a point to study and work abroad to subsist in new and exciting cultures. From the Costa del Sol in southern Spain to the buzzing city of Seoul, South Korea, to my own backyard, I continue to enjoy "traveling" through crafting destination-specific content to inspire you to plan your next adventure.

An Amsterdam canal in spring
Best Time of Year to Visit the Netherlands

A country that can be visited any time of year, the Netherlands is best explored in the spring. The weather is brighter and warmer, and those iconic tulip bulbs are blooming. Yet with more than 400 museums showcasing renowned artworks, there’s something to see in every season. Not to mention, a coastal holiday in the summer, a cycling excursion in the fall, or, if you're lucky, an ice-skating outing on a frozen canal in the winter.

The historic Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) in Avignon
Best Time of Year to Visit Provence

The shoulder season months of May and September are the best times to visit Provence if you like warm weather, clear skies, and beaches without the throngs of tourists. But for travelers who can handle the crowds and surging prices, the summer (June to August) is a close second, as the lavender fields are in full bloom, and the French Riviera is open for business. If you're here in winter (December to February), enjoy a ski holiday in the Southern Alps or stick to the coast for wild carnival celebrations.

Château de Villandry on a cloudy spring day
Best Time of Year to Visit France

France offers year-round appeal, whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free escape. The winter months (December to February) are great for a ski holiday and cultural exploration, while the summer (June to August) is the busiest and priciest time of year due in part to its great weather. However, the best time to visit France is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is warm, and the crowds are manageable.

Listen to a Puccini opera with views over Lago di Massaciuccoli in Torre del Lago
Tuscany in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Tuscany, like most of the country, is hot and crowded. It's the peak of tourist season, but this monthly guide can point you in the right direction—to less-crowded beaches and cooler locales.

Ston's walls and waterfront on the Pelješac peninsula
Croatia in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June marks the beginning of the high season as crowds start to head to the coast, particularly to Dubrovnik. As the sun and sea are inviting, now is a good time for outdoor activities and watersports, though price bargains have all but disappeared. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Croatia this month.

Sunrise over Ljubljana's Tromostovje (Triple Bridge)
Slovenia in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Travelers to Slovenia in March will catch the earliest glimpses of spring and, with that, longer daylight hours and slightly warmer weather. This is a great month to hit the slopes, explore the cities, and experience uncrowded popular attractions. Read this monthly guide to learn more.