It’s not just where you travel. It’s when you travel that can matter most
La Plaz Beach Grill, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
One of the questions I'm asked most often is "Where should we go?" But in many cases, a more important question is"When should we go?"
The right destination at the wrong time of year can be disappointing. The right destination at exactly the right time can be exceptional. My experience has taught me that some of the best travel decisions aren't necessarily about choosing a different place, but about choosing a different month.
The Japanese at Gutsch Winter Terrace, The Chedi Andermatt
Take Mauritius, for example. Many people immediately think of travelling during the Christmas holidays or in the height of winter. Yet October can be one of the loveliest times to visit. The weather is warm and settled, humidity is generally lower, the island feels more relaxed, and availability is often far better than during peak holiday periods. The experience can be every bit as enjoyable, often with greater choice and better value.
The same applies to skiing. Many people focus on Christmas, New Year or February half-term because that's traditionally when people go skiing. These weeks can be wonderful, but they are also some of the busiest and most expensive periods of the season. For those with flexibility, early December can offer beautifully prepared resorts, festive atmosphere and excellent availability before the Christmas rush begins. March is another favourite. Longer days, warmer temperatures, quieter slopes and often some of the best skiing of the season.
Swimming pool, The Legian Seminyak Bali
Understanding seasonality is one of the most important parts of planning travel well. It's not simply about avoiding crowds or finding better rates. It's about understanding weather patterns, local events, school holiday periods, and how destinations change throughout the year.
A Caribbean island may be stunning in February but sitting within hurricane season during another part of the year. A Mediterranean destination may feel vibrant in June yet overwhelmingly busy in August. A safari destination can offer completely different wildlife experiences depending on the season.
The destination hasn't changed. The experience has.
Cliff at Cap, Cap Maison St Lucia
Some of the most successful trips I've arranged have come from shifting travel dates by just a few weeks.
Clients enjoy the same destination, often in better conditions, with greater availability and a more relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes the difference is remarkable. When planning a holiday, it’s important to consider these three things together:
The destination.
The time of year.
The experience.
When those three elements align, that's usually when the magic happens. Because choosing where to travel matters. But choosing when to travel can make all the difference.
