Local Foreigner Travel Calendar
Thinking about when to plan that bucket-list trip? Wondering how long in advance you need to reach out to your Local Foreigner advisor? The short answer is always the more time, the better. But below, we’ve laid out some of the most popular destinations, highlighted the best times to visit, and noted the lead time we recommend to plan.
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Africa | Antarctica | The Americas | Asia | Europe | Oceania
East Africa
Safari in Kenya & Tanzania, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
When to Travel
Generally, dry seasons (June to October) are perfect for wildlife viewing, but each country has unique timing based on its ecosystems and safari seasons. December to February is best for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
How Far in Advance to Plan
The more time, the better. Many of the best safari lodges have 15 rooms or fewer, and piecing together availability can be challenging.
For summer break, gorillas, and the holidays, beginning to plan 18-24 months in advance is best. In lower seasons, 12+ months is still recommended.
Egypt
When to Travel
Avoid the intense summer heat, especially in June, July, and August - even the most fascinating history can drag when you’re melting into the desert sand. Winter holidays are a great, if popular time to visit.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Plan 9-12 months in advance for access to the best cabins on Nile cruise itineraries, and be prepared to be a bit flexible, as sailings have set departure dates.
South Africa
When to Travel
Year-round. December-February (summer) is peak season on the Cape, while March-October is best for game viewing. Vacation schedules mean June to August and November to January have the highest demand for safari, but there’s always something to see in the bush.
How Far in Advance to Plan
The more time, the better. Many of the best safari lodges have 15 rooms or fewer, and piecing together availability can be challenging.
For summer break and the holidays, beginning to plan 18-24 months in advance is best. In lower seasons, 12+ months is still recommended.
Morocco
When to Travel
The best times to visit Morocco are spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Summer can be extremely hot, while winter can be chilly in the mountains, but is lovely for a city trip.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Some of Morocco’s best hotels are quite small, so planning 6+ months in advance is advised.
Antarctica
When to Travel
For six months of winter (during the northern hemisphere’s summer), sea ice surrounds Antarctica, making it almost impossible to access. Given this strict seasonality, travel to Antarctica is only possible during the northern hemisphere’s winter - between November and February.
How Far in Advance to Plan
18+ months in advance is ideal, given the very short season and strict seasonality.
Alaska
When to Travel
Most travelers to Alaska visit in the summer months, between June and August, when the days are endless and the weather temperate.
The Northern Lights are only visible in the long, winter months; it’s a unique but spectacular time to visit Denali.
How Far in Advance to Plan
The best lodges in Alaska are small and the season is short. We recommend a minimum of 12+ months’ lead time.
The Galapagos
When to Travel
A year-round destination. June-November (winter) is cool and dry, while December-May (summer) is warm and wet.
Summer is considered better for wildlife viewing and scuba diving.
How Far in Advance to Plan
The best boats in the Galapagos are small - think 15 cabins or fewer - so planning 12+ months in advance is best, especially for families.
Peru
When to Travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Tickets to enter Machu Picchu are limited daily, so early planning is key. We recommend starting at least 9 month in advance.
Chile
When to Travel
Visit Patagonia from November-March (summer) when the weather is temperate, and attractions are accessible.
Atacama’s season extends slightly longer on either end.
How Far in Advance to Plan
12+ months in advance for Christmas and New Years; 9+ months lead time is recommended for all other months, given the short season.
Bhutan
When to Travel
March-April (Paro Tshechu) and September-October (Thimphu Tshechu) are the prime times to experience Bhutan’s vibrant cultural celebrations, as well as the best weather for trekking.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Lodges in Bhutan are small, so we recommend a minimum of 6+ months’ lead time; allow more if you want to incorporate a festival into your itinerary.
Indonesia
When to Travel
Indonesia is a vast archipelago with diverse climates across its many islands, so seasonality varies by destination.
Generally, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.
How Far in Advance to Plan
3-6 months in advance for a trip incorporating hotels only; 6-9+ months in advance for itineraries that include a boat or water component.
Thailand
When to Travel
Winter in the US is a perfect time to escape to Thailand for tropical scenes and temps. Be sure to plan well ahead for the Christmas period, and expect minimum night stays at the best coastal hotels.
How Far in Advance to Plan
6+ months in advance; 12+ month for festive season in the islands
India
When to Travel
The sensory overload of India is best explored in temperate seasons. Avoid summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, and expect warm temperatures no matter the time of year.
How Far in Advance to Plan
6-12 months in advance for the best hotels.
Japan
When to Travel
March-May (spring) and October-November (autumn) are the most pleasant times to visit. December-February is the height of ski season.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Begin planning 12+ months in advance for Cherry Blossom Season (mid-March to early April) and Fall Foliage (late October to late November).
Allow a minimum of 6-9 months planning time for ski season and 6+ months for all other times of year.
Vietnam
When to Travel
The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and dry, especially in the northern and central regions.
The southern part of the country is ideal year-round, with warm temperatures and a tropical climate.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Begin planning 9+ months in advance for itineraries that include time aboard the Aqua Mekong or at Amanoi.
We recommend 4+ months planning time for all other times of year.
By Train
When to Travel
Trains leave on set departure dates throughout the calendar year, from one to seven+ nights. There are the most departures in the summer months.
How Far in Advance to Plan
As far in advance as possible, both for train availability, and to line departure dates up with your own calendar. Trains often book 12+ months out.
Ireland
When to Travel
The party gets started in March over St. Patrick’s Day, and keeps rolling through the spring and summer months.
Fall is cozy, with plenty of time for whiskey and fireplaces.
How Far in Advance to Plan
6-9 months in advance for the best hotels in high season; 12+ months if you’re hoping to get tee times at the country’s best courses.
Scandinavia
When to Travel
The best time to visit Scandinavia is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild, days are long, and outdoor activities are at their peak. Travelers seeking the Northern Lights should plan for a longer stay in deep winter.
How Far in Advance to Plan
9-12 months in advance for a land-based itinerary in the summer; longer if you’re hoping to include the Norwegian fjords by private yacht.
By Yacht
When to Travel
Peak season is June through August; May and September are also lovely, though waters may still be chilly in May.
Greece’s meltemi winds peak in July and August and can be a factor for sailboats, so opt for a motor yacht to avoid issues.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Yachts generally confirm their seasonal locations at least a year in advance and can be booked from that point.
Iceland
When to Travel
The best time to visit Iceland is dependent on what types of adventure you’re seeking, but weather (and sunlight) follow the patterns of the rest of Scandinavia. Peak season are the more temperate summer months, though it’s never “warm.”
How Far in Advance to Plan
6-9 months in advance for a land-based itinerary in the summer, or longer if you’re set on including Deplar Farm in your itinerary.
The Mediterranean
When to Travel
The major hotels along the Mediterranean open their doors in April and welcome guests through mid-October. Mid-June through the end of August is the peak of the peak.
How Far in Advance to Plan
If your heart is set on a classic hotel like Le Sirenuse or Hotel du Cap, start planning a year in advance to try to secure rooms, and be flexible with your dates, as many hotels have return guests who return to their rooms and dates year after year.
New Zealand
When to Travel
December-February (summer) is peak season. March-April (autumn) and October-November (spring) are also pleasant.
How Far in Advance to Plan
12+ months in advance for peak season, especially over the holidays; 9+ months lead time is recommended for all other months.
Australia
When to Travel
The best time to visit Australia is during its spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) seasons. Summer (December-February) is great for the beach, but especially busy during the holidays, and can be quite hot. Diving in the Great Barrier Reef is best in dry season, from May to October.
How Far in Advance to Plan
Plan 6 months in advance if you’re sticking to Sydney and the surrounds. Allow more time if you’re hoping to hit some of the country’s smaller lodges.
South Pacific
The island landscapes of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji
When to Travel
Visit the islands of the South Pacific during the dry season, from May to October.
How Far in Advance to Plan
If Fiji, Tahiti, or Bora Bora is your dream honeymoon, plan 6-12 months in advance to ensure the best hotels and room types.