Your 2026 travel itinerary - month by month
Many of us include travel goals in our New Year's resolutions, but deciding where to visit can be a challenge, especially when trying to determine the best time of year to visit a specific destination.
With that being said, we have provided a month-by-month itinerary of where to visit in 2026 for those seeking some travel inspiration.
Contents:
- January - The Bahamas
- February - New Zealand
- March - Thailand
- April - Japan
- May - Mexico
- June - Sweden
- July - Greece
- August - Kenya
- September - USA
- October - Iceland
- November - India
- December - Finland
January - The Bahamas
January is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Caribbean island of the Bahamas, located southeast of Florida. With temperatures of around 25°C, the island is a popular winter holiday destination, and for good reason. January falls within the dry season, so rainfall is minimal, and sunshine is expected throughout the month. You can also expect around seven hours of sunshine each day.
The dryer season also means calmer waters, which are perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling or jet skiing. Holidaymakers can also explore Blue Lagoon Island, a private tropical island resort in the Bahamas located about 3 miles from Nassau, a major tourist destination, with lots of attractions, from picturesque beaches to shops and restaurants.
February - New Zealand
For February, why not consider New Zealand? February is one of the warmest and sunniest months in the Oceanic country, with long days ideal for outdoor activities like hiking. The country is famous for its beautiful, unique landscapes, with around 80% of the country being covered in mountains, forests and uninhabited land.
The country is split into two main islands, the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu), with plenty to see on both parts of the country. The North Island is warmer and more populated, with larger cities such as Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington situated in the north. Nature enthusiasts will love the South Island, which is larger, colder, and wilder, and is home to dramatic mountains, glaciers, fjords, and a range of adventure sports.
March - Thailand
Thailand is famous for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture and delicious food, making it a popular destination for people from all over the world. March is the perfect time to explore this beautiful country, as it marks the peak of thedry season, with warmer temperatures expected.
Thailand's landscape is incredibly diverse. The North offers lush mountains, while the South is defined by stunning coastlines. March is fantastic for island hopping in Thailand, especially the Andaman Coast, located in the southwest of the country, which is known for its crystal clear waters and calm seas. The Gulf Coast, located on the eastern coastline bordering the Gulf of Thailand, offers warm, sunny days perfect for snorkelling and diving.
April - Japan
Japan is popular with tourists for its unique blend of ancient traditions and futuristic modernity, stunning natural beauty, such as Mount Fuji, world-renowned cuisine including sushi and ramen, exceptional safety, cleanliness, efficiency, and a deep cultural emphasis on hospitality.
April is a fantastic time to visit the country, with mild weather and vibrant spring festivals. The world-famous, iconic cherry blossoms, or sakura, are also in full bloom in April, making the month prime time to see the beautiful flowers of ornamental cherry trees, which symbolise renewal, hope, and the fleeting beauty of life, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
Many visitors to Japan often follow the "Golden Triangle", a popular route connecting the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, which provides a well-rounded experience for first-time tourists. The cities are well-connected by high-speed bullet trains and public transport, making the route convenient and accessible.
May - Mexico
Mexico is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, incredible cuisine, stunning beaches, and natural wonders, making it a top global tourist destination with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. May marks the beginning of the low season, which means popular sites such as Chichén Itzá and the Tulum ruins are less crowded.
May also marks Cinco de Mayo, an annual celebration observed nationwide. Visitors will be able to experience the festival in full force, with large colourful parades being held across the country. The city of Puebla, located in east-central Mexico, is often regarded as the best place in Mexico to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with concerts, food festivals and cultural events.
June - Sweden
June is a popular month for travel, marking the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. However, in Sweden, visitors will find vibrant Midsommar festivals, which make for a truly unique travel experience to add to your 2026 itinerary. In the far north of the country, in the Norrland region, visitors can experience 24 hours of sunlight, as the sun does not set for approximately 47 days.
During Midsommar festivals, visitors can experience traditional Swedish activities, such as maypole dancing, making flower crowns, and sampling traditional foods like pickled herring. However, there’s also so much more the explore. Sweden is a nature lover's paradise, boasting vast forests, nearly 100,000 lakes, thousands of islands, and unique phenomena such as the Northern Lights. Exploring Sweden’s natural beauty is accessible through the Right of Public Access, which allows for free hiking, swimming, and camping for all.
July - Greece
For the perfect summer holiday, Greece is a fantastic destination to visit in July, offering warm weather and opportunities for island hopping. Greece is a renowned holiday destination due to its perfect blend of stunning islands and beaches, an incredibly rich ancient history and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Greece is home to approximately 227 inhabited islands, with each offering a unique experience for visitors. For those seeking nightlife, Mykonos and Santorini are excellent options, offering a mix of lively clubs, beach bars, cocktail bars, and romantic restaurants. For families, Rhodes, Crete and Corfu may be more suitable options. These destinations offer beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, and numerous family-friendly hotels.
August - Kenya
Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that should definitely be considered for your travel itinerary in 2026. August is often regarded as the best time to visit the country, as it marks the peak of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. This mass migration is the annual journey for over two million animals, including zebras, wildebeest and gazelles, who move from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, creating one of the planet's greatest wildlife spectacles.
For those wanting to see the Great Migration, make sure to book early the avoid disappointment. The Mara North Conservancy offers camps during your stay, such as Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Plains Camp and Spekes Camp, as well as lodges near the Mara River, positioning you near the dramatic river crossings during the migration.
September - USA
The US is home to plenty of destinations that make for an unforgettable trip. In the northeast of the country, particularly New England, September creates a beautiful display of colour, as vibrant reds and yellows cover the trees and forest regions. On the other side of the country, on the West Coast, September brings cooler temperatures, which are perfect for exploring sites such as Yosemite and Yellowstone National Park.
Iconic cities such as New York offer fewer crowds than in the summer months, great for exploring Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. For those searching for a mixture of city break and beach holiday, Los Angeles and San Diego are still reaching high temperatures in September, meaning you can explore the beautiful beaches of the Californian coast.
October - Iceland
October is one of the best months to visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular displays. October is an ideal time for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland, thanks to a combination of darker skies, increased geomagnetic activity near the autumn equinox, and a milder winter. Additionally, lakes reflect the lights beautifully before freezing during the deep winter months.
For another unique experience, opt for a guided tour of an ice cave, a stunning tunnel or chamber carved by meltwater within a glacier. Another popular activity is relaxing in the famous geothermal pools, such as the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon. Soaking in these geothermal waters is said to have key benefits for the skin and overall health.
November - India
India is a country renowned for its diversity, characterised by a blend of religions, cultures, and traditions found throughout the country. November is an excellent time to visit, as the heavy monsoon rains have ended, bringing pleasant, dry, and sunny weather that is ideal for exploring the warm beaches of Goa, as well as cooler North Indian cities like Delhi and Jaipur.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Light, often falls in November (including in 2026). This five-day Indian festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and is widely celebrated across India. Visitors can enjoy firework displays, outdoor decorations, feasts, food festivals, and more at a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture.
December - Finland
For December, where else to visit other than Finland? December is considered a magical time to visit Finland, especially Lapland, the largest and northernmost region in the country. Here, you’ll find the ultimate Christmas wonderland experience, featuring Santa Claus Village, snowy landscapes, husky sledging, reindeer rides, and prime Northern Lights viewing, thanks to the long, dark nights, making for a truly memorable trip.
In December, you can stay in various unique accommodations across Finnish Lapland, with Rovaniemi (Santa's Home) being popular for families. Other top spots include Levi, Saariselkä, and Inari, offering stunning glass igloos, log cabins, or ice hotels. For something different, try the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel for an Arctic wilderness experience and Northern Lights viewing.
Book your getaway with Iglu Cruise today
If you’re ready to explore some of the incredible destinations within our list, why not consider a cruise? We offer a selection of cruise deals to choose from, featuring itineraries around the world, including Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. From family-friendly cruises to luxury sailings and even solo cruise options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.