The Best Places to Travel Every Month of the Year

Don't save all your vacation days for summer. Here's where to travel every month of the year. 

[post_ads_2]

January: Nassau, Bahamas

Nathan Bai/Shutterstock

There's a reason so many people struggle with the winter blues during January. With days that turn into night before you've had time to digest your lunch, frequent snowfall, and chilly weather, the very thought of a beach might make you grin from ear-to-ear. For the idyllic getaway at the start of a new year, consider Nassau, Bahamas with just-about-perfect average temperatures of 72 degrees daily. If the white, sandy beaches and pretty blue waters aren't enough to make you add to your Instagram story, the local seafood and sunsets will take your vacay to the next level of jealousy-inducing. Consider staying at the Grand Hyatt Mar. Here, you can snorkel with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles at its Beach Sanctuary and sample their 20+ culinary offerings ranging from upscale to poolside. You'll come back with a totally zen mindset to jump-start the year. Here are more of our favorite Caribbean destinations.

February: Park City, Utah

Johnny Adolphson/Shutterstock

If you can't beat the cold weather, you might as well join it—on the slopes, we mean. Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in the country, is the place to go to celebrate the best of winter. It has a combined 7,300 acres, over 330 trails, 41 lifts, and terrain parks, so beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders will find something that's just their speed. And with nonstop flights available from every corner of the U.S., it's easy to pop over for a long weekend. Be sure to follow these eight essential rules for exercising in the cold.

[post_ads_2]

March: Gold Coast, New Zealand

Sorang/Shutterstock

If New Zealand has always been on your bucket list, bite the bullet, prep for the long haul, and journey to the other side of the world this March. While the trek is definitely a tough one, when you land in Auckland to explore the North and the South of this one-of-a-kind country, you'll be amazed at both its beauty and wonder. From rolling lush mountains of green as far as you can see to beaches and sunsets that'll take your breath away, there's plenty to experience. Make sure to book a stay at the QT Gold Coast when you're in the area, giving you the opportunity to soak up the ocean and relax before continuing on your journey. As a newly opened hotel with a modern decor, you'll save money too! Don't make these costly mistakes when you're on vacation.

April: Charleston, South Carolina

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

A true gem of the southern region of the United States, Charleston's cobblestone streets, mouthwatering fare, and sweet charm makes for a perfect spring getaway. Just as the cherry blossoms start to bloom and before the humidity makes any hairstyle fall flat, head to this area for a quick getaway that packs in the memories. Consider staying at the French Quarter Inn that offers the opportunity to customize your vacation. Here, they can help plan a city-wide scavenger hunt, charter a private yacht, prepare a low country boil, take a horse drawn carriage, and other South Carolina activities you won't want to pass up. Since this is also the month of the infamous Cooper River Bridge Run, you can also sweat out some of those high-calorie southern dishes and brewskies. When you've had enough of the city life, you can also make a day trip to nearby Hilton Head to soak up the sun while getting started on your latest summer page-turner. It's known for some of the warmest waters on the east coast, so you can even take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Get in the mood with these gorgeous photos of beaches with the clearest water in the world.

[post_ads_2]

May: London

r.classen/shutterstock

In addition to practically unlimited historical sites, the bustling London cityscape also has a burgeoning culinary and cocktail scene and plenty of parks to lounge around in. Stay in the St. James Mayfair neighborhood with charming city squares and lush greenery to get away from the chaos after a day of sightseeing.

June: Los Angeles

Andrew Zarivny/Shutterstock

Home to Hollywood A-listers, sizeable hikes, and plenty of workout classes, Los Angeles is an American city worth visiting at least once. If you can adapt the patience you need to sit through traffic, you'll enjoy walking down Sunset Boulevard, trekking to the Hollywood sign, having brunch, and even catching a wave in the Pacific Ocean. For a great place to lay your tourist-ing head, stay in the trendy neighborhood of West Hollywood at the Andaz. Thanks to its central location, you can easily commute to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, browse stores on Rodeo Drive, and other bucket list sites. With an onsite restaurant and helpful concierge, you won't have to worry about many details of your getaway, and instead, focus on adopting that laid back Cali attitude. It helps the Andaz has the highest rooftop pool in the city, giving you the excuse to spend one day in the sunshine.

[post_ads_2]

July: Bar Harbor, Maine

Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock

As much as you dream of those lazy days of summer, the truth is the hottest season of the year is jam packed with weddings, obligations, and holidays. Set aside a long weekend to set up camp in Bar Harbor, Maine. Right on the southern coast in a peaceful cover that's surrounded by pink granite mountains and scenic cliffs, you can truly get off the grid. Whether you hike the 1.7-mile loop of Great Head with views of the Atlantic Ocean or explore the 45 miles of Acadia National Park by foot, bike, or horseback, you'll feel connected to nature and to one another. Best of all, you can celebrate your explorations with a lobster feast at many local restaurants.

August: Paris

Ioan Panaite/Shutterstock

Bring on the crepes, the wine, the romance and the croissants: Paris is calling your name this August. While it might be a bit toasty, the sunshine beaming off the Eiffel Tower and the easy-to-drink wine at night make for a Parisian summer you simply can't pass up. Plus, practically all the locals are on vacation, so crowds and traffic will be a little lighter. Consider staying at the Hilton Paris Opera for a favorable location that's in the heart of the City of Lights, walkable to the tower itself, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. When you're not busy getting lost in the sophisticated charm of this iconic city, you can enjoy breakfast in bed while overlooking the bustling, pristine streets below. Check out these 19 facts you never knew about the Eiffel Tower.

[post_ads_2]

September: Thailand

Travel mania/Shutterstock

Saddle up for the long journey to Thailand, where tuk-tuks can take you across the city of Bangkok and easy, inexpensive flights or boats can have you island hopping with ease. During September, rainfall starts to teeter off, making it a sunny season to experience the blue waters, the one-of-a-kind street food, and the incomparable sunsets. With plenty of culture and cuisine to soak up and experience, the hardest part of your September vacation to Thailand will be leaving. While you're in Bangkok, splurge and stay at the Mandarin Oriental in the heart of the city, providing an escape from the cluster and traffic of the boisterous city below. And if you're almost-fall vacation is to celebrate an engagement or anniversary, consider Phulay Bay in Krabi, where their suites and villas offer a peaceful, romantic tropical seclusion.

October: Garzon, Uruguay

Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock

If you haven't ventured to South America yet, there's plenty to see, taste, experience, hike, and explore on this continent. During October, many regions feature sunny temperatures that are more mild than humid or rainy, making it a great time of year to venture south. To start your journey, head to Uruguay's wine country in the Instagram-worthy countryside of Garzon. Especially if your first choice of beverage is always vino, you'll love exploring the 205,000-square-foot-winery of Bodega Garzon. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it also features estate-grown, limited-production premium wines and countless opportunities to learn and taste. It helps that it's also a mere 45 minutes from the seaside resort town of Punta del Este that's nicknamed the 'Riviera of Uruguay,' making for a vacation that's both boozy and beachy. Brush up on these wine terms before your trip.

[post_ads_2]

November: Rome

Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

Italy has a way with sweeping tourists off their feet year-round, but for an excursion to its most famous cities, Rome, without the chaotic crowds, book your trip for November. With warm weather and far fewer people than the high season of summer, you can explore St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, and more at your own pace. As you make your way down to Trevi Fountain, sealing your wish for the upcoming year ahead, you'll feel tipsy off your wine from lunch, and full from the pizza you just couldn't pass up. Stay at The Hassler Roma, which sits atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a 360-degree view of this ancient town. Find out all the life lessons we can learn from the Italians.

[post_ads_2]

December: Chicago

MarynaG/Shutterstock

If you're longing for a White Christmas, consider making the trip to Chicago, where the Windy City ups the ante during the most wonderful time of year. As you explore Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Cloud Gate, snap some festive selfies as flakes drift through the sky. Book your stay at the downtown "hotel of presidents," The Blackstone that features views of Lake Michigan. Here, their staff will arrange any tour or reservation you need, all while providing a cozy, welcoming Midwestern temporary home. Don't miss out on jazz in their lobby to really make you feel like you're soaking up the charm of the holidays.

More from Reader's Digest