Planning your travels for 2026? One of the most exciting ways to build your itinerary is by thinking seasonally — choosing destinations that are at their absolute best at specific times of the year. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, trekking with mountain gorillas, relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, savoring autumn foliage, or cruising among Antarctic icebergs, this Where to Go in 2026 — Seasonal Picks from Around the World guide helps you make the most of every season. (Enchanting Travels)

Let’s explore the best places to visit throughout 2026, blending natural wonders, cultural highlights, and unforgettable travel experiences.

🌙 Spring (March–May): Alaska & Rwanda

🌌 Alaska, USA — Northern Lights & Spring Awakening

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the aurora borealis, spring in Fairbanks, Alaska offers dramatic skies and gradually warming days. With long nights still lingering in March and early April, this season allows travelers to witness ribbons of green, purple, and white light dancing overhead before summer arrives. (Enchanting Travels)

❄️ Tip: Combine your aurora adventure with dog sledding, hot springs, and wildlife tours for a full Arctic experience.

🐵 Rwanda — Gorilla Trekking in Nyungwe & Volcanoes NP

From June to August — technically early summer but still a shoulder season in many regions — Rwanda shines for wildlife lovers. Volcanoes National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking through lush rainforest to see these incredible primates is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Enchanting Travels)

🌿 Combine this with visits to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

☀️ Summer (June–August): Türkiye & Canada

🏖️ Türkiye — Aegean Coast Beaches & Ancient Ruins

When summer arrives, the Aegean Coast of Türkiye becomes a perfect blend of sapphire waters, historic towns, and warm seaside charm. Visit resort towns like Çeşme and Alaçatı for bougainvillea-lined streets and beach lounging, or explore bustling bazaars and ancient sites near Izmir. (Enchanting Travels)

🍷 Travel tip: Take a wine-tasting break in hilltop Şirince, where local vineyards and refreshing Mediterranean breezes make for a delightful summer escape.

🍁 Canada — Autumn in British Columbia & Hokkaido, Japan

Although summer transitions to autumn in August and September, this period is ideal for exploring both Canadian nature and Japan’s famed fall foliage.

  • British Columbia, Canada — Head north to watch grizzly bears feed along the rivers in Great Bear Rainforest or take scenic hikes with crisp air and vibrant deciduous colors. (Enchanting Travels)
  • Hokkaido, Japan — In October, Hokkaido’s forests light up with reds and golds, creating picture-perfect landscapes for leaf peepers and photographers alike. Parks, local onsens (hot springs), and calm lakes accent the season’s beauty. (Enchanting Travels)

🍁 Autumn tip: Pair cultural sightseeing with nature excursions for full sensory immersion.

🍷 Autumn (September–November): Japan & Australia

🍂 Japan — Seasonal Colors & Onsen Culture

Autumn in Japan is a highlight of the year with vibrant maple and ginkgo trees transforming landscapes — from urban parks to remote mountain trails. Cities like Sapporo and regions around Lake Toya offer a rich blend of culture, food, and seasonal beauty. (Enchanting Travels)

🛁 End your days in an onsen (hot spring) — a classic Japanese experience that’s especially magical amidst rust-colored foliage.

🍇 Australia — Barossa Valley Wine Tours

In November, Australia’s famed Barossa Valley beckons food and wine lovers. Mild weather and harvest season create the perfect conditions for tastings at century-old vineyards, boutique culinary tours, and hot-air balloon flights over rolling countryside. (Enchanting Travels)

🍷 Travel tip: Enjoy a guided wine tour with local sommeliers and pair wines with gourmet regional dishes.

❄️ Winter (December–February): Egypt & Patagonia

🏛️ Egypt — Ancient Wonders & Mild Winter Weather

Winter is one of the best times to explore Egypt. Cooler, drier conditions make iconic sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the Nile Valley temples far more enjoyable than during the desert heat. (Enchanting Travels)

🚢 Extra: A luxury Nile cruise adds a serene, cultural dimension to your winter itinerary.

⛷️ Patagonia — Ice, Peaks & Adventure

South America’s rugged wilds come alive in winter with accessible hiking, glacier viewing, and clear conditions in Patagonia. From El Calafate to El Chaltén, explore ice fields, dramatic peaks, and dramatic ocean-like lake waters framed by sheer rock faces. (Enchanting Travels)

🌄 Insider tip: Combine hiking with boat tours among immense icebergs for unforgettable views.

🌐 Seasonal Travel Planning Tips for 2026

To make the most of these buckets of seasonal experiences:

📅 Time Your Trip by Weather

Choose your destination based on the seasonal highlights — aurora in spring, beaches in summer, foliage in autumn, and cultural obsessions in winter. (Enchanting Travels)

🎭 Blend Culture with Nature

Pair city exploration with nature outings. For example, combine Tokyo’s autumn colors with traditional festivals, or visit Egypt’s ancient wonders before a Nile cruise. (Enchanting Travels)

🧳 Consider Multi-Destination Journeys

Travel planners are combining domestic and international destinations in single itineraries — e.g., spring in Japan’s Kyoto followed by summer in Türkiye. (Enchanting Travels)

🍽️ Tailored Trips with Planet Earth Holidays

Whether you’re dreaming of Aurora adventures in Alaska, safari-style gorilla treks in Rwanda, or wine tours in Australia, Planet Earth Holidays offers curated travel packages for every season of 2026. Explore guides and itineraries for your seasonal favorites:

👉 Plan your 2026 adventure: https://planetearthholidays.com/

From iconic natural wonders to culturally rich cities and off-the-beaten-path escapes, these Where to Go in 2026 — Seasonal Picks from Around the World destinations turn your travel dreams into reality. Pack your bags and let every season be an opportunity to explore and discover! 🌍✈️