There has to be an undisclosed reason why there are 12 months in a year. 12 memorable events, 12 ultimate restaurants to discover or 12 unforgettable trips you should take?
Whether you’re on a gap year or you’re just deliberating on the best place to visit during your annual leave, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a roundup of 12 places to visit each month of the year.
1. January: Krabi, Thailand
What better way to kick off the year than lazing around the beaches in one of the gems of Southeast Asia? Krabi has plenty to offer, from amazing Halal local delicacies right down to adventurous activities that you can do with your loved ones! In January, chances are high that you will encounter excellent weather and clear skies.
Though there is still the possibility of isolated showers in the first half of the month, average amounts of rainfall are relatively low throughout the month. So, there’s no stopping you from basking in the sun during your island-hopping adventures or from taking a quick dip in the Emerald Pool.
[ P.S. These 10 Muslim-friendly resorts in Krabi are perfect for your next getaway! ]
Credit: @_fzed on Instagram
[ P.S. Check out 7 other unique things you can only do in Krabi here! ]
2. February: Khasab, Oman
Khasab is an obscure part of Oman, surrounded with limestone cliffs and teal waters. It's perfect for travellers who wish to seek solitude, away from the bustling city of Muscat. In fact, Khasab has been dubbed as the “Norway of Arabia” due to its extensive fjord-like craggy inlets and desolate mountainous landscapes.
Credit: Panoramas on Flickr
The best time to visit Oman is February indeed, where the average daytime temperature is 22°C. You are able to avoid the sweltering Middle-Eastern heat and enjoy cool breezes. Another cool part about being in Khasab is being able to witness wild dolphins playfully bopping their heads out of the calm waters.
[ P.S. Click to find out why Oman is called the gem of the Middle East! ]
#HHWT Tip: The best way to Khasab, or the Musandam Fjords, is via United Arab Emirates. Do liaise with a tour coordinator who will assist you in applying for your Omani visa, so that going through immigration and customs will be smooth-sailing.
3. March: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hear ye, hear ye Game of Thrones (GOT) fans! You HAVE to visit Dubrovnik in Croatia, which is the exact filming location of King’s Landing. That’s right, you’ll be able to witness the notorious streets where Queen Cersei had her walk of atonement. For those who aren’t caught up in the GOT frenzy, take this time to take in the beautiful sights of the city and enjoy the cool March weather.
Credit: Maarten Elings on Flickr
In March, temperatures range from 3°C to 12°C. Yes, for those who aren't used to cold weather, it can get pretty chilly. But don't let that stop you from taking a stroll around Banje, Dubrovnik’s most popular beach.
Credit: Elena on Flickr
Another highly recommended activity is to take up the cable car to Mount Srd! You will be able to enjoy panoramic views of this ancient city from up above. Don’t forget to try the halal Doner Kebab stalls there and perform your prayers at the Dubrovik Islamic Centre.
Credit: Toni Almodóvar Escuder on Flickr
4. April: Kyoto, Japan
Ahh, Japan. A country known for its endless supply of Matcha, gorgeous cherry blossom trees and kawaii Insta-worthy locations. Kyoto, in particular, is known for its traditional architecture that's been incredibly well-preserved throughout the years. The picturesque combination of both architecture and surrounding nature makes it one of the most visited spots in Japan.
Credit: torne on Flickr
April is a beautiful time to visit Kyoto due to beginning of the spring season. Wandering around winding streets with towering sakura trees all around while sipping green tea? Count me in!
[ P.S. Find out where's the most Instagram-worthy cherry blossom spots in Kyoto! ]
[ P.S. Use our 7D6N Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto itinerary for your next Japan trip! ]
Don’t forget to visit other top local attractions like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the calming bamboo forest of Arashiyama. Best of all, these two activities are FREE!
[inlinewidget id=37799]
5. May: Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known as the hipster haven for all things surfing and sun-tanning. With its high speed internet connectivity and the government leveraging on tourism opportunities everywhere, it’s no wonder why tourists often flock here for good old kopi luwak or Nasi Goreng Bebek.
May is also the perfect time to visit Bali due to its short rainfall days and clear skies all around. The average rainfall days in Bali will be about 8 days in May. Yup, there is no stopping you from taking up that surfing lesson or idling along Seminyak to find the perfect acai bowl. Do take the opportunity to catch the captivating sun rise at Mount Batur if you have the chance!
[ P.S. You wouldn't believe that these 11 private pool accommodations in Bali are under USD100! ]
Credit: @nalubowls on Instagram
[ P.S. Every Muslim traveller should add these 8 things to their Bali travel itinerary! ]
6. June: Queenstown, New Zealand
For those itching to escape the scorching tropical heat, Queenstown is the place for you! Temperatures here range from 1-12°C, and tourists flock to Queenstown in winter for a day full of skiing.
Credit: Airflore on Flickr
[ P.S. Click to read our first-timer's checklist for a great adventure in Queenstown! ]
Expect snow-capped mountains and lush meadows while you drive along the New Zealand highways. Sounds like an exciting road trip for you and your best buds! Don’t forget to catch the Queenstown Winter Festival while you’re there too. A 10-day event filled with performances, snow sports and food. Yum!
Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ on Flickr
[ P.S. Here's 8 budget tips for exploring New Zealand! ]
7. July: Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Another cooling country that we can seek refuge in from the heat! We’ve all heard of Gold Coast and Surfer’s Paradise in Queensland. What about venturing into Noosa? Temperatures range from 9.5 °C to 20.9 °C, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day on sandy-white beaches and picking out fresh fruits/vegetables from the Farmers’ Markets.
Credit: Dan Ingham on Flickr
This family-friendly destination is great for both the young and young at heart! Don't forget to check out the Australian Zoo and the Noosa National Park, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Credit: Mel Green on Flickr
8. August: Edinburgh, Scotland
Heading north right from the Land Down Under sounds like a pretty good plan, no? Edinburgh, Scotland is filled with elegant Medieval buildings with pretty gardens and the city has so much to offer in the month of August. With events such as the Edinburgh Art Festival and Merchant City Festival, art junkies will love it here due to a wide array of free and fascinating visual installations.
The Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year. So, what makes it more worthwhile? The vast majority of the event is free and open to the public!
Credit: @edartfest on Instagram
Another pull factor to visit Edinburgh in the August is having the chance to witness the seasonal transition from Summer to Fall! Temperatures will range from 2 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius.
9. September: Nepal
The land of Himalayan Mountains and excellent Chai (tea)! Daily temperatures range from 23 °C to 26 °C in Kathmandu. Be marvelled by the ancient architecture, rich culture and surrounding natural landscape that'll blow you away!
Credit: @robwoodcox on Instagram
Nepal boasts a myriad of topographical and cultural mix. Though the locals are predominantly Hindu and Buddhist, there are more than a hundred ethnic groups residing in different areas through the country, from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the snow-capped Himalayas.
Credit: @hercollarbone on Instagram
Clear skies in September will not stop you from trekking in the Annapurna and Pokhara region. Do note that you will have to engage a tour guide there as well!
10. October: Seville, Spain
Goodbye summer heat and hello sweater weather! Though summer is over, there are plenty things to look forward to in Seville. The city's architecture, culture and food are heavily influenced by the Muslim reign back in the day which means there's tons of halal/Muslim-friendly food options everywhere!
Temperatures in October ranges from 14 °C to 26 °C - not too cold nor too sunny, which makes it perfect for you to venture out to this Spanish beauty and swing by the many events taking place during that time.
[ P.S. Immerse yourself in Islamic history at these 10 places in Spain! ]
Credit: Festival De Las Naciones on Facebook
First up, there is the Festival De La Naciones. This event allows you to experience all the cultures around the world under one roof. The Festival De La Naciones will showcase cultural performances from every nook of the earth such as the Capoeira that originated from Brazil.
11. November: Hanoi, Vietnam
Majestic and easy on the wallet, Vietnam will definitely charm you. The weather in Vietnam is particularly cool and dry during the months of November to April. The average temperature ranges from 19°C to 23°C.
Even though it is the start of winter for Hanoi, the weather is still warm enough to take a boat through Halong Bay and see the Bai Chai Bridge. Hanoi is also exceptionally known for its rice terraces and quieter lifestyle, as compared to Ho Chi Minh City.
Credit: Austin Adventures on Flickr
There are also plenty of halal food options in Hanoi – plus point! D’Lions Restaurant in particular serves Halal Vietnamese and Singaporean dishes.
Credit: d’Lions Restaurant on Facebook
12. December: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What better way to end the year than in the city that does New Year Eve’s celebrations best! Some tourist hotspots include Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab. The Emiratis also took previous New Year Celebrations a notch higher by having international artistes to perform. Though Dubai is relatively scorching all year round, the weather in December will tempt you to herd camels and stroll along Naif Souq all day.
[ P.S. Feast at these 10 halal international food chains in Dubai! ]
Temperatures in December range from 16 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. Skies are pretty clear every day too! So yes, more sand dunes and camel riding for you. In addition to the numerous desert activities, you can also visit Dubai’s ultimate winter highlight which is the Global Village. The Global Village showcases food and crafts from all over the world. There are stage performances and a huge amusement park too! The event runs from November to April.
Credit: Global Village on Facebook
Now that all destinations and months are covered, what are you waiting for? Start using your annual leave and choose your dream destination now!