Beginning of the year in Slovenia
Where is the best place to go on holidays in January? Visit Europe’s hidden gem and travel to Slovenia. Supposedly, not only in winter you can see the truly fairy-tale atmosphere of this place. The snow-drenched peaks, trees and lakes give this place a unique character that is hard to find in summer.
Slovenia is a small country, but it offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from hiking, admiring the landscapes of the Alps and great lakes, to gliding on the ski slopes. See Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the turquoise lake in the Zelenci Reserve, and the Kozjak Waterfall – these are just a few of the must-see destinations on your itinerary for your trip to Slovenia. A visit to the mammoth jumping hill Letalnica, where almost 30 world records in ski jumping have been set, will perfectly suit the atmosphere of winter excursions.
Easter in Istanbul
April weather and Easter in unusual scenery? If you want to make the most of this time, go on a city break to Istanbul! This largest city in Turkey is located at the junction of two continents, Europe and Asia, and therefore represents an extremely interesting mix of cultures and religious influences. Every year in April, the Tulip Festival takes place here, when streets, squares and parks are covered with colorful carpets of these flowers. Say hello to awakening nature and say goodbye to winter in this extraordinary place.
Istanbul in April will delight you with blooming tulips, numerous festivals, and historic architecture. See the Princes’ Islands, Istiklal Street, Blue Mosque, or Hagia Sofia with your own eyes, and in the evening go out to restaurants, bars, and clubs and paint the town red. Istanbul offers so many attractions that you don’t even have to plan too much. All you have to do is go for a walk and you will definitely be able to see amazing places. An even more interesting way to explore this city is on a Bosphorus cruise or a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. If you like to spend your free time outdoors, Istanbul will not disappoint you.
Spring in the Azores
The turn of April and May is the perfect time to go to the Azores, the Portuguese volcanic islands in the Atlantic. Why? At this time, you can count on fewer rainy days, which will let you conveniently explore the islands and admire the picturesque landscapes while hiking. In addition, it is in May that the largest number of aquatic mammals appears around the Azores. You will see specimens of 4 species of dolphins and 5 species of whales, so it is the perfect time to go on a trip to observe them.
This archipelago, called the European Hawaii, consists of 9 islands, with the so-called The Green Island, or São Miguel being the most popular and the largest one in terms of tourism. This is where you will find the Sete Cidades lagoon, the landmark of the Azores islands, the town of Furnas located in the volcano crater, or the black beach in Mosteiros. After a busy day of admiring these extraordinary natural circumstances, you can return to the island’s capital Ponta Delgada to enjoy the slow island life and meet the local community. The Azores islands do not have huge seaside resorts, they are still a bit intimate, mysterious, and undiscovered. Nevertheless, you will find something special on each island: black beaches, caves, volcanoes, cliffs, and hot springs. You can explore them by car, bus, and even by bike or on foot.
June in Georgia
Are you planning holidays in June and you don’t know where to go? Choose Georgia! In the early summer, it attracts many travelers and guarantees that there is something for everyone. Sunbathing on the beach will go to typical seaside resorts and will have the opportunity to get to know the tourist face of Georgia. The second option is to travel around that part of the country that still lives on by tradition, i.e. through smaller towns and villages located on the slopes of the mountains.
Batumi resort will meet the expectations of sunbathers, and the trails leading through Khevsureti and Tusheti will attract mountain hikers with their picturesque views. One of the most recognizable symbols of Georgia – the Holy Trinity Church located at the foot of Kazbek is definitely worth seeing. You can get there by car, horseback or on foot. You cannot miss Tbilisi, the rock city of Vardzia, and Upper Svaneti, defined by its isolation and endemic culture. Soaking up the sun and blissful relaxation on the beach in Batumi, or intense trekking in Tusheti? Organize a longer vacation so that you do not have to choose and go on the mountain trail first, and then relax by the Black Sea.
Autumn in Jordan
The turn of October and November is a good opportunity to go to Jordan, especially if you are looking for a place where the weather will be sunny but not too hot. The temperature in Jordan is conducive to active recreation, so you will definitely not be bored there.
The desert terrain and amazing rock formations will make you feel like you are on a different planet. A must-see on your itinerary should be Petra – a complex of well-preserved temples, houses, tombs, monuments, and aqueducts. It looks particularly impressive at night. You should also visit the Wadi Rum desert, where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp and sleep in a traditional yurt. The impressive Temple of the Crusaders in Al-Karak and the numerous canyons, such as Wadi Al Hidan, are worth visiting as well. You should not miss a healthy mud bath in the Dead Sea – thanks to the great salinity, you do not need to know how to swim to float on its surface.
Winter in November? You will find it in Iceland
Iceland in November? Why not! This time of year, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Iceland’s most popular destinations, avoiding large numbers of tourists who flock here in the summer season. In Iceland November marks the beginning of winter, so you should focus on winter activities, but not only the obvious ones. It is then that you will have the opportunity to learn the true nature of the land of fire and ice. November is also the month when you can get to know the culture of Icelanders better by spending more time in Reykjavik.
Iceland, however, is not famous for its capital, but for the wonders of nature awaiting tourists in every corner of the island. The natural ice cave in Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the Golden Circle – you will see all these attractions even during a four-day trip to Iceland. November nights create the ideal conditions for observing the northern lights, which attract admirers of this unusual phenomenon to the north every year. Nature enthusiasts will be over the moon being able to take a bath in hot springs as big as even a small lake. The water temperature is perfect thanks to geothermal energy. After a swim, you can go on a dog sled ride and admire the picturesque corners of Iceland through fishing villages.
Christmas time in Helsinki
Spend a unique, white Christmas in Helsinki, the intimate capital of Finland – the country commonly believed to be the seat of Saint Nicholas. If you are looking for a holiday devoid of noise, tinsel and rush, this is the destination for you!
In December, most of the popular tourist destinations, such as the Finnish National Museum and the Design Museum, are open to the public. Despite the extreme cold of the north, exotic plants, palms, and cacti grow in the winter garden. During the festive season, you can admire an exhibition of Christmas decorations. Active recreation fans will enjoy the charming outdoor ice rink near the main train station. Go to the Christmas market in Senate Square next to the Cathedral, visit the beautifully lit Aleksanterinkatu Christmas Street, and taste glögi, traditional Finnish mulled wine. There can be snow in Helsinki then, which, accompanied by numerous decorations and lamps, will create an amazing Christmas atmosphere.