Easy flights, big flavours: South East Asia, Japan, the Himalayan kingdoms, the Maldives and Dubai.
Easy visa*A quiet Himalayan kingdom of cliff monasteries, fortress-monasteries, prayer flags and valleys that put happiness before growth.
Ancient temple squares and living traditions in Kathmandu, then lakeside Pokhara with Annapurna views, paragliding and easy treks.
Easy visa*Thailand's buzzing capital where gilded temples, river life, giant markets and some of the best street food in Asia sit side by side.
Easy visa*Thailand's southern coast: island-hopping, limestone cliffs, beach sunsets, Old Town charm and lively nightlife, with quieter Krabi nearby.
Easy visa*The Island of the Gods: terraced rice paddies, sea temples, surf beaches, wellness retreats and lively beach clubs.
A spotless, futuristic city-state with garden domes, a superb food scene and family-friendly islands, all easily reached by train.
Malaysia's twin-towered capital with a food scene of many cultures, paired with Langkawi's rainforest, mangroves, cable car and duty-free beaches.
Vietnam's capital of lakes, French-era streets and street food, paired with Ha Long Bay's limestone islands and cruises, a short ride away.
A lantern-lit old trading town beside Da Nang's beaches, bridges and mountains, with tailors, cooking classes and coastal cycling.
A sprawling city where neon streets, quiet shrines, superb food, pop culture and perfectly run trains all exist within a short ride.
Japan's old capital of wooden temples, geisha lanes and moss gardens, with Osaka's street food and Nara's friendly deer a short train away.
No destinations here are at their best that month — try another month or ask us.
Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · About 22 January 2027 (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
Devotees of Lord Murugan climb 272 steps to the cave temple carrying milk pots and ornate kavadi frames. Drums, chants and flowers make it one of the most intense processions anywhere in Asia.
Tip: Go very early, wear light cotton and bring water; cameras are welcome but keep your distance.
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China · Usually early January to late February (conditions permitting)
Giant ice castles and snow sculptures glow with coloured lights in one of the coldest big cities on earth. Expect ice slides, lantern-lit towers and serious winter dress.
Tip: Layer thermal wear and carry spare phone batteries; cold drains them fast.
Hanoi old quarter and flower streets, Vietnam · About 6 February 2027 (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
Vietnam's biggest holiday fills Hanoi with peach blossom, kumquat trees and street fireworks. Many shops close for several days while families travel home, giving the city a calm, festive mood.
Tip: Book trains and domestic flights early, and stock up on food before the shutdown days.
Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan · Usually early February, about a week
Huge snow and ice sculptures line Odori Park, lit up after dark, with food stalls selling hot ramen and grilled seafood. A classic winter-wonderland trip for first-time snow travellers.
Tip: Wear grippy boots; pavements turn icy once the evening crowds pass.
Across Bali, Indonesia · About 8 March 2027, with Ogoh-ogoh parades the evening before (Balinese calendar — confirm closer to the time)
The island pauses for 24 hours: no travel, no lights, and the airport closes. The night before, giant demon statues are paraded through villages before being burned.
Tip: Stay at one hotel for the full day, as nobody may leave the property.
Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan · About 18–22 March 2027 (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
Bhutan's most famous festival. Masked monks perform sacred dances in the dzong courtyard, and on the final dawn a giant silk thangka is unveiled, believed to cleanse sins.
Tip: Hotels fill up months ahead; reserve flights and the daily Sustainable Development Fee early.
