Where to go Each Month: 12 Unusual Destinations You Can Visit in One Year

From learning new cultures, languages, and tasting new food, traveling is a magical experience for everybody. However, it can be difficult choosing where to travel for your next adventurous trip. You have so many options to choose from like the most beautiful tropical islands in the world or the most romantic getaways in Europe. However, traveling for one year doesn’t have to be difficult if you know the right places to go at the right time. So, here’s a unique list of 12 travel destinations that you can visit in one year.

Harbin, China

When we think of January, a few thoughts comes into our minds: it’s a New Year and a fresh start. That’s why a spontaneous trip to Harbin, China is the perfect way to begin the new year. Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, which is located in China’s most northern province. This unique city grew in the late 19th century when the Russian engineers came to China to construct the eastern leg of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. These days, Harbin is most popular for the biggest snow and ice festival in the world. This festival lasts from January 5th to February 5th. Which means, you have one month of non-stop enjoyment in this icy area.

Photo by marcmooney via Pixabay

San Sebastian, Spain

February is all about romance, love, and couples. So why not take a lovely trip to somewhere private and relaxing? Of course, France and Italy is the ultimate romantic countries but San Sebastian, Spain has gain quite a reputation these past few years. This coastal city is most popular for its beaches, tasty food, and quiet retreat. La Concha or “Playa de la Concha” is their most popular beach in the city. Notably, it is in the shape of a crescent too. While you explore their beaches, take advantage of the beautiful architectures and snap some of the most Instagram-worthy pictures to post on your feed. All in all, Nothing screams romance than relaxing on the beach with your one true love.

Photo by BarbeeAnne via Pixabay

San Luis Obispo, California

California is popular for its all-year round warm and sunny weather. However, March tends to be one of its cooler seasons even though the sun is out and bright. That’s why a trip to the beautiful city of San Luis Obispo is an ideal vacation in the spring. San Luis Obispo is located (roughly) in between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is popular for many things such as their farmer’s market and their university, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Specifically during March, this city is popular for its film festival and wine tasting. Their most popular wine vineyards are Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards and Wolff Vineyards. Overall, this is a lovely and quiet getaway for the spring time for anyone who needs a break from their busy work life.

Photo by Leif Arne Storset via Flickr

Victoria Falls

While some areas in North America are experiencing rain and colder weather, other parts of the world like Zambia and Zimbabwe are becoming drier. Victoria Falls is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is notably known as being the largest waterfall in the world. Some say that they can hear Victoria Falls from a distance of 40 kilometers or (roughly) 25 miles away. Therefore, April is the perfect time to visit this beautiful waterfall because the weather is usually drier and less rainy compared to March. Also, this water fall is Instagram-worthy and it’s one of the many relaxing destinations that you don’t want to skip out on when you’re in Africa.

Photo by Gary Bembridge via Flickr

Asheville, North Carolina

One of the warmer months in North Carolina is in the beautiful month of May. The weather tends to be sunny and it’s perfect for all sorts of outdoors adventures. This lovely city is popular for its vibrant art scenes and historic architectures. To start your adventure, make your way to downtown Asheville to enjoy the best bars and live music in the city. However, the nightlife and bar hopping isn’t for everybody so, outside of downtown lies two popular local and world music festivals. If you’re someone who enjoys nature and flower then the Botanical Gardens is an ideal spot to visit too. Conveniently, it is only 5 minutes away from downtown Asheville.

Photo by Michael Tracey via Flickr

Loire Valley, France

June is the beginning of summer and it makes the perfect month to visit France, specifically Loire Valley. This area is is located in the middle of the Loire River in central France. They are most popular for their castles, historic sites, and beautiful nature. For instance, Château de Chaumont is a beautiful castle that was founded in the 10th century by Odo I, Count of Blois. As for Château de Blois, this lovely castle is one of France’s most prestigious Renaissance monuments and it was founded in the 17th century. Furthermore, you can catch a glimpse of the blooming flowers around Loire Valley when you explore outside of the castle. With the warm weather and beautiful sun shining above, this is a wonderful spot you can’t miss out when you travel to Europe.

Photo by Cussenot via Wikimedia Commons

Trancoso, Brazil

Whether you’re searching for the next night life or a peaceful getaway, Brazil is a wonderful area to visit in July. This month is usually considered as Brazil’s most peaceful seasons so, traveling will be a breeze and more relaxing compared to their busier months like January, February, and June. Also during July, Trancoso tends to be warmer and sunnier, which means that you have more time to enjoy the outdoors. You can visit the Taípe Beach for a relaxing day with the family or drink your favorite alcohol at UXUA Beach Bar. Either way, Trancoso is a beautiful and hidden beach town that’s waiting to be discovered by you.

Photo by Michel Y.G. Meunier via Wikimedia Commons

Glacier National Park, Montana

This beautiful wilderness in Montana is the ideal spot to visit in August. It has more than 700 miles of hiking rails and the perfect view for an Instagram-worthy shot. Even though the warmer weather may not display all of the beautiful white snow, this is still a great spot to visit in August if you’re a nature lover. During its colder months, you can see a trail of glaciers on the peaks and valleys that leads to the Canadian border. There are also grizzly bears and goats in this national park too, so keep your eyes out for them when you explore this national park.

Photo by David Broad via Wikimedia Commons

Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia. During September, the weather tends to be cloudier and cooler, however that doesn’t restrict anyone from going to the beach. Therefore, you’ll have a higher chance of enjoying the beach all to yourself during the Fall. However, there are so many other reasons why Tofino is the best place to visit in September. First, there’s the “Carving on the Edge Festival” which is literally dedicated to the art of carving. Then there’s the “Queen of the Peak” women surfing championship too. If you’re someone who admires nature life and the beautiful outdoors then Tofino is the perfect spot for you to visit in September.

Photo by Jondolar Schnurr via Pixabay

Salem, Massachusetts

Halloween is a popular holiday in the western world, specifically in America. From dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and partying all night, this is one of the most favorited holidays in the fall. So, there’s no other place to celebrate Halloween “the right way” than to go to Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a historical coastal city in the east coast. It has an infamous reputation for having the witch trials in 1692. If you’re not much of a party-animal then you can visit the Salem Witch Museum and the Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour for a more light-hearted Halloween extravaganza. Overall, this historical site is the perfect spot to visit in October when you want a mix of history and scary adventures in one location.

Photo by Anthony22 via Wikimedia Commons

Chiang Mai, Thailand

November is popular for the colder weather, Thanksgiving in America, and pumpkin spice lattes. However, in northern Thailand, the month of November is a perfect time to visit because of the beautiful full moon. Because the full moon is a special time for them, they have some popular festivals to celebrate it. For instance, this Siamese festival call “Loy Krathong” is celebrated for three days. The name of this festival is translated as “to float a basket.” It comes from the tradition of making krathong or buoyant. There are tons of decorated baskets that float on a river. While you explore this beautiful festival, don’t forget to eat their delicious street food and explore the street markets too.

Christmas Island

December is most popular for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Even though we’re used to the colder days and enjoyable holiday movies, it’s good to note that Christmas Island celebrates the holidays a little bit different. This lovely and unique island is a territory of Australia and it is located in the Indian Ocean. Unlike the familiar cold season that we experience in December, it’s actually summer on this island. Instead of packing your favorite boots, sweaters, and scarfs, you’ll find yourself searching for your summer clothes before you venture off on this tiny island. Some of their popular attractions and beaches are Christmas Island National Park, Dolly Beach, and Lily Beach.