Great Trips Now

Enjoy fantastic seasonal celebrations or escape the winter cold at these global destinations between December and February:

Asia

China: The winter months give visitors a more serene perspective on normally crowded sites. Hong Kong weather is very comfortable, and the Spring Festival celebrations are spectacular, beginning with the Lunar New Year (February 14) and ending with the Lantern Festival (February 28). Huangshan experiences a dramatic “sea of clouds effect” this time of year. The tropical island of Sanya is dry and pleasant, making it an ideal destination. Lhasa is sunny and surprisingly warm, and Losar, the Tibetan New Year Festival, is a wonderful experience—the best days will be February 14-15, when the festivities are most interesting.

Japan: The island of Hokkaido offers abundant opportunities for winter sports—Sapporo is surrounded by downhill and cross-country ski areas, and the Niseko ski resort is world-renowned. Sapporo’s famous Yuki Matsuri Snow Festival is held February 5-11 and features an international snow sculpture competition.

Vietnam: Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are dry and pleasant November-March. The Vietnamese New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan (Tet) is the country’s biggest and most important festival, beginning February 14 and continuing for a week of feasting and parades.

Thailand: January-February are the best months to visit the beaches of Phuket, when rainfall is low and the Christmas crowds have departed. Bangkok and the Golden Triangle are also dry and cool from November-March. On December 5, the King’s birthday is celebrated countrywide, with thousands of yellow-clad well-wishers gathering in Bangkok.

Myanmar: November-February, the weather is dry and cool. January 12-16 is the Naga New Year Festival, when the Naga tribes perform traditional dances and ceremonies, dressed in their colorful best. There is also a solar eclipse visible from Bagan on January 15.

Dubai, UAE: Dubai is at its best October-December and February-April, when temperatures are moderate. Though there is sunshine almost year-round, January can be relatively rainy and overcast.

India: February means nearly perfect weather in Agra, making it an ideal time to visit the Taj Mahal.

The Americas

New York City: The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skating in Central Park, great shopping, New Year’s Eve in Times Square—there’s nothing like a trip to Manhattan to get you in the holiday spirit.

Aspen, Colorado: Snowmass is considered one of the best ski resorts in North America—its size and diversity of terrain make it ideal for families. Other ways to enjoy the winter landscape include cross-county skiing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico: Warm, sunny weather makes winter the perfect time to enjoy this region’s gorgeous beaches, excellent hotels, and numerous ancient sites.

Panama: February is the peak of the dry season and best time to view the country’s enormous variety of birds, as several migratory species are passing through.

Angel Falls, Venezuela: These impressive falls are at their best in early December, when the rainy season has just ended, leaving the falls flowing strong but offering clear skies and good visibility.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: In Buenos Aires, families bring in the New Year together; it’s a multi-generational experience. Throughout the city, parties are held with amazing food, music, tango exhibitions and dancing. The fireworks are spectacular.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio’s New Year’s Eve party, Reveillon, held in honor of Lemanja, goddess of the sea, is celebrated by millions of white-costumed partiers who gather on the beach to watch fireworks, float small boats laden with flowers out to sea, and dance till dawn. And of course, there’s Rio’s famous Carnival in February.

Trinidad: Rio isn’t the only place with a stupendous Carnival celebration. For five days in February, Trinidad holds the biggest party in the Caribbean, filled with parades, music and outrageous costumes.

Europe

Vienna, Austria: From late November-December 24, festive Christmas Markets light up the city, offering handicrafts, seasonal treats and lots of holiday cheer. December 31 marks the beginning of Vienna’s incomparable ball season, which lasts until March and features some 300 events.

Dolomites, Italy: January is the best time for a ski vacation here, when the holiday crowds have gone, and better-value accommodations are available.

Sweden: Each December, the world’s largest snow and ice hotel is built in Jukkasjäervi—a night in one of the luxurious ice suites is unforgettable. This year marks the hotel’s 20th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout the season.

Australia & New Zealand

Sydney, Australia: Spend New Year’s Eve along the harbor, watching the world’s most spectacular fireworks display. December-February offers warm, sunny weather for enjoying the city’s gorgeous beaches.

North Island, New Zealand: The summer months here (December-February) are warm and dry, perfect for exploring the diversity of landscapes, from rainforests to vast mountain lakes to idyllic beaches.

Africa

Tanzania: January-February is a dry season between two periods of rain, ideal for a safari—the scenery is green and lush and there’s a chance of spotting baby animals. This is also the best time for diving off the coast, when you’re likely to see manta rays and whale sharks.

Egypt: This is the peak time for a Nile cruise, as the weather is pleasantly cool and the river is at its fullest.

Plan Ahead

Start planning these trips now, to lock in the best guides and accommodations.

China: The Shanghai World Expo runs from May 1-October 31—it’s best to plan at least 6 months ahead. Avoid October 1-7, as it is a national holiday. The last week or two of the Expo might also be quite chaotic.

Japan: Throughout the country, cherry blossom season is keenly anticipated by visitors and Japanese alike. In central Japan, site of the largest festivals, blossoms typically appear in late March—mid April—book your travel and accommodations well in advance.

Botswana: The Okavango Delta floods by June, attracting a multitude of wildlife between June-November. Book 6 to 18 months ahead to get the guides and camps you want.

Tanzania: During the dry season (July-October), animals gather at watering holes and massive herds migrate across the Serengeti. Book 6 to 18 months ahead to get the guides and camps you want.

Egypt: December-February are the most popular times for a Nile cruise, because the weather is pleasant and the river is high. Book 6 to 12 months in advance to get the boat, captain, crew and guide of your choice.

Australia: Held in even years, the Adelaide Festival of Arts is one of the world’s great art events. It will be staged February 26-March 14, 2010—book now to secure your seats.

In this issue

1. New Year’s Celebrations
2. Great Trips Now
3. Plan Ahead
4. Winter Festivals & Events