|
|
Find your perfect honeymoon...
that should help you decide where to go and when to be there, to ensure a happy holiday. JANUARY KENYA Stripes, spots and tusks are just some of the associations that people make with the safari capital of the world. The country is never short of things to see, with several national parks brimming with life and Mount Kilimanjaro just waiting to be explored. With a generally dry climate, much of Kenyan land is classified as arid or semi-arid. Temperatures and rainfall vary according to altitude; in general though the climate is warm and humid at the coast and hot and dry in the north. Driest time of year to go: Kenya’s driest periods vary depending on location but Nairobi is typically considered driest from July to October. As a whole, Kenya is considered wettest and most humid during ‘low season’, that is, from early April to late June – though, because of its enormous expanse, it is worth checking with your travel agents for specific locations as various terrains can have their own weather systems. Hottest time of year to go: Kenya is generally hot, hot, hot all year round! Again it varies, depending on where you are, the altitude and proximity to the coast. For example, it tends to be cooler and more humid in the central highlands with coastal areas cooled by the pleasant sea breezes. Generally speaking, Kenya is hottest during February and March. Best time of year to go: Peak season is considered to be between December and March when there is ‘less’ chance of heavy showers. When not to go: If you like your weather hot then you have found the right place by choosing Kenya. Unfortunately, not only does the wet season drive the people away, it also drives the animals away as they seek refuge from the swollen rivers, so we suggest avoiding the wet season and aiming for one of the two dry seasons such as January to March and June and October. At the time of going to press the Foreign Office is advising against travel to Kenya due to the political situation and travel agents are not taking bookings to this destination. Visit www.fco.gov.uk for the latest advice about travel safety. Kenya is best for: Safaris, beaches, game reserves, local markets, marine parks, Mount Kilimanjaro, luxury hideaways and much more. Other places to visit in January: Thailand, Canada, Europe (ski), Malaysia, Hawaii, Grenada, Tobago, Barbados, Antigua, Mexico, Sri Lanka, India, Dubai and Jamaica. FEBRUARY: CANADA With plenty of fresh air, exercise, excitement and après ski, who says that rest is the best cure for a wedding hangover? When it comes to skiing, there is nothing comparable to the fresh powdered snow of the Rocky Mountains. With various resorts to choose from, including Jasper and Whistler, Canada offers an abundance of the white stuff throughout the winter months. With three key ski resorts and a wide avenue of bars, restaurants and clubs, nowhere can even claim to compare to the wonders of beautiful Banff. Aside all this, Banff is more than just winter sports with spectacular scenery, ice caves, gondolas and hot springs hidden in the mountains. Banff, and indeed much of Canada, is a winner any time of year. Located only a few hours’ car journey down the road from the Rocky Mountains is the bustling city of Calgary and home to the infamous Calgary stampede which takes place each July. Driest time to go: Canada is fabulous all year-round. However, covering such a large expanse, the climate will vary depending on altitude with, naturally, the colder atmosphere the further and higher north you go. Hottest time of year to go: Canada is warmest throughout June, July and August reflecting Britain’s own summer months. Particularly in Calgary, maximum temperatures tend to average a comfortable 25 degrees during the sunlight hours. Best time to go: When it comes to this part of the world it seems there is no ‘wrong’ time of the year to go; it just depends on what you are looking for. Warm and sunny in the summer, fresh and gleaming with snow during the winter. Either of the two seasons are ideal, depending on honeymoon requirements. Best for: Winter: skiing, snowboarding, après ski (bars, clubs and restaurants), gondola rides, hot springs, ice-skating, horse and carriage rides. Summer: Wild West rodeo displays, site-seeing, hiking, horse riding and all-you-can-eat buffets. Other places to visit in February: Barbados, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kenya, Grenada, Tobago, Barbados, Antigua, Mexico, Dubai, Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. MARCH: THAILAND Despite its incredible popularity since the publicity of the film, The Beach, starring Leo DiCaprio, Thailand hasn’t lost any of its charm and still manages to offer a sanctuary and sense of majesty to anyone who visits there. Whether you are looking for culture from the Buddhist temples of Bangkok, or beautiful beaches like those of Koh Samui, this country offers enough to satisfy the tastes of any traveller looking for something a little special. Driest time to go: Thailand is the perfect escape from the winter blues because the peak season there starts when our weather gets colder. On average, the months of November through to April see less rain but there are variations depending on the area you visit. For example Koh Samui is often a lot drier during Britain’s summer months, than its neighbouring towns and cities. Confirm with your travel agent, before choosing a specific area. Hottest time of year to go: Thailand is hot all year round, with maximum high temperatures barely dropping below 30 degrees. However, April and May tend to be scorching with temperatures often in the mid-thirties or higher. Best time to go: To enjoy all that Thailand has to offer, it is recommended to go in February and March when the weather is not so hot that it’s unbearable or makes site-seeing uncomfortable, especially when visiting bustling city areas like Bangkok. When not to go: Thailand is nice all year round, depending on where you choose to go. However, to avoid the rain in general, don’t go during the summer months of June, July and August when humidity rises, or even in April and May when the temperatures can become uncomfortable. Best for: Culture holidays, shopping, exciting cuisines, beautiful beaches, palaces, idyllic hideaways, parties in to the night, dramatic scenery and much more. Other places to visit in March: Mexico, Miami, Kenya, Grenada, Tobago, Barbados, Antigua, India, Dubai, China, Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic APRIL: BARBADOS The tiny island of Barbados is enough to excite all of the senses. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of the place is a little party all of its own. With a relaxed way of life, this little island known for its rum is a dreamy escape from the post-wedding stresses. Perhaps, to compensate for its small size, Barbados makes the most of its party atmosphere with plenty of amenities to entertain. This is especially so along the west coast which is brimming with an excellent choice of hotels, bars and restaurants. In a cluster of similar Islands, Barbados is situated conveniently close to the Grenadines offering the chance to explore and discover the wonders of the Caribbean. Driest time to go: December to June is considered to be the dry season in Barbados and with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees it’s no wonder it is so popular. Hottest time to go: Barbados remains fairly constant throughout the year with little change between the average daily maximum temperatures of around 30 degrees. Best time to go: The dry season is arguably the best time to go; which is from late December to June. There is also less chance of a hurricane, which is more likely from late June until the end of the autumn. When not to go: Barbados is great year round and there’s never any guarantee of hurricanes. However, it is advisable to avoid the hurricane season (late June to late autumn), and the rainy season (July to November). Best for: Turquoise beaches, white shores, a party atmosphere, golf, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, horse riding and much more. Other places to visit in April : Tobago, St Lucia, Bahamas, Cuba, India, Jamaica, and New Zealand MAY: EGYPT With so much to see and do, Egypt is one of those destinations in the world that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit. Even if it is simply a beach holiday that you are seeking, resorts such as the exclusive Sharm el Sheikh, along the Red Sea Riviera, is a paradise for lazing on the sand and basking in the beautiful sunshine, which is pretty much always guaranteed. However, with ancient tombs, pyramids, historic temples, sea turtles and world-renowned diving, Egypt has a lot more to bestow on the honeymooner then a simple suntan. Driest time to go: Put it this way, many parts of Egypt have an average annual rainfall of 0mm so it seems that whenever you decide to visit you’re not likely to go wrong when it comes to getting some sun…unless of course you are looking for snow. Located entirely within the Sahara, Egypt has a desert climate. Hottest time to go: Depending on how hot you can handle it, the average highest temperature in June, July and August range upwards from 34 degrees, but are more likely to be nearer 40 degrees in most destinations. The winds carrying sand and dust during the months of May to July can also be uncomfortable. Northern Egypt is often much cooler than the south. Best time to go: March, April and May are particularly pleasant with May just becoming that bit hotter with averages high temperatures of 27 degrees to the high 30s – but again, this depends on where in Egypt you are. For example, Luxor tends to draw in the highest temperatures, with more coastal areas like Sharm remaining a few degrees lower – but still hot – throughout the year. If you are looking to explore the area then January and February, with maximum average temperatures of around 20 degrees, will probably be more suited. When not to go: There’s so much to see and do in Egypt, regardless of whether you make it to the pyramids, that the scorching hot temperatures can often make life uncomfortable. This is especially so during the summer months. It’s at this time of the year that a dip in the pool or sea and the coastal breezes will be most welcome. Best for: Scuba diving, marine-life, river Nile cruises, ancient artefacts, temples, pyramids, museums, the Valley of the Kings, luxury beach resorts, horse riding, Egyptian markets and much more. Other places to visit in May: Bali, Barbados, Greece, Singapore. JUNE: BALI Beautiful Bali has lush palm trees and turquoise waters nestled in amongst the vibrancy of the local culture. Located west of the unspoilt island of Lombok and east of the mountainous island of Java, Bali is a colourful and spiritual place to realise the importance of the bond you have both created. Bali’s stunning sunsets and creative costumes make this island so vivid, that it is easy to forget the trouble that the terrorist threat caused at the beginning of the century. Despite this, Bali now seems far removed from that time in history and peaceful serenity is never too far away. Driest time to go: Bali’s dry season is from April to October but experiences a hot and humid climate year-round. Short-lived showers can be expected at any time. July, August and September are often considered to be the driest but an occasional low fog can ruin those photo opportunities. Hottest time to go: Temperatures in Bali remain in their late 20s year-round with highest temperature averages exceeding 30 degrees for most months. When not to go: Bali’s wet season, between November and March, bring high humidity and thunderstorms. Best time to go: With temperatures roughly staying the same year round, it makes sense to visit the Indonesian island during the dry season to avoid the unpredictable weather throughout Bali’s winter. July and August are the peak holiday months when Bali becomes quite busy. Best for: Lively shows, souvenir markets, swimming, white water rafting, colourful costumes, watersports, hot springs, amusement parks, stunning beaches and much more. Other places to visit in June: South Africa, Grand Canyon, Brazil, Cyprus, Iceland and Las Vegas. JULY: HAWAII Made up of volcanic rock, Hawaii is not just one island, as many assume, but an archipelago of nearly twenty stunning islands offering a diverse variation of terrain and year-round sunshine. The ‘Big Island’, Maui and Oahu are perhaps some of the most recognised of the main lands, offering a healthy mix of white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, lava flows, volcanoes, whale watching and breath-taking waterfalls. The unspoilt and remote island of Kauai, or the Garden Isle, is also a bit of a hidden gem with the Waimea Canyon on the west side of the island referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the pacific’. Driest time to go: Hawaii’s driest period is considered to be during the summer from May to September but rainfall and temperatures depend on altitude, for example the higher peaks can see heavy snow during the winter, while coastal areas enjoy warm, sunny temperatures in the mid-to-late 20s The south west of the islands are often much drier and sunnier then that of the northeast. Hottest time to go: Hawaii is a haven for honeymooners all year-round and each month sees highest average temperatures nearing 30 degrees. June, July and August are usually a little hotter than average but these temperature are lowered by the cool, coastal breezes. When not to go: Hawaii’s winter and wettest season is from October to March, however this is also the most popular season for tourists and offers the best opportunity for whale watching, when humpbacks return to warmer waters to give birth. Best time to go: The Hawaiian islands are year-round locations with advantages and disadvantages in each of the seasons. During winter it is wetter and cooler, but whale watching is more prevalent. The summer is hot and sunny and less chance of rain but, although fairly rare, there is still a risk of hurricanes. Best for: Surfing, surfing and more surfing, plus whale watching, volcanoes, white and black sandy beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, china town, WW2 wreckage diving, snorkelling, ancient temples, a space centre and much more. Other places to visit in July: Bali, South Africa, Jamaica, Nice, Spain, Singapore and Fiji. AUGUST: FIJI With its lush shores and colourful coral reef, Fiji is a world away from what we, in Britain, are used to; and with a travel time exceeding 24 hours it might certainly feel like it, too. Once there though, the soft, warmth of the islands will welcome you to what can only be interpreted as the closest thing to paradise. Made up of over 300 islands and each with their own essence of beauty, Fiji is much more than just the stepping-stone between Australia and Hawaii. Driest time to go: Fiji’s wet season is from November through to April/May where temperatures and humidity are often a lot higher. The drier season (rest of the year) is cooler but more comfortable with high averages temperatures in the late 20s. Hottest time to go: The wetter months (November-May) are the hottest with temperatures in the early 30s enhanced by the humidity. When not to go: Fiji is about its beaches, white sands and cultural diversity – all of which are best appreciated outside under a bright, blue sky. Not that it is always raining in Fiji during its ‘wet season’ ,because that couldn’t be further from the truth. There really is no wrong time to go. Best time to go: The highest average temperatures in August are often around 28 and 29 degrees which is a comfortable temperature to enjoy all that the islands of Fiji have to offer. Best for: Diving, snorkelling, temples, waterfalls, natural water springs, miles of white sand, kayaking and much more. Other places to visit in August: Bali, South Africa, Canada, Greece, Malaysia. SEPTEMBER: MALAYSIA If skyscrapers and a bustling, vibrant city is your thing, then Malaysia could be the place for you; if not, then it could still be the place for you anyway, with clear lapping water on sandy beaches and water sports only a short journey away. This vibrant part of South East Asia has a thriving nightlife, as seen in Kuala Lumpar. Farther to the east are the more tranquil beauty spots. Neighbouring islands are also mystical beauties in themselves just waiting to captivate you. Langkawi is particularly special with miles of golden beaches that are often empty of tourists. Driest time to go: Malaysia is another one of those places that can be enjoyed at any time, with the highest average temperatures in to the 30s all year round. Rain is frequent in tropical places like Malaysia with short, sharp showers expected almost every day. Weather patterns also vary depending on where in Malaysia you are, for example, the west, such as Kuala Lumpar, generally has a wetter climate with more rainfall each year than many of the surrounding areas on the island. However, the dry season is often considered to be from May to September with more frequent rain brought in by the northeast monsoon from November to February. Hottest time to go: Malaysia’s temperatures are hot year-round. Average maximum temperatures stay around 30 degrees with little variation between months. When not to go: Rain is so sporadic throughout Malaysia that you are likely to experience it at some time of the day or night, regardless of when you go. But, with plenty to do inside and outside, it shouldn’t pose a problem. Saying that, the point of a holiday away from the UK is to escape the wet weather, right? So, in that case, the wet season (October to April) is probably best avoided in order to avoid the heavier showers. Best time to go: Anytime is a good time when it comes to Mayalsia. The dry season (May to September) is a popular and busy time to visit, though, like with every destination, there’s no guarantee of good weather. Best for: Nature reserves, skyscrapers, scuba diving, trekking, caves, coral reefs, mountainous terrain and much more. Other places to visit in September: Mauritius, Vienna, Lake District and Morocco. OCTOBER: SEYCHELLES The Republic of Seychelles is made up of over a 100 islands, each with their own unique beauty, just off the coast of Africa. While only a dozen of these are open to tourism, the many surrounding, secluded islands can be reached for the ultimate sense of utopia that only a deserted, paradise isle can offer. Of these islands, Mahe is the largest and home to the capital Victoria. Diving, surfing and bird watching are perfectly catered for in the Seychelles and at the right times of the year, it is their specialty. Other islands not to be missed include Praslin, for its abundance of birds and exquisite beaches; Desroches, for its remoteness; La Digue, for its rare birds and forests and Silouette, for its mountainous terrain and enthralling walks. Driest time to go: With such rich vegetation and humid climate it’s hardly surprising that fresh rains are never too far away. The driest weather is from May to September/October but this can also be when conditions are windier. Hottest time to go: Temperatures are consistent all year with high averages in the early 30s. There is a slight variation in temperatures brought by the high winds of the summer, when maximum temperatures dip slightly to 29 and 30 degrees. When not to go: The Seychelles has something to offer at any time that you decide to go. For example, the summer is drier but much windier, thus the lively sea is great for surfing but not for diving, as visibility isn’t at its best. Likewise, the winter months, especially December and January, are when it is wettest but the seas are calmer and visibility under the sea makes diving more enjoyable. Best time to go: April and October are not only warmer and drier but they are calmer too, meaning that they are generally the ideal months to visit the Seychelles with sea visibility at its best. Best for: Beautiful beaches, hiking, island-hopping, nature reserves, plantations, snorkelling, wind surfing, diving, bird watching, luxury resorts and much more. Other places to visit in October: Mauritius, Shanghai, Hong Kong and China. NOVEMBER: MAURITIUS Set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, with turquoise waters, coral reefs, lush jungle vegetation and mountainous terrain, it is easy to understand why some people see Mauritius as a world all of its own. With a hybrid of different environments, Mauritius offers a variety of options to satisfy the interests of any couple looking for that perfect honeymoon together. Trekking, exploring, discovering and relaxing should be the key terms associated with the wonders of this pearl in the ocean, and with good weather at any time of year it’s hard to go wrong in Mauritius. Driest time to go: The drier periods occur during the island’s winter months of June, July, August and early September. This is also when maximum temperatures dip to a comfortable 23 or 24 degrees. Hottest time to go: The warmer weather from December through to March brings with it a significant amount of rain, when tropical cyclones are more likely to occur. It is at this time though that sea visibility is at its best for exploring the explosion of colour in the coral reef. When not to go: Despite the warmer weather and clarity of the ocean, the cyclones can be quite disruptive; but they are short lived and only tend to last a few days, which offers a brilliant excuse to stay cooped up inside and celebrate in traditional honeymoon style. Best time to go: With high average temperatures in the late twenties, lower rainfall and the longest hours of sunshine, November is a great month to enjoy this island. Tropical cyclones can also hit in November, but the earlier in the month you visit the more likely you are to avoid them. Best for: Beaches, fishing, diving, snorkelling, mountain walks, waterfalls, volcanic scenery, ancient villages, tropical flowers, national parks, rare birds, game reserves, Creole culture, swimming and much more. Other places to visit in November: India, Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, China and Jamaica. DECEMBER: MALDIVES The question one asks when planning a holiday to the Maldives is not ‘what shall we do?’ but rather ‘where shall we go to do nothing?’ Not that the Maldives should be mistaken for being boring, but with a wealth of beautiful sun-kissed beaches and idyllic cabin hideaways, the islands are the perfect destination to recover from the intensity of wedding planning and to start enjoying married life together. Although the temperatures maintain fairly constant highs throughout the year – between 25 and 30 degrees -–the Maldives are also prone to heavy rainfall and high winds that could make this idyllic escape feel more like a wet weekend in Weston-Super-Mare. Rain showers are short and most frequent from May to November making the islands an ideal Christmas or New Year retreat. Driest time of year to go: The driest months tend to be between January and March, with roughly two or three inches of rainfall, in comparison to September and October which sees averages of eight to 10 inches of rain. Hottest time of year to go: The Maldives remain hot and humid year-round with highest averages soaring to 30 degrees plus each day. Best time of year to go: December to April, especially Christmas and New Year, is the tourist season where prices can often be much higher. Despite being an all-round location, the Maldives are prone to cloudy skies and higher humidity from May through to September. When not to go: It depends on your preferences; some people may put up with infrequent spells of heavy rain to ensure barer beaches and avoid the tourist season. Ultimately, there is no wrong time to go and visitors just have to appreciate the unpredictability on the weather system. Best for: Relaxing, unwinding, snorkelling, diving, boat trips, seafood, mini cruises, beautiful beaches, private dinners…errr..did we mention relaxing? Although secluded beaches and romantic candlelit dinners are often associated with the islands, the Maldives is also a haven for snorkelling and diving with the Indian Ocean brimming with coral and fish. For the more adventurous there is also kite surfing, canoeing and sailing. Other places to visit in December: Barbados, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong . Please note....... For this particular honeymoon special we have chosen to focus mainly on long-haul destinations as, in the UK, we tend to have a better understanding of the weather patterns across Europe and our neighbouring countries. That’s not to say that these places are not as rewarding for the perfect honeymoon - in some cases they are better. It shouldn’t be forgotten that soaring high temperatures, culture and excellent ski resorts are pretty much on our doorstep. Whether you are looking for snow or a cool, Mediterranean breeze, we hope that your first holiday as man and wife will be one to remember for all the right reasons – and preferably not for getting soggy sandals. REMEMBER: Using over thirty different sources, every care has been taken to ensure we have found the best destinations for you to visit at specific times of the year.However, the article must only be used as a guide and further detailed information should be obtained prior to booking your holiday. Weather remains a force of its own and we can not accept responsibility for weather patterns that contradict the article’s recommendations.
|
