Over the years, we've learnt that travel timing can absolutely make the difference between a good holiday and an unforgettable one. While many destinations are technically open year-round, some experiences truly shine only during specific seasons: weather, wildlife, local festivals and natural phenomena all play a role in shaping the best time to go.
Planning your trip around these seasonal highlights allows you to see a destination at its absolute best (rather than just ticking it off a list).
Choosing when to travel can also improve value, comfort and overall enjoyment - from alpine landscapes that come alive in summer to northern coastlines that demand calm seas, certain journeys simply work better at the right moment! Whether you are chasing scenery, culture or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, these five trips are at their finest during very particular times of year:
Switzerland is beautiful in any season, but late spring through early autumn offers the most balanced and rewarding experience for most travellers. From May to September, alpine meadows bloom, mountain passes reopen, lakes reflect clear blue skies, while hiking trails, scenic rail routes and outdoor cafés all become accessible again after winter.
This is also the ideal time for travellers exploring scenic Switzerland tour packages, as longer daylight hours allow for relaxed sightseeing and panoramic journeys through the Alps. Snow remains on the highest peaks, adding contrast to green valleys, while temperatures usually stay comfortable rather than extreme. Winter has its own charm, for sure, but summer showcases Switzerland’s landscapes in their most vivid and varied form!
Japan’s cherry blossom season (known as 'sakura') is one of the most time-sensitive travel experiences in the world. Typically occurring between late March and early April, it lasts only a few weeks and varies slightly by region and weather patterns: during this period, parks, temples and riverbanks across the country are almost all transformed by delicate pink blooms.
Choosing when to travel can also improve value, comfort and overall enjoyment - from alpine landscapes that come alive in summer to northern coastlines that demand calm seas, certain journeys simply work better at the right moment! Whether you are chasing scenery, culture or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, these five trips are at their finest during very particular times of year:
1. Switzerland in Late Spring and Summer
Switzerland is beautiful in any season, but late spring through early autumn offers the most balanced and rewarding experience for most travellers. From May to September, alpine meadows bloom, mountain passes reopen, lakes reflect clear blue skies, while hiking trails, scenic rail routes and outdoor cafés all become accessible again after winter.
This is also the ideal time for travellers exploring scenic Switzerland tour packages, as longer daylight hours allow for relaxed sightseeing and panoramic journeys through the Alps. Snow remains on the highest peaks, adding contrast to green valleys, while temperatures usually stay comfortable rather than extreme. Winter has its own charm, for sure, but summer showcases Switzerland’s landscapes in their most vivid and varied form!
2. Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
Japan’s cherry blossom season (known as 'sakura') is one of the most time-sensitive travel experiences in the world. Typically occurring between late March and early April, it lasts only a few weeks and varies slightly by region and weather patterns: during this period, parks, temples and riverbanks across the country are almost all transformed by delicate pink blooms.
Travelling during cherry blossom season offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural tradition. Locals gather for hanami picnics beneath the trees, while historic cities like Kyoto and Tokyo always feel especially atmospheric. Japan's fascinating all year round (believe me, I've been there) but sakura season adds a fleeting, poetic quality that simply cannot be replicated at any other time of year!
Norwegian fjords are dramatic year-round, but summer is when they are most accessible and enjoyable. From June to August, milder temperatures, calmer waters and extended daylight make exploring the region far more comfortable but also exciting than usual: whilst waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to melting snow, the villages along the fjords feel lively rather than dormant.
Small ship cruises through the Norwegian fjords might be your best option: these can navigate narrow waterways and reach quieter ports that larger vessels cannot. Outside summer, weather conditions can be unpredictable and daylight limited, reducing both visibility and flexibility but these months are simply perfect for small ship cruises among the mighty fjords.
Timing is everything when it comes to safari travel. In many parts of Africa, the dry season (typically between June and October) offers the best wildlife viewing: with less vegetation and fewer water sources, animals gather around rivers and watering holes, making them easier to spot.
3. Norwegian Fjords in Summer
Norwegian fjords are dramatic year-round, but summer is when they are most accessible and enjoyable. From June to August, milder temperatures, calmer waters and extended daylight make exploring the region far more comfortable but also exciting than usual: whilst waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to melting snow, the villages along the fjords feel lively rather than dormant.
Small ship cruises through the Norwegian fjords might be your best option: these can navigate narrow waterways and reach quieter ports that larger vessels cannot. Outside summer, weather conditions can be unpredictable and daylight limited, reducing both visibility and flexibility but these months are simply perfect for small ship cruises among the mighty fjords.
4. African Safaris in the Dry Season
Timing is everything when it comes to safari travel. In many parts of Africa, the dry season (typically between June and October) offers the best wildlife viewing: with less vegetation and fewer water sources, animals gather around rivers and watering holes, making them easier to spot.
Road conditions are also better during the dry months, and the risk of malaria is also generally lower in some regions. While green season safaris have their appeal, particularly for birdlife and photography, the dry season delivers the classic safari experience most travellers hope for, with clear sightings and dramatic animal encounters!
New England in the north-eastern United States is synonymous with autumn, and for good reason. From late September to October, the region’s forests explode into colour, with shades of red, orange and gold covering rolling hills and historic towns. Crisp air, harvest festivals and scenic drives make this one of the most visually rewarding times to visit.
Autumn also brings fewer crowds than summer, along with comfortable temperatures for exploring coastal villages, national parks and charming small towns. Outside this short window of time, New England is still appealing, but fall foliage season offers a uniquely picturesque atmosphere that truly defines the region.
Travelling at the right time is about more than weather alone. It affects what you can see, how you move through a destination and how connected you feel to its rhythm. Seasonal travel allows you to experience places as they were meant to be seen, whether that means snow-fed waterfalls, blooming landscapes or thriving wildlife. By aligning your trips with the seasons that suit them best, you'll avoid disappointment and elevate the entire experience.
5. New England in Autumn
New England in the north-eastern United States is synonymous with autumn, and for good reason. From late September to October, the region’s forests explode into colour, with shades of red, orange and gold covering rolling hills and historic towns. Crisp air, harvest festivals and scenic drives make this one of the most visually rewarding times to visit.
Autumn also brings fewer crowds than summer, along with comfortable temperatures for exploring coastal villages, national parks and charming small towns. Outside this short window of time, New England is still appealing, but fall foliage season offers a uniquely picturesque atmosphere that truly defines the region.
Why Seasonal Travel Planning Matters
Travelling at the right time is about more than weather alone. It affects what you can see, how you move through a destination and how connected you feel to its rhythm. Seasonal travel allows you to experience places as they were meant to be seen, whether that means snow-fed waterfalls, blooming landscapes or thriving wildlife. By aligning your trips with the seasons that suit them best, you'll avoid disappointment and elevate the entire experience.
