Most people travel at any time they wish – as long as they can get leave from work, or are enjoying a holiday from school. However, some people overlook the fact that some places are best visited at certain times of the year, and not at other times.
Depending on your desired destination and activities, the perfect time to go will vary. To make the best of your overseas vacation, it is best to check out travel guides for the best time to visit your intended destination. For some general guidelines, here’s what you should bear in mind when choosing the dates for your next travels:
Don’t go during the peak periods
Unless you are a student yourself or are travelling with your children, it is generally not a good idea to be travelling during the school holidays. Other peak periods include major holidays like Christmas and New Year.
If you have a choice, travelling during these periods is not recommended, as it means battling with the crowd wherever you go. Not only does this lead to longer waits and delays, but it also puts travellers at higher risk of danger as well. Pushing and shoving can easily lead to falls, and crowded places are also more prone to crimes like pickpocketing.
Due to the surge in demand for planes, accommodation, and attractions, the prices for everything goes up. You won’t find it worth it to pay exorbitant prices to travel when you can enjoy the same services at a lower cost on other days. Thus, for the purposes of saving money, saving time, and keeping safe, peak periods are not a good time for travelling.
Check for climate and weather
Unlike in Singapore, where the weather does not see much changes throughout the year, most countries in the world experience variations in their climate depending on the time of the year. Based on what kind of activities you want to do, it is crucial to check the season of your intended destination before making your bookings. If you want to enjoy a beach escapade, summer is typically the best time to go. If you plan to experience winter sports, you need to go when it is cold enough for snow.
Travellers should also check for adverse weather like hurricane or typhoon warnings. Stormy seasons are generally not advisable for travelling, as these extreme weather events could lead to delays or even closures in transportation. The weather could also put you and your fellow travellers in danger.
While you can do your best to avoid periods of uncooperative weather, unforeseen changes in weather do sometimes occur. In preparation for these situations, it is best to ensure that you are covered by a good insurance plan to cover for emergency services such as an air ambulance or medical evacuation.
Check for local holidays where you’re travelling
Local festivals can be an excellent time to visit if you are looking to experience something new. For example, throngs of tourists head to Thailand every April to take part in the Songkran festival, which involves a large-scale water-splashing parade. Whereas in Europe, Christmas markets are a popular tourist attraction during the year-end.
However, some national and regional holidays are best avoided if you do not intend to take part in the celebrations. For example, Lunar New Year is not a good time to be travelling to China, as you will experience massive crowds and congestion due to Chinese people from all corners of the world making their pilgrimage back home. National holidays may also affect the running of businesses, transport, and the price of local attractions, so do take note if your travel period coincides with any local holidays.
For a safe and enjoyable experience, these are some things you should take note of when selecting your travel dates. Do bear these in mind when planning your next trip!
