WHERE TO GO IN 2025
12 Destinations at Their Best: One For Each Month
With a new year on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning your travels with intention. Maybe you want to visit a destination that usually feels overrun but transforms in its quieter months, or you’re ready to skip the “hot list” entirely in favor of something that maybe isn't 'trending.' Either way, timing is everything.
Why does it matter? It’s not just about avoiding crowds or saving money—though those can be nice perks. The real magic is in experiencing a place when it feels alive, when the landscape shifts with the season, or the locals have time to connect. This list highlights destinations for you to consider this year (or next for those needing lots of advance planning) at their best moments, from festivals and harvests to hidden seasonal perks. We think they're in the perfect moment for your visit.
Here’s where to go each month and a few of our favorite stays once you're there.
January – Japan
Japan is having a moment. And there's no better time to avoid its high seasons. Japan in January is pure serenity. Snow blankets the mountains, creating dreamy vistas, while cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa settle into a peaceful rhythm. It’s the perfect time for soaking in an onsen, wandering through quiet temples, or savoring steaming bowls of ramen. Hokkaido offers some of the best skiing in the world, and across the country, prices are often lower, making this magical destination a bit easier on your wallet. Tip: Plan your Japan trip 6–12 months in advance.
Where to Stay: Azumi Setoda for a modern ryokan experience, Beniya Mukayu Ryokan for zen calm in Ishikawa, and Zaborin for affordable access to stunning slopes.
Photo Credit Zaborin
February – Argentina
Late February finds Argentina in its sweet spot. The holiday crowds are gone, but the summer warmth lingers. Mendoza is ideal for vineyard visits and long, lazy lunches. Patagonia’s rugged beauty is in full force, and Buenos Aires feels breezy and alive—perfect for strolling its tree-lined streets. On the coast, whale and penguin sightings are at their peak, offering a side of epic wildlife to your adventure. Tip: While we always advocate for advanced planning, Argentina is one you can typically do with little lead time. Spring break, anyone?
Where to Stay: Awasi Iguazu for a stunning lodge with a huge heart and private guided adventures, The Vines Resort & Spa for wine country luxury, and Cavas Wine Lodge for unbeatable vineyard views.
Photo Credit Awasi Iguazu
March – Morocco
March in Morocco is a feast for the senses. Roses and orange blossoms fill the air, and the Atlas Mountains are green and inviting. Marrakech buzzes with energy, but you’ll also find peace in its blooming gardens and quieter riads. Festivals bring a cultural spark, and the Sahara Desert offers cool evenings under a starry sky.
Where to Stay: Jnane Tamsna for its verdant oasis vibe, Dar Ahlam for luxury in the desert, and Riad No. 37 for boutique charm in the medina.
Photo credit Dar Ahlam
April – New Orleans
New Orleans in April feels alive in every way. The weather is warm but not oppressive, the azaleas are blooming, and the city buzzes with music and food. Jazz Fest begins at the end of the month, featuring world-class acts and an unbeatable atmosphere. You'll also catch crawfish season before it wanes—grab a seat at a local boil and dig in. Tip: If you're headed to Jazz Fest, book your hotel several months in advance (at least 3-4).
Where to Stay:Hotel Peter & Paul for its historic character, Hotel Saint Vincent for bold and stylish design, and The Chloe for a boutique stay steeped in hip Southern hospitality.
Photo Credit The Chloe
May – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has distinct peak seasons depending on where you are, but May strikes a great balance and is when you’ll find the most holistic experience. The beaches in the south are warm and calm, the Cultural Triangle is green and vibrant, and the hill country is refreshing and cool. Add ancient ruins, tea plantations, wellness spas, and incredible cuisine, and you’ve got a trip that checks every box.
Where to Stay: Santani Wellness for rejuvenation, Kurulu Bay for lakefront tranquility, and Wild Coast Tented Lodge for a luxe safari experience.
Photo Credit Kurulu Bay
June – The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in June are alive with color. Wildflowers bloom across the valleys, the weather is perfect for hiking, and the trails are blissfully quiet before the summer rush. Wellness retreats are thriving here, offering alpine luxury that blends design, nature, and incredible food. After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than settling into a mountain lodge with a view.
Where to Stay: Forestis Dolomites for design-led wellness in the heart of the forest, Haus am Turm for minimalist charm in a quiet alpine village, and Seeleiten Lake Spa Hotel for lakeside relaxation paired with mountain access.
Photo Credit Forestis Dolomites
July – Northern Spain
Northern Spain is your escape from Europe’s summer heat. With dramatic cliffs, lush green landscapes, and some of the world’s best food and wine, it’s a feast for the senses. Galicia’s beaches, Basque Country’s Michelin-starred dining, and Asturias’ mountain peaks make this region endlessly diverse.
Where to Stay: Hotel Akelarre for cliffside indulgence, Solo Palacio for its rural and rugged beauty, and A Quinta da Auga for countryside serenity.
Photo Credit Hotel Akelarre
August – Sweden
Sweden in August feels golden. The archipelagos hum with life. Locals are back to school and work, so it won't feel deserted like many destinations in August, but it still carries those summer vibes, especially on the weekends as locals zip off to their island retreats. Forests are perfect for foraging, and the cities are alive with festivals. When much of Europe is closed, Sweden becomes one of the few European destinations that’s vibrant, accessible, and at the perfect temp this month.
Where to Stay: Stockholm Stadshotel for urban cool, Smådalarö Gård for wellness by the water, and Grand Hôtel Stockholm for iconic luxury.
Photo Credit Grand Hotel Stockholm
September – Dalmatia, Croatia
September on the Dalmatian Coast is all about long, lazy days by the Adriatic. The sea is warm, the islands are not as insane as the earlier summer months, and it’s prime time for oysters as the season kicks off. Pair your beach time with vineyard visits and some of the best wine you’ve never heard of.
Where to Stay: Maslina Resort (Hvar) for mindful luxury on the sea, Villa Dubrovnik newly remodeled cliffside beauty, and Villa Nai 3.3 (Dugi Otok) for an intimate island escape.
Photo Credit Maslina Resort
October – New York
October in New York is fall at its finest. The City and its parks are ablaze with color, and just a short trip upstate brings apple orchards, cozy inns, and some of the best foliage you’ll ever see. Pair Manhattan’s buzz with peaceful walks along the Hudson or the charm of small Catskills towns.
Where to Stay: Eco & Boutique Hotels Near NYC for upstate escapes; in Manhattan, try Warren Street Hotel for an art-infused stay, Nine Orchard for classy Lower East Side vibes, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel for colorful luxury oozing with character.
Photo Credit Wildflower Farms
November – Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca in November is rich with life and color. Día de los Muertos is a breathtaking mix of tradition and celebration, best experienced in Oaxaca City’s streets and cemeteries. Afterward, head to mezcal country followed by the coast for perfect beach weather and quieter areas of seaside towns like Puerto Escondido.
Where to Stay: Hotel Escondido for its chic city vibe, Hotel Escondido (not a typo)for a serene beach getaway, and Casa Silencio for a design-lover’s mezcal country retreat.
December – Cuba
Cuba in December is full of rhythm. It’s dry season, the weather is warm, and Havana’s streets are alive with music and festivities. The boutique hotel scene has taken off, and there’s no better time to explore the island’s art, culture, and soul. Tip: E-visas have been available for US citizens only since August 2024. Cuba is likely to make it on all the trending and hot lists before you know it. Might want to get to this destination before the influx.
Where to Stay: Estancia Bohemia playful yet refined in the heart of Old Havana, AS Boutique Residence soulful and unique familial stay, La Distancia sleek design and modern Cuban hospitality.
Photo Credt Estancia Bohemia
Packing it up
Traveling at the right time can transform a trip from ordinary to extraordinary. These picks aren’t just about skipping crowds—they’re about discovering moments that truly let a destination shine, whether it’s oysters and vineyards in Croatia’s September glow or the buzz of Jazz Fest in New Orleans.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a starting point to inspire how and when you’ll travel next year—or even into 2026. If you’re curious about how we can help you plan your trip and match you with the perfect destination for the season, reach out HERE. We’d love to help you create something unforgettable.
Happy planning!
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