If you want to start the year in an unforgettable way, then Reykjavik is a great place to go. You can keep the magical Christmas vibes alive for a little longer in this snowy winter wonderland.
Warm, waterproof clothing – thermals, hat, scarf, mittens and snow boots.
Hunt down the Northern Lights (ideal time of year with the longer and darker nights), glacier hiking and ice caving.
The Golden Circle – a popular route that explores a lot of this fascinating country, visiting places like Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
Waterfalls – the South Coast of the country is home to the stunning Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Geothermal spas - the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
Black sand beaches – Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach are unique volcanic beaches that are well worth a visit.
Reykjavik – you can spend an entire day exploring the capital city and visiting landmarks such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja church.
Take advantage of one of Heathrow’s newest routes with direct flights to Cancun with Virgin Atlantic. It’s now easier and quicker to reach Mexico’s gorgeous Caribbean coast and dive into tranquil cenotes during this warm, dry month, full of sunshine and with very little rainfall.
24−29°𝐶Lots of beachwear and swimwear.
Pre-Lenten 'Carnaval' is a celebration that precedes the 40-day Christian period of Lent, filled with authentic food, music and parades.
Cenotes, jungles, and outdoor natural sites like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
March in Tokyo marks the end of the cold winter season and the arrival of gorgeous spring, one of the best times to visit the city. The warmer weather is ideal for outdoor exploration, and the end of the month marks the start of cherry blossom season, when the country is in full bloom.
A light jacket, jumpers and trousers for cooler weather, and comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella and a raincoat are also a good idea.
Enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms in famous spots like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park.
On March 3rd, the city celebrates a traditional festival called Hina Matsuri, which is roughly translated to ‘Girl’s Day’ and public places are decorated with princess dolls.
The Tokyo Marathon takes place in March and is a significant event in the city’s cultural calendar.
Other events to keep an eye out for are the Sensōji Temple Golden Dragon Dance and the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Tokyo National Museum and Tokyo Skytree - if you're keen for more indoor activities to mix things up.
teamLab Planets – a unique immersive digital art experience.
Vibrant neighbourhoods – Shinjuku and Harajuku are great to explore and wander around.
Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine – for a taste of authentic and traditional Japan.
Ghibli Museum – for anime fans.
Tokyo is a hub for the rest of this breathtaking country which you can easily explore on the bullet train and reach Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka in as little as a couple of hours.
The stunning city of Seville will be making its debut at Heathrow with daily direct flights with Vueling from the end of March 2026, so it is the perfect time to book a trip for some sensational Spanish culture next spring.
It's best to pack layers, as temperatures throughout the day can vary, from cooler mornings and evenings to warmer afternoons.
Holy Week culminates in a week-long Christian celebration called Semana Santa, which several locals attend to mark the significance of the time of year.
Feria de Abril is an exciting week-long festival filled with traditional flamenco and sevillanas music, dancing, food and eye-catching costumes .
The gastronomy in Seville is incredible with mouth-watering local tapas such as pescaito (fried fish), montadito pringá (sandwich of slow cooked pork, chorico and morcilla) that pairs beautifully with Rebujito drink (Manzanilla sherry).
The Royal Alcazar of Seville's gardens are in full bloom in April, making them especially beautiful to see.
May is one of the warmest and most pleasant months to visit Beijing, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and visiting iconic landmarks.
A light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against intense UV rays, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Several artistic exhibitions and performances take place in the city in May; the 798 Art District is a great place to visit to attend some of these and discover Beijing’s more creative side. If you’re a foodie then make sure to try some local dishes such as dumplings, hotpot and Peking Duck. Visiting a teahouse is also a traditional and relaxing experience.
The warm and sunny weather in May is perfect for hiking the Great Wall, visiting the Summer Palace, or exploring the Beijing Botanical Gardens. The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are must-sees to explore the Chinese cultural and historical significance they hold in the city.
June is a great time to visit St Louis, a city with legendary live music and world-class sport venues. With British Airways launching new direct flights in April 2026, it’s now easier than ever to get to the American River City.
June is relatively warm and humid, so pack light clothing. It can also be quite a wet month, so waterproof clothing is also a good idea.
The Juneteenth Festival Block Party is a massive annual citywide celebration featuring local cuisine, live music, art vendors, and even a basketball tournament.
Attend the big top where the Circus Flora takes place, a beloved St. Louis tradition featuring storytelling and acrobats.
June also hosts the Festival of Nations, a large multicultural festival with tonnes of art, music and food from over 80 countries.
There are over 75 notable neighbourhoods to explore, including the historic Soulard and the serene Forest Park. The National Blues Museum is also a key destination. Saint Louis is also the historic starting point for the famous route 66, so you can embark on an American adventure, covering over 8 states and finishing in the Californian city of Santa Monica. Next year marks the 100-year anniversary of the road trip, so there will be a variety of celebrations taking place along the route, making it the perfect time to visit.
July is peak summer in North America, so not only will you enjoy glorious sunny weather, but the World Cup 2026 will be taking place across several states, with the final on July 19th in New York. So, whether you want to soak up the football fever or head off the beaten track, this country has something for everyone. Heathrow flies directly to 37 North American destinations, meaning its easier than ever to visit.
Sun protection, such as sunglasses and sunscreen. There may also be scattered showers and thunderstorms, so waterproof gear is a must.
Enjoy spectacular firework displays across the country on July 4th. Attend music festivals and country fairs throughout the sunny summer months.
North America offers gorgeous coastlines and beaches, particularly in California and New England. There are so many national parks and mountains to explore, such as the Rockies, Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Several cities, like San Diego, Baltimore, and Chicago, host loads of cultural summer events.
The capital of Georgia is becoming increasingly popular as a trendy cultural destination amongst travellers. The beautiful city so many historic and cultural places to discover and gorgeous scenic spots to explore, ideal for the avid traveller.
The city can get very hot and humid in August, so bring water flasks and sun protection.
Take in the natural scenic beauty of the country by hiking up the ancient Narikala Fortress for incredible views of the city. You can learn more about the history of this quant country by visiting the colossal monument just outside of the city centre, depicting the history of Georgia. Alternativity, consider an indoor Georgian cooking class to learn to make famous local dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.
The Old Town – the historic narrow streets are great to wander around whilst appreciating the beauty of the colourful wooden balconies and visiting ancient churches.
The Tusheti Mountains and Upper Adjara - the mountains offer cooler temperatures and greener scenery with some festivals held at higher elevations in August.
Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral – the modern Eastern Orthodox cathedral is a massive and incredibly impressive architectural sight.
September is one of the best months to visit Kenya, with mild, pleasant weather throughout. There are also fewer crowds than in the previous summer months, making major attractions and areas less busy.
Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings and sun protection for the day.
It is a great time to view wildlife on a safari, as the annual great wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara is still underway during the month. If you’re an absolute animal lover, then The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is home to baby elephants, and you can get close and personal to giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.
Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Museum are great to visit and learn more about the history of the country.
Mombasa is a stunning coastal city in southeastern Kenya, located on the Indian ocean that offers beautiful beaches with a rich and vibrant history and culture, making it an ideal place to visit as part of an unforgettable trip. Mombasa has its own international aiport, so you can fly directly from Kenya. Alternatively, you can take the train or bus as more affordable options.
October marks the start of the 'best' season to visit Mumbai, as it marks the transition from the city's monsoon season to its cooler temperatures. The rainfall and humidity are much lower compared to previous months.
Packing essentials
Light, waterproof clothing, as the weather is still hot with some mild showers in places.
Diwali usually falls in October or November, so several local markets and events around the city will feature Diwali celebrations.
Oktoberfest is another major event in the city, with celebrations throughout the city.
October is a popular month for music concerts, including the major music festival, the Global Citizen Festival, which is well worth a visit.
One of the best things to do is attend a play at the iconic Prithvi Theatre.
There are also several key landmarks to visit across the city:
Elephanta Caves
Haji Ali Dargah
Bandra Worli Sea Link Bridge
Marine Drive
Jio World Convention Centre
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Juhu Beach
From October 2026, Virgin will be flying directly to Phuket from Heathrow, making it easier and quicker than ever to reach the country's incredible beaches. November also marks the start of Phuket's dry season, bringing warmer weather, less rainfall, and more sunshine.
UV protection from the longer hours of sunshine.
The increased sunshine and calmer seas make it an ideal month for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving and beach time. Kata and Karon beaches, as well as Freedom beach, are particularly popular in the area.
Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay are well worth a day trip. You can also explore Phuket Old Town and the Big Buddha for a more cultural experience.
The Austrian city turns into an absolute winter wonderland in December, filled with sparkling Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks, and classical concerts that spread festive magic and cheer.
The weather is cold in December, with the potential for snow, so pack warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, a scarf, and a heavy coat.
There are ice rinks dotted around the city, particularly in Christmas markets, making ice skating a great activity during your visit. Vienna is famous for its music, so attending a classical concert is another must-do activity. There are plenty of Palaces and Museums to explore, including cultural landmarks like Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace.
Vienna is renowned for its iconic Christmas Markets. Here are the main ones in the city you won't want to miss:
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Spittelberg Market
Karlsplatz Market
Stephansplatz Market
