Travel inspiration tailored just for you

Planning your next adventure has never been easier. With our travel planner, simply choose your favorite activity and preferred travel months. We’ll do the rest.

We’ve gotten pretty good at harnessing the power of data to bring you personalised recommendations. By analysing historical weather patterns from destinations worldwide, we pinpoint the best times to enjoy the activities you love. Want dark sky experiences? We’ll guide you to stunning locations with long, clear nights. Looking for the perfect ski trip? Our recommendations highlight destinations based on snowfall, snow depth and clear skies. Beach bums, get ready for warmth and sunshine.

Where will your next adventure take you?

Using our travel planner is easy as. Select the month or activity you’d like to travel, and we’ll show you where to go. Let’s say you want some winter sun. Select July + Skiing. Whistler, Zermatt and Niseko await! Want a beach trip in April? Our data points to Maldives, Seychelles and Hawaii.

Travel ideas by month

Know when you want to travel but unsure where to go? These are our top recommendations.

If you like adventure

Hiking (April–June) – Chile, Nepal, Peru

Some of the world’s prettiest landscapes are best seen on foot. The months from April to June offer prime hiking conditions for incredible hiking destinations. Trek Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas with cosy tea houses and temples along the way. Or, venture to the lush valleys of Peru. The Inca Trail leads to the ancient city of Machu Picchu (and these months will have you beating the high season crowds). For remote wilderness, there’s Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. The scenery is made of serene alpine lakes, glistening glaciers and dramatic limestone peaks. There’s no place else quite like it.

Skiing (July–February) – Canada, Japan, New Zealand

It often seems like sunny destinations get all the travel attention, but it’s well worth travelling for snow, too. Whistler in Canada receives a whopping 11 metres of snow per year on average, making it an incredible place to ski and snowboard. Plus, it’s après ski scene is always lively. Or, venture to the powder capital of the world, Niseko, Japan. When a day on the slope is done, there’s a hot spring or onsen to recharge in. Our neighbours over the Tasman also have prime skiing and snowboarding in Queenstown. This adventure hub is within striking distance of four ski fields, plus a host of other wintertime activities like snow mobiling, snow shoeing, tubing and more.

Nature escapes (January to April) – Costa Rica, New Zealand, Netherlands

Connect with nature at the beginning of the year. In Costa Rica, these months fall in the tropical nation’s dry season. Spend your time ziplining over the misty treetops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, watching for jaguars and macaws in Corcovado Nationnal Park and spot sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park. In New Zealand, it’s warm and pleasant. Trek the Tongariro Crossing, witness the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and hike along the TeAraroa Trail, a single track that connects the country. Fly to the Netherlands at the end of March through April to see tapestries of tulips in full bloom at Keukenhof.

If you like relaxation

Beaches (December–March) – Maldives, Seychelles, Hawaii

Australians are experts at finding blissful beaches – so if it’s going to lure us away from our own coastline, it better be pretty good. Take your pick of white-ringed island in the Maldives and wake up to views of the blue from an overwater bungalow. It’s an ideal hub for luxury spa treatments, soaking up the sun and snorkelling. The Seychelles, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, also has a range of beaches to choose from – some with glitzy beach clubs and others with total solitude. And there’s even a chance you’ll spot a tortoise sunbathing on the beach while there! Hawaii, with its chain of volcanic islands, also shines during this time of year. The sparkling black sand beaches at Maui are a stark contrast to what we have at home. Families, head to the tidepools. Surfers, take your pick of epic reef breaks.

Retreats (Year-round) – Bali, Sri Lanka

Reset both body and mind at a retreat. From wellness retreats tucked in tropical rainforest to stays where the sound of crashing waves acts as background noise, Bali and Sri Lanka are top picks. Bali has a range of yoga and health retreats set among rice paddies in Ubud, more active surf-focused stays are found on the Bukit Peninsula. In Sri Lanka, Ayurveda traditions and serene coastal retreats offers a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion. Whether you’re detoxing in an eco-lodge, practicing mindfulness by the sea, or indulging in spa treatments (like frangipani oil massages), these destinations will leave you feeling better than you arrived.

If you like culture and events

Festivals (July–September) – Germany, Scotland, Spain

From July to October, Europe hosts some of its most vibrant and world-renowned festivals, drawing crowds from all over the globe. Germany’s Oktoberfest (September-October) is perhaps one of the most famous, where Bavarian culture and the arrival of autumn is celebrated through great food, music and steins of beer under giant beer tents. Traditional attire recommended! In Spain, La Tomatina (August) is one big tomato fight among 20,000 people, turning the streets into rivers of marinara sauce. Nobody knows exactly how this Buñol tradition began, but it gets more and more popular each year. Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, taking place throughout August, transforms the historic city into a cultural hub, with thousands of performers showcasing comedy, theatre, music and street performances. By some counts, it’s the world’s largest arts festival.

City breaks (Spring & Autumn) – Japan, France, Spain

If you’re up for a city escape, venture during the northern hemisphere’s spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. In Tokyo, Paris and Barcelona, the weather is crisp and pleasant. Tokyo is abloom with cherry blossoms in springtime and golden foliage in autumn, setting a stunning scene as you dine on fine sushi and ramen, hop around its theme parks and enjoy the skyline from a swanky rooftop bar. The shoulder seasons in Paris are also particularly lovely. Big sights like the Lourve, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower all have shorter lines, and the weather is nice enough to people watch from an outdoor café. These seasons also beat the high heat of summer in Barcelona. You’ll still have sunny days for sunbathing, but will have spots like Park Güell, Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló without the chaos.

Historical Sites (Spring & Autumn) – Italy, Jordan, China

The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, are the best times to explore historical sites that often draw big crowds during summertime. In Italy, Rome is where you’ll find fewer crowds at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the heart of social and political events of ancient Rome. In Petra, Jordan, admire the archeological wonder of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and walk through the Siq canyon to discover ancient tombs and rock-carved structures. Autumn is also one of the prettiest times to visit the Great Wall of China. It’s deemed the “golden season” thanks to the changing foliage of the surrounding forests.

If you like unique experiences

Astro-tourism (March–October) – Chile, Namibia

It’s becoming increasingly rare to disconnect from artificial light, from the glow of our cities to the devices we hold in our hand. The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the world’s darkest places, with little light pollution clouding a starry night. Marvel at the stars above through a powerful telescope, or spend the night at a remote lodge with stargazing guides on site. Namibia’s Namib Desert is also stellar for astro-experiences, and is home to dark sky reserves. Spend your time wildlife watching and exploring the grand desert landscape by day and peering up at the cosmos by night.

Horseback Adventures (Patagonian Spring or Autumn)

Patagonia’s wild landscapes have been explored on horseback for decades, and riding into the remote wilderness is like riding back in time. The Andean scenery comes alive during these seasons, with wildflowers cloaking the mountain’s foothills in springtime and trees turning into every shade of red, orange and red in fall. Go on day rides from an Argentinean ranch, often run by a long lineage of gauchos, or on a multi-day excursion, camping along the way.

Travel tips for Australians

The best time to book flights

Discover the best time to book flights and save money with Skyscanner's Best Time to Book tool. With the extra savings, you can splurge on unique experiences, cool souvenirs and delicious food all around the world.

Visa requirements and travel restrictions

Before you go, be sure to check the latest visa requirements for your trip. Some destinations will also have other requirements, like at least six months of passport validity, in order for you to enter.

Packing tips

With the right packing tips, you’ll be ready for any adventure ahead. If you're hitting the slopes, warm layers are essential. Thermal base layers made from merino wool will keep you warm, and an insulated jacket, thick socks and waterproof gloves will keep you toasty on the slopes all day long. For tropical getaways, opt for light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin (and fragile coral reefs). If hiking is on your agenda, sturdy, well-broken-in shoes are a must, along with moisture-wicking clothing to keep you comfortable on the trail. Read on for more of our best packing advice.