DISCOVER the best destinations for every month of the year whether you’re looking for a fly and flop, in search of wildlife or beautiful views.
It’s all thanks to Travelbag which has created a planner on where’s best to go on holiday for 2026 from Australia the Netherlands and Portugal‘s Azores.
January
While northern Europe is shivering during the first month of the year, there are plenty of places around the world that aren’t.
In fact, Australia is basking in sunshine, if you want to head to the other side of the world then read more from Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who took a road trip around Sydney.
Or find out more about Melbourne which has family attractions, historic architecture as well as a buzzing theatre and music scene.
Another January spot for anyone seeking out heat is Southeast Asia.
Thailand at the beginning of the year has temperatures as high as 32C so you’d really be banishing those winter blues.
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recently went on a trip to Koh Samui where she discovered what island life is all about – cheap cocktails, affordable luxury and incredible beaches.
Other popular destinations in Southeast Asia include Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines.
If you’re not actually after heat, it’s also a prime time to head to Norway to see the northern lights as there are plenty of sightings at this time of year.
February
It’s still bleak in the UK during February, whereas India is dry and sunny throughout.
The country comes to life with vibrant cultural events and festivals – like Goa Carnival.
Or head the other way to the Caribbean for daily sunshine and lots of activities during Carnival Season.
There are major celebrations in St Kitts which Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited last year.
She sought an adventure break with ziplining, horse riding and hiking up the live volcano Mount Liamuiga.
March
For nature lovers, head to South Africa for bird-watching season as its wet season draws to a close.
You could also head to the Galapagos in Ecuador for adventure – it’s also a great place for nature spotting.
Here you’ll find giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Darwin’s finches which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
And over in New Zealand, temperatures will cool down as autumn approaches.
But you can still enjoy its incredible beaches and go swimming or surfing in the water.
April
For those who are desperate to explore Japan, April is a great month to go as it’s cherry blossom season.
Throughout the country, blossom trees with bloom showing off bright pink flowers.
Japan literally turns into a flowery haven as it has over a million cherry blossom trees – it’s even celebrated with festivals.
One travel writer who visited the country saw the blossoms in full bloom in Kyoto at the World Heritage site Ninna-ji, which is a temple founded in 888 AD.
There are flowers all around as in Netherlands too, April is one of the best months to see the millions of colourful tulips.
One key viewing spot here is the Keukenhof Gardens which shows off a variety of 800 different tulips.
The nearest airport is Amsterdam which is just just over one hour from the UK.
May
May marks the end of the rainy season in Peru, so it’s the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu and hike through the Amazon rainforest.
One travel writer who visited Lima discovered a Paddington Bear statue and ventured to the historic Machu Picchu.
Or if you’re seeking of a relaxed break, you could enjoy time in the Caribbean before the summer rush.
Another spot that becomes busy in later months is Mexico – so a May break will be much quieter.
June
For anyone heading to the states, June is the month to see America’s National Parks.
From Yellowstone, to Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park in Montana.
They’re bursting with wildlife not to mention the warm and sunny weather makes it a great time to walk the trails.
And if you fancy heading further out, there are plenty of coastlines to explore too.
One travel writer took a road trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks finding crystal clear lakes and surrounding prairie lands.
July
If Iceland has been on your bucket list, but going during the winter and enduring freezing temperatures puts you off, then go during the summer.
During July, the sun never sets which the Sun’s Brittany Vonow discovered when she took part in a midnight race.
She also went whale watching spotting humpbacks and minkes, along with pretty puffins.
Another country that lends itself to whale watching in July is Canada, and while you’re there, make sure to get a glimpse of Niagara Falls too.
Another option is Tanzania which has plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting and hiking.
It’s also one of Africa’s cheapest island destinations and has new TUI hotels.
August
If looking for wildlife is what you want from a holiday, then head to the likes of Kenya during August.
There’s also the Azores, which are remote Portuguese islands, where you’ll find the weather is much milder.
Across the Azores are 26 active volcanoes spread across the islands and there are black sand shores too.
Temperatures in Sri Lanka during this month sit around 28C but can be cooler at night.
The destination is one of the trending ones for 2026 which is a cheaper alternative to Thailand.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “One of the main draws of Sri Lanka are the 6,000 elephants on the island, many of which are free-roaming.
“I was left in awe during a private safari tour when we stumbled across a huge herd of them, relaxing in the fields.
“Don’t worry about forgoing your morning cuppa – popular on the island is tea with huge plantations scattered throughout.”
September
This month is Indonesia‘s dry season, and there’s plenty to do there too from surfing to hiking, and seeing its culture.
Indonesia is now home to the world’s biggest city, Jakarta, which is found on the island of Java.
Nearby is an island that Brits will be more familiar with, Bali, which is known for its relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches and temples.
October
Take in Cape Town’s spring blooms and a safari like Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire did.
Caroline said: “My favourite wildlife spots had to be a herd of elephants and pride of lions, and both came within a few metres of our safari truck.
We had so many encounters, from giraffes and hippos to Cape buffalo, zebras, springboks and hyenas, that we felt truly spoilt.”
Or, head to Dubai for luxury accommodation, a lively city break, a desert adventure, or a relaxing beachside stay.
November
In November, head onto the Nile for a cruise with mild daytime temperatures.
Hop off to explore Egypt with fewer crowds than during the summer – and you can sight-see without extreme heat or cold during.
December
Winter sun destinations are back in full swing and at the top of the list is Thailand, along with Goa and Bali.
There’s also the Maldives which has clear wares, winter highs of 30C – so a stark difference to the gloomy UK.
However if you want to indulge in the chilly weather, head to festive markets in Europe.
Or really get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to Lapland or the European Alps.
For more places to visit in 2026, these are the top 10 holiday destinations set to be big from European beach cities to African capitals.
And here are the ten cheap holiday spots about to go BIG in 2026 that you’ve probably never heard of – with a week away from £189.