Holidays in 2012 – where to visit throughout the year

From Winter to Summer, Autumn or Spring, from the snow in the mountains to clear waters and sunny beaches, David has it all planned in advance for this year. As usual another amazing destination list :)

Deciding where to go on holiday can be tricky. You’ll often have a month in mind for when you’d like to go away but choosing your holiday destination isn’t always easy. To help you out with your decision, TravelSupermarket has identified 12 great holiday destinations to visit – one for every month of the year!

If you’re currently thinking about booking a last minute holiday, January is the ideal time of the year to visit the Caribbean. At this time of year there is a chance of rainfall but with temperatures throughout the month being at least 22 degrees, it is certainly a lot hotter than the UK. The Caribbean also starts its carnivals in January, giving you the chance to experience island life.

Antigua, Bahamas and Barbados
With choices from Antigua, Bahamas and Barbados and many others, you will be able to find miles of long sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes, as well as experiencing the laid-back charm of local towns and villages.

If you fancy a skiing break, then Geneva has over 200 resorts in traveling distance of the city and is an ideal destination for February. The city itself is also culture-rich and offers visitors the chance to wander down the streets of this green city and experience some of the finer things of Swiss life.

Geneva, Switzerland
March is an ideal time to visit Marrakech, as the weather is warm without being too hot! The people of Marrakech are very friendly and the city itself is bustling with colour, sights and smells. It is easy to move from the narrow streets of the old city to the modern district, allowing you to experience what the city has to offer.

Marrakech, Morocco
Crete is a popular European destination for some early sun in April, as well as for some excellent deals. The largest island in Greece, it offers beautiful coastline that is great for water sports as well as relaxing. The island has also lots to see, from natural features such as its gorges, to ruins from ancient civilizations.

Crete, Greece
Japan in May is very lush and the temperatures have yet to reach their hottest. The country offers the traditional Japanese lifestyle coupled with modern cities, having something for all types of visitors.

Japan
June is an ideal month for going on safari, with South Africa coming into its own at this time of year. The weather can be hot during the day, but it has cooler nights. Zambia has a number of National Parks, as well as spectacular landscapes that include Victoria Falls. The country offers a huge choice of safari activities, including horseback or elephant-back safaris as well as canoe or open vehicle safaris.

Safari, South Africa
The fine weather in July is great for exploring Iceland. The country has such a varied landscape, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and geysers. The days are long as the sun rarely sets and the land is green. There are plenty of activities, such as glacier skiing or even the opportunity to whale watch.

Iceland
The jewel of the Balearics, Menorca, offers hot weather in August and the chance to relax on one of the many beaches that it has on offer. There are plenty of activities on offer for the whole family, including water sports, water parks, cycling and riding.

Menorca, Spain
Menorca also offers a variety of other activities, including a number of golf courses. There is a variety of historical sites worth visiting on the island, as well as its National Park, the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

There are still plenty of warm destinations in the USA in September. Although the weather can sometimes be unstable at this time of year, Miami offers some fantastic beaches with daily temperatures of above 22 degrees.

Miami, USA
There is also the chance to visit the Everglades National Park, which as the subtropical wilderness of the USA, is home to a variety of species. There is also the Biscayne National park that offers the chance to dive around its coral reefs.

Visiting Dubai in October gives the chance for you to experience this truly unique city. Not only does it have many record-breaking landmarks and achievements, it also has many miles of beaches that are ideal for water sports. The city also offers traditional activities, such as camel racing and falconry.

Dubai
November is an ideal time to take a trip halfway around the world to New Zealand. Both North Island and South Island have beautiful landscapes that include plenty of beaches, lots of wildlife, outdoor activities and the opportunity to experience the unique Maori culture. There is still plenty of sun at this time of year and it is an ideal time to explore.

New Zealand
Cancun in Mexico offers dry weather in December, with average temperatures of around 24 degrees. There are plenty of water sports on offer, including diving. As well as its many beaches, there is plenty to see and do. It has bustling towns and gives visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient world of the Mayans.

Cancun, Mexico
Whatever time of year you plan to go on holiday in 2012, this top picks are just a few destinations that will help you to follow the sun throughout the year.

Goa, dream vacations in India

Continuing with my travel wishlist lets fly from Istambul to Goa, a small province on the Eastern coast of India. Goa was the first place visited by the Portuguese explorers in India and it was from there that they started the sea trading routes to Europe. In fact, although Goa's state capital is a city called Panaji, the largest city in the province has the name of the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama.

Santa Catarina Cathedral, Velha Goa, India
The Portuguese influence is most visible in the architecture, specially in the many Churches, Monasteries and Cathedrals. These structures that are present throughout the cities of Goa state and have inclusively helped the province to gain an UNESCO world heritage architecture award. Above the beautiful Santa Catarina Cathedral in the city of Velha Goa (Old Goa in English).

Shantadurga Temple, Kavalem, India
Also beautiful and part of Goa's world heritage architecture are the numerous Hindu Temples one can find in the region. A fine example of this temples, just a few miles from the capital Panaji in a village called Kavalem, is the amazing Shantadurga Temple (devoted to the Goddess with the same name).

Praia da Colva, India
As always in vacations beautiful beaches are not an optional and Goa is no exception in this mater. The climate is very warm all year so I'm hoping I can find some cheap holidays to Goa. From North to South of Goa's state there are several beach spots perfect for a refreshing dive and catching some sun rays. Without any doubt I would love to try the waters of Praia da Colva :)

One final thanks to Wikimedia for the beautiful photos they share.

Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal

In another joint venture with Andre, this next post is all about Vila Nova de Milfontes. A small village in the South of our country Portugal famous for it's beautiful beaches, it's history and it's gastronomy.

Vila Nova de Milfontes is perhaps the most touristic beach location in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. The view from the bridge over the Mira river invites who passes to make a stop and meet the place. The village offers to it's visitors a small and calm river beach, perfect for families with kids. Also several ocean beaches, from those the one called Praia do Malhão (just 5km from the center) is the most know. Located in Alentejo's Southwest Natural park this beach has extensive sandy areas and excellent conditions for water sports like surf.

Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal
With it's 525 year's of old, Vila Nova de Milfontes breathes history. Over the Mira river places like the town's fort, the Forte de São Clemente, built in the end of the XVI century to protect the village from piracy, are amazing. Even oldest, the church of Nossa Senhora da Graça (in English, Our Lady of Grace) whose construction date goes as far as the beginning of that same XVI century.

Those who like nature may explore many track paths along the coastal lines, in fact, some of them are among the best preserved in all Europe. Between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo, there are several track spots of exquisite beauty. Amazing desert beaches and breath taking cliffs ending on the ocean.

Southwest Coastal View, Portugal
As to the gastronomy, it's mandatory to taste the local fresh fish dishes and seafood. In the local restaurants it's always easy to find dishes like the Arroz de Marisco (seafood with rice and sauce). A word too for the Açorda de Marisco (the same seafood base but this time cooked with eggs, bread and herbs), very good if you ask me!

With and exception to the Summer month of August, it's usually very easy to find where to stay. I guess all options are available, from camping, to apartments and hotels, all you have to do is choose what's best for you and come visit us on your next Portugal holidays. See you soon ;)