How To Decide When Is The Right Time To Visit Certain Places
If you are planning a vacation but just don’t know where to start, hopefully, this brief guide to the western world will shed some light on your plans. We will look at the western world by continent and explore the places, climates, and seasons that you might want to experience. By the end of this short guide, you should have a much better understanding of where you would like to go and when. We will consider the weather, different activities, and the most popular activities and places to visit in each region of the global west. Let’s dive in.
Europe
While every continent is a massive land mass, and we cannot possibly do it justice, we will condense the highlights so that you can get a general idea. Europe is a historical treasure trove. The ancient Greeks and Romans called this continent home, as well as the Vikings and historical game changers like Christopher Columbus, Albert Einstein, and Machiavelli.
Now, you can visit any of the European gems, such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. You will find the likes of Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, London, and Dublin, see sites including the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum and sample some of the world’s most renowned cuisines.
If you love to ski, then France, Austria, Italy or Switzerland might be your dream locations from December to March. If Eastern Bloc history is your bread and butter, then Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, or Romania in Spring or Autumn would be unforgettable. At this time, you can walk all day and avoid the chill of winter as well as the heat of summer.
As for summer, you can have an exquisite beach vacation in Portugal, Croatia, Bulgaria, or Spain and enjoy some wine in the sun. Weigh up what you want to see and do, and choose the European country that fits your needs.
North America
This vast land mass is home to one of the most famous and idealized cities on Earth, New York City, as well as the Sin City of Las Vegas, the place where dreams are made, Hollywood, and the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. The diversity of cultures, history, and cuisines is what makes this continent fascinating. From Canada to Mexico, North America also offers every climate; from ice to fire and snow to dessert.
There are many possibilities for activities and experiences in North America, such as road-tripping Route 66, playing ice hockey in Canada, visiting beach resorts in Mexico, or spending a magical day at Disney World in Florida. You can sample tacos, burgers, maple syrup pancakes, and more iconic dishes while on the road. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids, there is ample opportunity for fun.
This is a part of the world that is very prominently featured in movies and TV shows, so you undoubtedly have some ideas of what you want to see and do. When you are choosing where to go in North America, consider the activities that you want to do and the ideal climate and time of year to do them.
In winter, you can find the best ski retreats in the likes of Colorado, Montana, or Quebec. However, if you prefer a sunny getaway, some of the top places to visit in January in North America can actually offer warmth and beaches all year round. The great thing about North America is that it offers desserts, mountains, beaches, lakes, skyscrapers, suburbs, and countryside all in one place. The opportunities are endless.
South America
Once again, we are talking about a huge land mass, and we don’t want to over-generalize, however, we will give a rough breakdown of places to go, things to do, and when to visit South America.
Famous sites in this region include the Iguazu falls, the Amazon rainforest, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos Islands, while iconic cities include Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, and Buenos Aires. While you travel this vast continent, you can learn about the nature that is the “lungs” of our planet, the native peoples’ food, dances, culture, and languages, and the comforting cuisine that makes South America so special.
From Venezuelan cachapas to Colombian empanadas, Peruvian ceviche, and Brazilian meats, you are in for a culinary treat in this part of the world.
If you want to visit Central America, or the northern part of South America, such as Columbia and Ecuador, you should be aware that the rainy season is from May to September. This time of the year will see much rainfall, but on the flip side, this season boasts fewer tourists and often cheaper prices due to it being off-peak. If you visit in October or November, you may encounter drier weather, but in what is their spring, you will also see an increase in tourism and bustle.
Below the rough area where Santiago, Chile, lies, it can get very cold in the winter. So, if you want to visit Patagonia, the southernmost region of this great continent, it would be best to do so during the southern hemisphere summer, which is November to March. You might find that during this time there will be heavy rainfall, but you will miss the worst of the cold. What’s more, showers tend to be sporadic.
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This has been a very brief guide to exploring the western world, where to go, what to see and when you should travel. We have covered Europe, North America, and South America. While it has to be said that these three continents are vast, we have provided a brief rundown of some of the most iconic countries, cities, historic sites, and activities in each location.
Once you know what you want to see and do, you can choose the time of year that you would like to visit these places. Moreover, you can start to plan your culinary explorations. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with enough inspiration to get the ball rolling on your plans. Happy travels!
