Where to Tour When: Best of Touring Special

As the UK’s largest independent travel agent, we work with over 30 touring specialists to offer hundreds of itineraries worldwide, tailored to each individual. We’re passionate about crafting dream getaways for our customers and understand that selecting the perfect tour is a monumental decision. To help you plan your next touring holiday, we’ve put together a helpful guide for the best time of year to visit some of our favourite touring destinations. 

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Escape the cold winter of the UK and start the new year exploring Thailand. At this  time of year, the beaches along the western coast of Thailand receive lots of sunshine, and conditions for scuba diving are ideal, with great visibility and a high chance of spotting manta rays and whale sharks. January is a great time to tour Southeast Asia as it’s one of the driest months, there’s plenty of sun, and the humidity is low, which is ideal for exploring the many fascinating sights.

In February, we’d recommend booking a touring holiday to New Zealand to take advantage of the southern hemisphere’s summer season and enjoy the perfect weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This time of year marks the start of the grape harvest, so it’s the perfect time to visit some of New Zealand’s famous wine regions, enjoying wine tours and tastings in picturesque vineyard landscapes under the warm summer sun. Another bonus is that February is typically slightly quieter, so you’ll avoid the peak tourist crowds.

In the Spring, Northern Ireland is more beautiful than ever. It’s the perfect weather for exploring the wild landscapes, rambling through the countryside or taking in the views on coastal walks. Although sunny weather can’t be promised, you’ll be sure to see beautiful spring flowers blossoming and newborn calves and lambs scampering through the fields. March is also a great time to visit, as you can join in on the festivities for St Patrick’s Day. 

For a chance to spot the iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom, head to Japan in April. Although the season does vary across the country year on year, early April is typically the best time of year to see the striking pink flowers as multiple cherry trees burst into life. Aside from the cherry blossoms, April is a great time to explore popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto and head to off-the-beaten-path regions like the Japanese Alps, where you can get involved in a range of outdoor activities like hiking and white-water rafting.

Head to Italy in May to enjoy sunny weather, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. In Northern Italy, May is perfect for hiking and mountain-biking and witnessing the springtime wildflowers. The gardens across Tuscany and the Italian Lakes are looking even more beautiful than usual as the flowers are blooming, showcasing an array of vibrant colours. Plus, as a country famous for its  excellent cuisine, head to the farmers markets to sample the ripe cherries, artichokes and asparagus, all of which are in season. 

Canada is a vast country, known for its abundance of natural wonders and impressive wildlife, interspersed with vibrant and richly cultured cities and towns. We’d recommend heading to Canada during the summer months for long, warm days perfect for hiking and exploring the spectacular landscapes. The western coast of Canada is great for wildlife-spotting opportunities, with approximately 20,000 grey whales swimming by Vancouver Island from March to September. The Canadian Rockies are also great to explore in June, as the alpine meadows are blooming, you can take in the dramatic views from the water whilst kayaking, and you could spot bears and elk.

Boasting some of the best, undiscovered beaches in the Mediterranean and steeped in rich history and breathtaking mountain landscapes, Albania truly has something for everyone. If you’re looking to soak up the sun, swim in warm waters, and enjoy hot summer temperatures, July is a great time to visit. Albania is typically less busy than other Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece, so you’ll avoid the crowds and can take your time exploring the historic towns and cities, which tell the story of Albania’s resistance to the Ottoman Empire.

Home to the Masai Mara Game Reserve and picturesque national parks teeming with wildlife, Kenya is a breathtaking destination to visit at any time of year. If you would like to witness the Great Migration, August is a fantastic time to visit Kenya due to the dry temperatures and ample opportunity for game viewing. The herds make their way north as the ground dries, and between July and October, you could witness the dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest and zebra gather to cross the Mara and Talek Rivers. It’s a sight that’s at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists.

Argentina is home to drastic extremes, from desert plains to soaring glaciers, plundering waterfalls to shiny skyscrapers. You can visit all year round; however, September is a particularly good time outside of the peak tourist seasons, great for getting a taste of Buenos Aires’ local culture without the crowds. For placid lake settings surrounded by mountainous landscapes and temperate rainforests, visit San Carlos de Bariloche, which at this time of year comes alive with wildflowers.

If you want to witness breathtaking autumnal landscapes, bathed in warm red and gold tones, then head to New England, USA, in October. The region is home to some must-see sights such as the picturesque Mount Washington in New Hampshire, countless museums and galleries in Boston, and the scenic sand dunes of Cape Cod. October is the best time to visit the Northeast to witness the seasonal shift, where foliage transforms to fiery reds and oranges. Plus, being peak harvest time, you can take the opportunity to sample some fresh apple cider. It’s also a great time of year for whale-watching along the Massachusetts coast as the cooling Atlantic Ocean pushes whales closer to the shoreline. 

In November, head north to Norway to catch the final rays of sun before the polar night sets in. This time of year is ideal for catching a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights, and being the quieter season, it’s perfect for heading to Oslo to admire the architecture and visit crowd-free museums. Norway is also home to some dramatic scenery, including breathtaking fjords, which in November are a particularly striking sight to behold, dusted with fresh white snow. Don’t miss Lofoten, where November brings with it a low sun, which casts dramatic light on the scenic mountains.

We recommend heading to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, in December, as it’s the perfect place to soak up the festive spirit. The Netherlands comes alive at Christmas, with multiple markets to visit and ice-skating rinks to twirl around on. The museums and galleries will typically be less busy, so you can explore without the crowds. Plus, you won’t want to miss the Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs throughout December, where the canals are lit up with magical light displays.