Seasonal Travel Guides: Best Places to Visit in Each Season

Traveling isn’t just about the destination; it’s about when you go. Every season offers a new perspective, unique experiences, and different travel opportunities. Whether you crave cherry blossoms in spring, beach escapes in summer, vibrant foliage in fall, or snowy wonderlands in winter, timing your trip right can make all the difference.

In this guide, Pleasant Point HomeStays International takes you around the world, season by season, highlighting the best places to visit, what to eat, how to plan, and travel tips for making the most of each getaway.

Spring Travel Destinations (March – May)

Spring brings renewal, milder weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. It’s one of the best seasons for cultural travel and photography.

Top Places to Visit in Spring

1. Kyoto, Japan

Why go: Cherry blossom season is magical in Kyoto. Parks, temples, and even quiet streets are draped in pink petals.

What to do:

●     Walk along the Philosopher’s Path

●     Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

●     Pack a picnic under sakura trees in Maruyama Park

Food tip

Try seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) and sakura-flavored treats.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why go: Tulip season is in full bloom. Combine cycling culture with flower-filled landscapes.

What to do:

●     Tour the Keukenhof Gardens

●     Cruise the canals

●     Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Cultural tip

King’s Day (April 27) is a nationwide celebration filled with music and street markets.

3. Washington, D.C., USA

Why go: Home to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, D.C. is both scenic and historic in spring.

What to do:

●     Walk the National Mall

●     Visit the Smithsonian museums

●     Enjoy paddle boating on the Tidal Basin

Spring Travel Tips

●     Pack layers. The weather can be unpredictable.

●     Consider allergy medication if you're sensitive to pollen.

●     Book early for flower festivals, hotels fill fast.

Summer Travel Destinations (June – August)

Summer is high season for a reason: long days, family vacations, and endless adventure possibilities.

Top Places to Visit in Summer

1. Banff National Park, Canada

Why go: The Canadian Rockies are alive with turquoise lakes and hiking trails.

What to do:

●     Hike Johnston Canyon

●     Paddle across Lake Louise

●     Ride the Banff Gondola

Packing list

Hiking boots, bug spray, reusable water bottle

2. Santorini, Greece

Why go: Iconic whitewashed villages, cliffside sunsets, and Mediterranean warmth.

What to do:

●     Explore Oia and Fira

●     Go wine tasting in Megalochori

●     Swim at Red Beach

Food tip

Fresh seafood, tomato fritters, and local fava beans

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

Why go: Summer means 24-hour daylight, perfect for road trips and waterfalls.

What to do:

●     Drive the Golden Circle

●     Relax in the Blue Lagoon

●     Hike to waterfalls like Skógafoss

Sustainable travel tip

Stick to marked trails to protect moss-covered landscapes.

Summer Travel Tips

●     Book accommodations and flights well in advance.

●     Travel insurance is a must for outdoor activities.

●     Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming.

Fall Travel Destinations (September – November)

Fall is ideal for scenic road trips, wine country tours, and cultural festivals, plus lower prices after summer crowds fade.

Top Places to Visit in Fall

1. New England, USA

Why go: Foliage here is world-famous, especially in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

What to do:

●     Drive the Kancamagus Highway

●     Visit small towns like Woodstock, VT

●     Go apple picking or visit a harvest fair

Photo tip

Use golden hour light (right after sunrise or before sunset) for rich color shots.

2. Tuscany, Italy

Why go: Harvest season in wine country brings flavor, festivals, and stunning scenery.

What to do:

●     Attend grape harvest events in Chianti

●     Take a cooking class in Florence

●     Visit medieval hill towns like San Gimignano

Food tip

Truffle season begins, don’t miss it.

3. Kyoto, Japan (again!)

Why go: It’s not just a spring destination; autumn brings dramatic red and gold foliage.

What to do:

●     Hike through Arashiyama

●     Visit Eikando Temple for maple leaves

●     Enjoy seasonal kaiseki meals

Fall Travel Tips

●     Pack a light jacket, as temperatures vary.

●     Weekdays are less crowded for foliage viewing.

●     Bring a daypack for hikes or market strolls.

Winter Travel Destinations (December – February)

From cozy markets to snowy slopes, winter offers a world of wonder, especially if you lean into the cold or escape to somewhere warm.

Top Places to Visit in Winter

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

Why go: One of the best ski destinations in the world, plus a car-free village and Matterhorn views.

What to do:

●     Ski or snowboard in the Alps

●     Ride the Glacier Express

●     Dine in a mountain hut

Travel gear

Waterproof outerwear, gloves, and insulated boots

2. Vienna, Austria

Why go: Old-world charm, holiday lights, and world-class music.

What to do:

●     Visit Schönbrunn Palace

●     Warm up with mulled wine at Christmas markets

●     Enjoy a classical concert at the Vienna State Opera

Cultural insight

Austrians embrace “Gemütlichkeit,” a sense of coziness and belonging.

3. Cartagena, Colombia

Why go: Warm, sunny, and rich in history, it's a perfect escape from the cold.

What to do:

●     Wander the Old Town (a UNESCO site)

●     Relax at Playa Blanca

●     Try arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices

Travel advice

Spanish phrases go a long way in local interactions.

Winter Travel Tips

●     Book early for ski resorts and holiday dates.

●     Consider travel insurance for weather delays.

●     Layer with thermals to stay warm without bulk.

Bonus: Seasonal Packing Lists

Season	Must-Have Items
Spring	Light layers, allergy meds, compact umbrella
Summer	Sunscreen, reusable bottle, swimsuit, travel fan
Fall	Light jacket, walking shoes, camera
Winter	Thermal layers, gloves, power bank (batteries die faster in cold)

Travel Planning Tips for Every Season

• Build a flexible itinerary: Weather or local events may shift your plans; leave room for spontaneity.

• Use travel apps wisely: Tools like Rome2Rio, PackPoint, and Google Translate make travel smoother.

• Respect local culture: Research customs, etiquette, and dress codes, especially in conservative regions.

• Travel sustainably

  ○     Support local businesses and eco-certified tours.

  ○     Bring a reusable tote, utensils, and a water bottle.

  ○     Avoid over-touristed spots during peak times, and look for off-season alternatives.

Seasonal Travel Photography Tips

• Spring: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance petal color.

• Summer: Shoot early morning or golden hour to avoid harsh midday sun.

• Fall: Adjust white balance to capture warm leaf tones accurately.

• Winter: Use exposure compensation (+1 or +2) to avoid gray snow in photos.

Why Seasonal Travel Matters

Traveling seasonally isn’t just about the weather. It’s about timing your trip for the right cultural moment, whether it’s harvest season, festival season, or shoulder season savings. Each season gives you a new reason to explore a familiar destination or discover somewhere unexpected.

You’ll also avoid burnout by spreading trips across the year, taking shorter breaks more often, and syncing your vacations with what nature and culture have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Seasonal Travel Planning

1. What is the cheapest season to travel internationally?

Typically, the cheapest time to travel is during the shoulder seasons, late fall (October–early December) and early spring (February–March). These months avoid peak travel surcharges and still offer decent weather in many regions. Airfare and accommodations are often lower during these periods.

2. How far in advance should I book seasonal travel?

• Peak seasons (summer, holidays): Book 3–6 months in advance for the best prices and availability.

• Off-peak seasons: You can often find deals 1–2 months out, though flexibility is key. For special events like cherry blossom season or ski holidays, consider booking up to 9 months in advance.

3. How do I know what the weather will be like in a destination?

Use tools like WeatherSpark, AccuWeather, or Climate to Travel to look up historical climate data for your travel dates. This gives you a better idea of temperature ranges, humidity, and rainfall, which is helpful for packing and activity planning.

4. Are certain countries closed or restricted in certain seasons?

Yes. For example:

• Monsoon season (e.g., in parts of Southeast Asia) can cause flooding and delays.

• Extreme winter conditions may limit travel in Arctic or mountainous regions.

• Some small islands and resorts may close for low-season maintenance.

Always check the official tourism websites or government travel advisories for seasonal closures.

5. What are shoulder seasons, and why do travelers prefer them?

Shoulder seasons fall between peak and low seasons, like April–May and September–October, in many parts of the world. They offer:

• Fewer crowds

• Lower prices

• Milder weather

It’s the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers who still want good conditions and availability.

6. Do seasonal allergies affect travel plans?

Yes. Spring and early fall can trigger allergies due to pollen and mold, especially in regions with dense forests or agriculture. If you're sensitive, consider destinations with lower pollen counts (e.g., coastal or desert areas), and pack allergy medication.

7. Is travel insurance more critical in some seasons than others?

Yes. Winter and hurricane seasons (June–November in the Atlantic) have higher chances of weather disruptions. If you're traveling during these periods, choose insurance that covers:

• Flight cancellations

• Trip interruption

• Weather-related delays

Also consider medical evacuation coverage for remote or adventure-based trips.

8. Which destinations are best avoided in high season?

Popular spots like Venice, Paris, and Santorini can become overcrowded and expensive in summer. Instead, visit them in late spring or early fall. Consider alternate destinations like:

• Instead of Santorini → Naxos or Paros

• Instead of Paris → Lyon or Strasbourg

• Instead of Venice → Ljubljana, Slovenia

9. How can I find authentic local experiences regardless of season?

Look beyond tourist traps:

• Use platforms like Eatwith, Airbnb Experiences, or Withlocals

• Visit local markets, cafes, and festivals

• Stay in homestays or guesthouses (like Pleasant Point HomeStays International!) for deeper cultural immersion

Also check out Pleasant Point Experiences for genuine activities that will keep you coming back.

10. Can I travel sustainably year-round?

Yes, with a few practices:

●     Choose eco-certified accommodations

●     Use public transit or walking tours

●     Travel in the off-season to reduce strain on local resources

●     Support local artisans, guides, and food vendors

●     Bring your own reusable gear: bottles, bags, utensils

Let the Seasons Inspire Your Next Getaway

No matter when you plan to travel, a perfect destination is waiting to be explored. By embracing the rhythms of the seasons, you can experience the world in its most authentic form, whether it’s a spring bloom, a summer adventure, a fall harvest, or a winter escape.

Ready to Plan Your Seasonal Journey?

Let Pleasant Point HomeStays International help you find the perfect stay, itinerary, and travel experience that fits your style and schedule.

Explore more travel guides, tips, and destination inspiration at: www.pleasantpointhomestaysinternational.com