The days are long but evening drinks with friends always fly by!
And yet, soon the nights will be drawing in and the temperatures will drop, much faster than expected.
It will then be time to make the most of autumn and prepare for the arrival of winter.
So, where should you go at the end of the year? Below are some suggestions while availability is still quite good all over the world…
Among the Kiwis
In Oceania, New Zealand is dressed up to the nines at the end of the year, its sweeping coastlines framing pristine natural landscapes. A holiday on the other side of the world is an unparalleled adventure, and you will enjoy the dazzling blue skies of full summer at this time of year on the island country far away in the Pacific Ocean.
On one side of the country you will find iconic beaches, vast expanses of sand lapped by the waves. For example, on the North Island, we recommend White Sand Beach, which is often less crowded, where you can relax on fine sand bordered by crystalline waters. Or Piha, known for its black sand and dramatic landscapes, yet still within easy reach of the white-sand beaches popular with surfers.
On the South Island, Golden Bay near Takaka is renowned for its golden sand and breath-taking landscapes. To reach one of the country’s most far-flung corners, head for Wharariki. Framed by sand dunes and rock formations, the beach offers a truly unique experience.
On the other side of the island, majestic snow-capped mountains loom over mysterious fjords. In the Fiordland National Park, the impressive mountain peaks and the famous Milford Sound provide almost endless opportunities for hiking and climbing.
And not to be missed, of course, is a visit to one of the country’s active volcanoes: Mont Tongariro and Mont Ngauruhoe, both on the North Island, dominate a landscape of steep cliffs and emerald lakes, their craters situated within a national park that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Marlborough wine region and its award-winning vineyards produce divine nectars that enchant the palate and encourage you to pop the cork and celebrate whatever the season.
Each corner of this unique country, from the smoking geysers of Rotorua to the flowering grasslands in Canterbury, brims with Māori history and culture and is sure to delight and awe you.
The best season to discover New Zealand depends on your interests, of course. However, the period from November to March is favourable for outdoor activities, as the temperatures fluctuate between 20 °C and 30 °C, and the days are longer and very sunny. Nature is in full bloom, and this is an ideal time to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Escape to South-East Asia
…And embark on a colourful and flavourful journey through Southern Vietnam and Cambodia.
As the calm waters of the Mekong River wind through floating villages, rice paddies extend all the way to the horizon, creating a mosaic of bright shades of green. More than just fields, rice paddies are symbols of life, culture and tradition. The Delta is a vast, flat plain that is extremely fertile, crossed by the nine branches of the river as it splits into smaller and smaller streams, a testament to a successful cohabitation between humans and nature.
To appreciate fully this environment, board a charming river boat, with all modern comforts, for one or two nights of cruising along the river. Sail to villages on stilts, and take the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings as you immerse yourselves in the local culture. This is an experience that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul.
Enjoy an excursion by rowing boat to venture even further into the countryside, taking smaller canals that wind gently through the delta, with the everchanging scenery reflected in the water. There are plenty of opportunities for interaction with the locals, as you meet farmers and local artisans. Stop by a villager’s house for tea, or take part in a cooking class.
Around Can Tho, colourful boats glide gently among the flowering lotuses. The lively markets, with stalls overflowing with tropical fruit and unusual vegetables, provide an insight into the daily lives of Vietnamese communities.
In Ho Chi Minh City, flamboyant skyscrapers loom over the remnants of ancient pagodas, creating a buzzing atmosphere. Overloaded scooters zoom by, and the back alleys conceal a treasure trove of street food stalls that are sure to delight food lovers.
Then, once you cross the border, Cambodia is revealed in all its splendour. The temples of Angkor, guardians of past ages, rise up among the jungle, their thousand-year-old stones telling the stories of kings and gods. As you watch the sun rise over the majestic architecture of Angkor Wat, time seems to stand still.
And what could be better than exploring the forgotten sanctuaries of Angkor? Make your way through the vegetation and sandstone blocks to discover treasures that are often hidden under fig trees, areas that few tourists visit.
One of the key destinations on your itinerary will be Tonlé Sap, a hydrological phenomenon that is one of a kind. The melting snows and runoff from the monsoon raise the water levels in the Mekong dramatically. Instead of emptying the lake, the river changes course and flows back to fill up the lake, thereby flooding the village of Kompong Phluk. Tonlé Sap then becomes the largest freshwater lake in Asia for part of the year. The water levels make the lake more accessible, allowing you to cruise on the lake and visit the floating villages.
In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, the past and future are tightly interwoven. The Royal Palace glitters under the sun, but at night, is lit up by lanterns. The markets, which are lively and varied, invite you to taste delicious dishes and discover local arts and crafts.
From the rivers and rice paddies, to the colours and flavours, Southern Vietnam and Cambodia form an enchanting duo. The people of Cambodia, for their part, are dynamic and resilient. Everywhere you go, you can feel a positive energy in the air, in the cities as well as in the countryside, as you meet the smiling, spontaneous locals.
The best season to visit Southern Vietnam and Cambodia is the dry season, which runs from November to April. The climate at this time of year is pleasant, fresher and less humid. Transfers and excursions are more enjoyable, as it is less rainy. The beaches and islands of Southern Vietnam, such as Phú Quốc and Côn Đảo, are particularly attractive, with their clear waters that are perfect for diving and snorkelling.
Immersion in the Kerala
The jewel of Southern India, boasting seemingly unending beaches, peaceful canals and verdant mountains, this region will provide the perfect change of scenery, allowing you to discover a rich local culture and stunning scenery.
Among the unmissable destinations is Kochi, where fishing is one of the main sources of income, carried out with the iconic Chinese lift nets that can be seen along the shore. Once a trading post on the Malabar Coast, this rather touristy city, variously governed by the English, Dutch and Germans, has a rich history and is full of surprises.
Wandering down the cobbled streets of Fort Kochi is like travelling back in time. The old colonial mansions, painted in pastel colours, are remnants of bygone eras when the Portuguese, Dutch and British all left their mark, in turn, on the city. The ancient churches, synagogues and temples stand side by side harmoniously, reflecting the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and beliefs.
Munnar, a magnificent paradise high up in the mountains, between the clouds and the valleys, is like an ode to nature, where hills are draped in a blanket of tea plantations, stretching as far as the eye can see. The waterfalls, rushing down the hills with a wild power, are the perfect spot to cool down and contemplate the beauty of nature.
Thekkady looms on the endless horizon, rising above the hills and plantations of tea, coffee and spices. This region is home to dense, tropical forests and an abundant and diverse population of butterflies, their wings adorned with unique motifs, as well as small towns scattered here and there.
The Periyar National Park, a showcase for the area’s biodiversity, features tranquil lakes bordered by hills. Sailing on calm waters will provide opportunities to spot the majestic silhouettes of elephants quenching their thirst, the finishing touch on this idyllic wildlife-spotting experience.
Change gears and head for Alappuzha, where you can board a house boat, reserved on a private basis for you. These ancient boats, once used to transport rice, have thatched roofs made of coconut leaves and feature 2 to 3 bedrooms. You will sail along the backwaters in a natural environment made up of a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas that flow into the Indian Ocean. The ecosystem here is rich, with an exceptional flora and fauna that thrive from the flowing together of the river freshwater and the ocean saltwater.
You will sail along the tropical countryside, discovering the local way of life as practised in the emerald-green rice paddies and traditional villages.
The best time to visit Kerala is from November to March. The climate is mild (between 20 °C and 32 °C), and as it is the dry season, there is little rain. This time of year is also enlivened by several major cultural and religious festivals. The abundant flora and fauna can be observed without impediment. The beaches are particularly pleasant, with clear waters and only small waves. And most importantly, the humidity is low, which makes travelling more agreeable.
It became the most powerful sultanate in Arabia during the first half of the 19th century, and gained independence in the 20th century. This should be the starting point to understand the country of Oman, once described by the poet Ahmad bin Majid al-Najdi as a place where you can find gold and experience marvels that are unthinkable elsewhere.
Known for their traditional hospitality, the locals will welcome you warmly. The country is a meeting point for cultures from Africa and India, with mountains bordered by sand and water, luxuriant valleys called ‘wadis’, craggy hills known locally as ‘jebels’, and ochre-coloured sand dunes.
Discover the Sultanate by wandering down the streets of the capital, Mascat. Here there are no skyscrapers, only white-washed buildings, gardens, a sumptuous opera house, a fish market and a port where you can still see the old dhows, traditional sailing vessels made of teak.
Next, Wahiba Sands Desert beckons, with 15,000 km2 of dunes of exceptional beauty. Some nomadic tribes still live on these arid, inhospitable lands, where they raise dromedaries.
Head for Nizwa with its 17th century fort, a perfect example of the architecture of its time.
Then on to the Jebel Shams Mountain, the “Mountain of Sun”, the highest peak in the Hajar mountain chain, with an altitude of 3000 m. As you ascend, you will pass small villages scattered about the arid, lunar landscape, before reaching the summit with views over the Omani Grand Canyon. Enjoy the breath-taking views as the sun sets.
Your journey will initially take you to the ruins of Birkat Al Mouz – the “banana pool” – a village named after the vast banana plantations that once thrived here. The buildings have remained almost intact for the most part, and provide a glimpse into the past. This is the site of the Aflaj ancient irrigation system, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will make your way around the mountain all the way to Jebel Akhdar at 2000 m above sea level. The luxuriant vegetation and fresh climate on route will help you understand why this region is called the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain range.
On the way, you will pass through villages that boast spectacular views of mountain peaks, gorges and wadis.
Not to be missed is the tip of the Musandam peninsula, accessible by boat from the port of Dibba, an unlikely paradise. In a unique, almost lunar landscape, where the Hajar Mountains give way to the crystalline waters of the Zighy Bay, the Six Senses Hotel, known for its architecture and sustainability concept, affords guests complete privacy. Each room is simply a magnificent cocoon, with views of the spectacular rocky cliffs on one side and of the beach and Indian Ocean on the other side. Sport and wellness take on a new dimension here, as the resort combines adventure with rebalancing treatments and tailor-made wellness programmes.
Oman, a country with a rich history that could be straight out of the Arabian Nights, is today one of the best destinations to visit in wintertime.
Picture yourselves at the Far North, a landscape of frozen lakes stretching as far as the eye can see, surrounded by huge forests of snow-covered fir trees… A wild region where reindeers and elks roam free. You will be very close to the Artic Circle, in Lapland.
One of the highlights of your trip will be the dog sledding experience, a fantastic way to be one with nature. You will be driven across spectacular, pristine landscapes, accompanied by your expert guides. While out exploring during the few hours of daylight, you may cross paths with herds of reindeers. The long nights at this time of year provide the perfect opportunity to ‘chase’ the aurora borealis. Enjoy the sight of the Northern Lights dancing and undulating hypnotically across the star-studded sky, free from any pollution.
Why not try fishing? Join an expert and pierce the ice to try ice fishing, one of the most popular activities in Scandinavia.
For a cultural experience that is truly out of the ordinary, visit a Sami farm. Meet the owners of the farm, find out more about the reindeers they breed and try culinary delicacies in a traditional tipi. Warm up around a crackling fire, sitting on animal skins, and listen to the songs and stories of the indigenous inhabitants of Sweden.
Put on your snow shoes and set off across a dreamlike landscape, feeling all alone in the world as the snow crunches softly under your feet. The trees bend under the weight of the snow, making unfamiliar shapes. As you round a hill, a Kota, a traditional Sami dwelling, will be there to greet you. The hut, a small café, is the perfect spot to stop for a warming beverage around the woodburning stove and enjoy the views over the white expanse outside.
From December to March, immerse yourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of the Far North and discover spellbinding landscapes that could be straight out of a fairytale, offering an array of extraordinary activities.
The best time to observe the Northern Lights is during the time of the polar nights, from September to March.
