An Adventure in Portugal

December 7, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Kendra and Shad love to visit places where they can be active and adventurous. Places with stunning scenery, a bit of hiking, and incredible food. We knew the perfect destination for their 2023 adventure that would incorporate all of the above: Portugal. Here’s their feedback:

Hotels

The Sintra Boutique Hotel (Sintra) was wonderful. The concierge was super helpful, the location was convenient, the room was comfortable, and the food at breakfast was the best (of the hotel breakfasts) we had during our trip.

The AP Oriental (Portimão) was gorgeous. Front desk staff was friendly and helpful, the room was spacious and comfortable. The food was great; the pool was quiet and clean. The weather didn’t cooperate for us to spend time on the beach, but it looked like a beautiful set up. Convenient location to walk everywhere, including along the boardwalk and beach. It was nice that it was a quiet, adults only hotel. The trade off was that most of the other guests were much older (more of a 50/60+ crowd). Wi-fi was a bit spotty.

Brown’s Central (Lisbon) was right in the thick of things. If you like to be where the people are, it’s the place for you. That being said, once inside the room it was quiet and comfortable. The decor is hip and unique. The bar downstairs had great bartenders and drinks. Walkable to many points of interest, bars and restaurants – just make sure you’re ready for cobblestones, narrow side walks and some hills/stairs. And A LOT of people.

Excursions

We LOVED the food tour in Lisbon. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and gave great info everywhere we stopped, plus additional tips and recommendations. 10/10 would recommend.

The boat tour of the caves was so much fun. It was a little choppy the day we went out, but definitely worth the hour or so we were on the water. The boat was smaller than some other tours, so while we traded off some comfort, it allowed us to get closer to/into some of the caves, including Benagil.

It was nice to spend a night in Sintra. While crowded during the day with day trippers, it was peaceful to walk around at night. We had a delicious dinner, got some gelato and walked around town. We visited Peña Palace, which is a must see. Unfortunately there was a workers strike the second day and we weren’t able to visit the Moorish castle, but we still hiked up to it and saw the outside

We spent an afternoon in Cascais and would highly recommend anyone going to Lisbon make the trip, even for a few hours. We also stopped at St Vincent lighthouse in Sagres (aka the southernmost point in Portugal).

Food

The food was incredible. Restaurant F in Portimão was our favorite meal. Everywhere we stopped on the food tour in Lisbon was also amazing.

Pastéis de Belém may be touristy, but it really is worth it. We didn’t go inside, but we took pastéis to go and ate them in a nearby park.

The southernmost point of Portugal featuring sea and lighthouse

Overall, we had a wonderful time! Thank you for helping us plan this trip and for making such great recommendations!

Top Tips for Your First Trip to Europe

June 14, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

First time traveling to Europe? There’s a lot to consider for your first big trip abroad! If you’ve reached out to us to help you plan, you know most of the details are already taken care of. All that’s left is to pack, get on the plane, and enjoy your adventure! But even with a trusted travel agent by your side, it can feel a bit daunting heading to a completely unfamiliar place. Aside from preparing for the extra-long flight, what else do you need to know before you go? As seasoned European travelers, here are our top tips:

Packing

What to Pack: No matter where you’re going in Europe, you will be guaranteed to need three things: comfortable walking shoes, layers, and adapters. Your favorite dress shoes might look amazing, but if you’ve never walked farther than from the restaurant to your car in them, they need to stay home. Generally, the weather is constantly changing throughout the day. Fresh mornings give way to sweltering midday before cooling down again into beautiful evenings. To cover these changes you’ll need to bring some lovely light layers. Finally, you’ll need to select an all-purpose adapter to allow your US plugs to fit into a European outlet. Plus a converter if you’re bringing a US appliance (like a hairdryer) that can’t handle their stronger voltage.

Pack Light: Even with careful planning, at some point on your adventure you’ll need to lift your suitcase. It won’t be over your head, perhaps just a small step into your hotel, up and over the bridges of Venice, or simply over the gap between the train and the platform. But you want to be sure you pack a suitcase that you can manage and maneuver. Check out our packing it all in a carry-on guide – even if you don’t plan on fitting it all in a carry-on, you’ll find some good tips to help you minimize.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

Important Items: Make sure you pack all medicines, important phone numbers, a change of clothes, and expensive items/ electronics in your carry-on bag. Anything you need in the first 48hrs goes in the carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost.

Your Phone

Check with your provider: Communicating while abroad is important – whether with other people in your group or with your friends and family back home. Or, if you need to access maps, use handy travel apps, post on social media, or check other internet info. Check with your mobile phone provider in advance to see what their international plan is, how to set it up, and whether it’s worth using.

Offline: If you decide you don’t want to use your provider’s international plan, you must put your phone into Airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. Even if you’re not actively using your phone, unless it’s in airplane mode, it’s using data. It’s also worth looking up how to download offline maps. This will help you so much when you’re jumping from wifi to wifi.

[Photo Credit: Angela Compagnone via Unsplash]

Connecting: Most crucially, when you’re abroad, you’ll need to dial the country code to contact anyone. Here’s how to do that (works for both iPhone and Android). Secondly, we cannot recommend WhatsApp enough. Everyone in Europe has and communicates through WhatsApp. That includes your tour guides, your drivers, and even some restaurants. Imagine trying to make a dinner reservation when you don’t speak the language. Instead of struggling to communicate, you type out the request in a translator app. Then, simply send the translation to the restaurant via WhatsApp text! Easy, simple, and with no misunderstandings! WhatsApp also works off of the wifi/ mobile data. So even if you decide not to set up an international plan, you can communicate!

Money Matters

Check With Your Bank: You’ll want to check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and currency conversion rates. Be sure to let them know you’re traveling so they don’t flag any card purchases by mistake. If you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (like a Capital One or Chase Sapphire) now is the time to use it! Also, be sure to bring a Visa/Mastercard since many places won’t accept Amex or Discover

In Belgium Beth showing off her chocolate- shopping bags in the Brussels Shopping Mall

Cash vs Card: It’s not necessary to get a huge amount of foreign currency before you leave, but you’ll need some pocket money. The general rule is: anything under 10€ should be paid in cash. Some places won’t accept cards if it’s under 10€ and sometimes it’s more polite to pay for tips, taxis, cups of coffee, etc in cash. Plus, public toilets will only take 1€ coins. Remember: 1€ and 2€ are coins so don’t just get rid of “spare change”! For larger purchases in shops and restaurants, you can use your card to get the best exchange rate and some added protections.

[Photo Credit: Beth & Bob via Shared Adventures Travel – check out their Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris Adventure here! ]

Tipping: While in Europe, resist the urge to tip the way you do in the US. In restaurants check to see if a service charge is already on the bill. If not, and if you’re inclined to tip, don’t leave any more than 10%. Tip tour guides and drivers 2€ -10€ per person. For taxis, you can round up to the nearest Euro. European service workers, in general, make a living wage and do not need/expect a generous American-style tip.

Cultural

Language: Of course, they speak a different language! In major cities, a lot of the service industry at least speak English related to their jobs. But it’s always nice for you to try to meet them halfway. Always try to learn “hello & goodbye”, “ please & thank you”, “ do you speak English?” and “Where is the toilet?” These all go a long way. Don’t forget all the signs will be in the foreign language as well! Luckily, in transport areas like train stations and airports, you’ll often see English in small letters underneath.

Dining Times: Throughout most of Europe the dining times are more specific. Many places, especially in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, close down for an afternoon siesta between 2:30 pm – 7 pm.

To avoid only finding sad sandwiches for lunch, make sure you’re getting lunch before 2 pm. Similarly, many restaurants don’t serve dinner until 7 pm. Certainly, there are a few open earlier, and in big cities, some are open all day. However, you’ll limit your choices if you’re trying to eat dinner before 7 pm.

[Photo Credit: Hilary and Zackary via Shared Adventures Travel — read about their Rome & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon here!]

Finally, in Europe, water doesn’t come automatically to the table. If you want water, you’ll have to order it and it usually is only available by bottle without ice.

Rooms: Unless you’re booking a suite, most of the hotel rooms and beds tend to be smaller than typical American standards. And that includes the bathrooms.

Safety

Be Informed: To keep yourself informed, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that allows you to pre-register your travel plans with the US State Department. This way, they can keep you informed of safety conditions at your destination(s). Plus, the US Embassy will know how to reach you in the event of an emergency (including a family emergency at home). To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/step/. To keep others informed – make sure you leave a full itinerary with a reservation number with a friend or family member.

Overlooking Paris at sunset from the Arc du Triomphe

Keep Tabs on your Belongings: As with any crowded city or location, you want to make sure to keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket, and have a bag that goes across your body and has zippers/ multiple pockets.

[Photo Credit: Kim & Paul via Shared Adventures — read about their Paris Adventure here!]

Standard Precautions: Even though you are on vacation, please follow the same health/safety precautions you would if you were closer to home. Don’t drink to excess (especially in the hot sun), and never leave a drink unattended. Don’t wander around alone at night; practice the buddy system. Lock your hotel room windows and doors (and use the deadbolt provided, or bring an inexpensive door wedge or travel lock of your own). Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home, and keep valuables in a safe and secure place (such as the in-room safe). If you run into legal trouble or are the victim of a crime, reach out to the nearest US Embassy for assistance. Your rights/responsibilities are different in foreign countries.

While there will always be new things to discover on each adventure you take, we hope this blog has helped you feel more prepared to tackle your first big trip abroad! Now you’re ready to step off the plane and enjoy your European Adventure stress-free. Bookmark this page for later and if you would like some help planning your next adventure let us know!

8 Things to Know Before Going to the Azores

March 14, 2023 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

8 Things to Know Before Visiting the Azores — *Pin it for later!*

Maybe you’ve heard a bit about the Azores or seen Ann’s blog post about her epic adventure. You know they are a stunning archipelago off the coast of Portugal, with lush green scenery, incredible waterfalls, and crater lakes that pop up on every Instagram feed. A perfect balance between the lush awe-inspiring landscapes of Hawaii with the volcanic roots and slightly unpredictable weather of Iceland. Plus, a little something extra. You’ve done some research and looked at Ponta Delgada, the Sete Citades, the thermal baths, and the whale watching, and your bag is practically packed already!

Now, what might surprise you about these islands, and what’s important to know before you step on a plane? Here are our Top 8 Tips:

The Basics

a map showing the Azores between the US and Europe

First a little primer on the Azores. It is a nine-island archipelago off the coast of Portugal, about a 2hr flight from Lisbon and a 5hr flight from Boston. The islands are distinct for their incredible nature, above all else. These volcanic islands boast beautiful black sand beaches, gorgeous pastoral valleys, and luscious impossibly green, hilly countryside. The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken and the official currency is the Euro.

a close up map of the nine Azores Islands

The nine Azores islands divide into three groups based on proximity. The Eastern Group comprises São Miguel Island and Santa Maria Island. The Central Group is the islands of Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, and Pico. Finally, the Western Group consists of Corvo Island and Flores Island. Because of their configuration, you’ll either need to take a ferry or an inter-island flight to go island hopping.

Top activities in the Azores

Ann hiking along a path on top of the hilly and lush green Azores Islands — *IPhoto Credit: Annie via Shared Adventures Travel]*

The Azores are made for nature adventures and take sustainability seriously. The primary activity on any of the islands is hiking. These verdant hills offer beautiful trails that open up to stunning views. For the super adventurous you can also go canyoning – sliding down waterfalls and rappelling into the extinct lava tubes. The Azores are also famous for their whale watching, thermal hot springs, and natural pools.

Staying in the Azores

You can find everything from campsites and eco-lodges to high-end hotels on the Azores. But to retain the natural and cultural beauty that makes these islands so special, you won’t find any high-rises or large beach resorts. Room counts are low, so booking ahead is crucial.

While you can get a taste of a single island and see the main highlights in 2-3 days, spending a week or longer will allow you to do some in-depth exploration and a little island hopping.

Top 8 Tips

[Photo Credit: Annie via Shared Adventures]

1. The Azores have an amazing Foodie scene

Often remote islands have to ship in food from the mainland, making it quite expensive and not the best quality. But the Azores is a Foodie’s paradise! With rich, fertile, volcanic soil they grow some incredibly delicious fruits, vegetables, and wine. In addition, they have herds of free-range cattle happily munching on the green grass and producing incredible dairy products. Trying the cheeses on the Azores is a must. Since they are islands in the middle of the Atlantic, several of their most famous dishes involve fresh seafood. You’ll also find some soups, stews, and steaks are part of the cultural cuisine. The Cozido das Furnas is particularly unique, a stew cooked inside thermal vents. Also unique to the islands are the locally grown pineapples, which rarely leave the island and are often served for dessert!

If you’re visiting in the high season, it’s advisable to book a few restaurants ahead of time to ensure a table. Between tasting the local wine and enjoying the fresh food, you could spend all your time eating your way around the Azores.

Photo Credit: Kendra and Shad vis Shared Adventures – read about their Azores Adventure Here]

2. The weather is constantly changing – but the webcams will help

The Azores can be beautiful sunny islands….sometimes. Locals like to say they experience four seasons in a single day. While there are some beautifully clear, sunny days, you’ll also likely experience wind, thick fog, and driving rain. The weather is best in the summer months, but don’t be surprised if one side of the island is entrenched in thick fog while the other side has blue skies. The temperatures are always moderate, rarely dipping below the low 50s in winter or rising above the high 70s in summer.

Because of this unpredictability, the Azores has set up webcams of the major sites. If you’re driving yourself around the island you can use these webcams to decide where to go when and stay one step ahead of the weather! But changes can happen throughout the day, so be sure to pack both a raincoat and a sunhat.

3. Resources for Hiking

Hiking in the Azores is a beautiful and jaw-dropping experience. It’s one of the main attractions of these pristine islands! You can find a list and description of all the trails on the Azores site.

a dirt hiking trail overlooking an incredibly blue lake in the Azores.

The trails are generally well-maintained and very well-marked. Wooden signage indicates which way you should be going and if you’re going the right way. There are often picnic areas dotted along the footpaths and plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the pool of a waterfall.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Azores are mountainous, hilly islands. So, even the easiest of paths will have a few steep accents or descents to contend with. Good hiking shoes are recommended – especially if they’re waterproof. You don’t necessarily need a guide for hiking. But, if you have limited time, a guided tour will help you see the best views and can’t-be-missed spots to make the most of your time.

4. Even if you rent a car- you still need the Taxi’s phone number

It’s not necessary to rent a car to discover the islands. But it will give you a lot more freedom to explore the island at your own pace and make spur-of-the-moment decisions about which trails, pools, and viewpoints to visit. If you’re not comfortable driving on hilly roads or narrow town streets, taxis and tours are always good options. We recommend using a combination of the two to see as much as possible.

However, even if you do rent a car, many of the hiking trails are linear and will not circle back to your parking space. It is for this reason that everyone should stop in the tourist information center – Delegação de Turismo. (located in the airports and near the ports). They will give you the phone numbers of all the different taxis and, more importantly, they’ll tell you which taxis are best to call in each area. This way you can arrange for a taxi to pick you up at the end of a linear hike.

[Photo Credit: Annie via Shared Adventures Travel]

5. Hikes and Drives will always take longer than listed on the websites

The beauty of the Azores is best appreciated from the countless Miradouros or viewpoints. Around every corner, on most of the hikes and roads, you’ll want to stop for an awe-inspiring view. This is one of the best parts of the Azores. Stunning. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that when google maps or the Azores hiking trail tells you a drive or hike will take a certain amount of time, you need to add at least an extra half hour. Be sure to give yourself time to take it all in.

6. It’s always whale-watching season

groups in small boats watch for whales on the Azores

As with many whale watching places, you can see the most variety of species in the Spring. However, Sperm Whales live around the Azores year-round, meaning it’s always whale-watching season! In fact, the Azores is one of the biggest whale sanctuaries in the world. When you take a whale-watching tour you know the companies are committed to sustainability, education, and conservation.

[Photo Credit: Andrea Zanenga via Unsplash]

While Sperm whales can be elusive, your chances of an encounter are good as they still use whale spotters or Vigias. Once used by the whaling industry to help them hunt the whales, whale-watching tours now use these talented individuals to help direct them to a sighting. An experienced spotter on land can see the blow of a whale up to 50km out to sea, and they can tell what type of whale it is by the blow!

7. While not known for its beaches – still bring your swimsuit everywhere you go!

If you’re expecting a white-sand-beach tropical island, the Azores don’t fit the bill. That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to swim in incredible waters! Being a volcanic island, most of the beaches are black sand or pebble beaches. (Except for Sao Lourenco bay on Santa Maria Island). Additionally, the Atlantic Ocean can be tempestuous. Perfect for surfing but with strong rip tides and currents it’s not recommended for inexpert swimmers. What gives you that island paradise vibe are the incredible waterfalls with inviting pools at the bottom. After taking a long hike through the tropical hills, dive in.

There are also Picenes Naturales formed from lava hitting the cold ocean and creating little enclaves that are safe for swimming. Natural pools like Simao Dias and Varadouro are stunning in their own right. It’s recommended to bring water shoes so you can enjoy the rockier shores along the coast.

[Photo Credit: Annie via Shared Adventures]

unique rock formations and reflective pools on the Azores Islands in Portugal

8. Bring a dark-colored swimsuit for the hot springs

Like neighboring Iceland, the Azores are full of delightfully warm and rejuvenating thermal hot springs. São Miguel is the best island for hot springs — particularly around the town of Furnas. It’s a perfect activity to do on those foggy or chilly days since the waters are always warm and welcoming. The springs range in size and style. From the largest and most famous Terra Nostra, which has an entrance fee, changing rooms, showers, and other amenities. To the smaller Ferraria which offers changing rooms and a unique natural experience. It’s one of the only thermal springs connected directly to the ocean! (Make sure to go at low tide for the warmest water)

The thermal pools are full of iron and have a reddish color that can stain swimsuits and towels. So it’s highly recommended to bring dark-colored suits or even a spare old suit specifically to enjoy the hot springs.

Are you ready to go to the Azores? Let us know and we’ll help you plan the perfect adventure!

The Best Honeymoon Destinations (by Month)

March 15, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Honeymoons by Month Pin — *Pin it for later!*

The majority of couples still take their honeymoons shortly after the wedding. Which means that honeymooners have to consider seasonality and find a destination that works well for their specific travel dates. But how do you know which places are the best at different times of year? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered, with our handy guide to the best honeymoon destinations by month!

The Weather

Before we get to the months, there are a few criteria to keep in mind. First is, of course, the weather.

Beachy and tropical islands often have just two seasons: Dry and Rainy. These seasons tend to be the opposite on different sides of the world. So no matter what month you travel in, you can find a beautiful beachy location somewhere.

[Photo Credit: Katey & Oliver via Shared Adventures – read about their Costa Rica Honeymoon here!]

The Crowds

a piazza in Rome full of tourists, ideal for Honeymoons

The other important factor to consider is crowds. Certain months see high crowds for a reason. Everyone is excited to experience the best weather the destination has to offer! Think about whether it’s more important to you to have the best weather possible (despite the crowds). Or would you prefer to risk some less-than-ideal days in exchange for having a sense of seclusion?

[Photo credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

With these answers in mind, have a look at our monthly guide! We’ve split the destinations into two categories: “High-season” is the best weather with potentially the biggest crowds. “Best balance” has decent weather balanced with smaller crowds.

January

St. Lucia– high-season
Costa Rica- high-season
Aruba – high-season

Norway– high-season
Swiss Alps- best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: For the best weather, look to the equator. Destinations in the Central America region ( including the Caribbean) will be beautiful. They will also be in peak season. January offers clear blue skies, warm seas, and a perfectly idyllic beach vacation. It’s just a bonus that you can escape from the cold!

Snowy Honeymoons: Consider just how cold you truly want it to be. The further north you go, the darker and colder it gets, which gives you the brilliant opportunity to see the Northern Lights. January also tends to be less busy than February in top ski destinations due to the shorter days.

February

Mexico– high-season
New Zealand- high-season
Hawai’i – best balance

Swiss Alps- high-season
Norway- best balance
California- best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: February is a peak month for tropical travel. The Caribbean, and Mexico are popular with everyone trying to escape the winter cold, including families on school vacation breaks. Hawaii can be a good option, because the weather is temperate year round and spreads the crowds out. And French Polynesia might work, as long as you’re okay with some passing rain showers.

Snowy Honeymoons: How important is skiing? How cold is too cold? If you want to hit the slopes every day of your honeymoon, then February is prime ski season in many winter destinations! If you’re looking for other winter activities, you’ll find the extra cold temps mean a lot of opportunities to snuggle up, fewer crowds, and more daylight hours for adventuring!

March

The Maldives– best balance
New Zealand- best balance

Iceland- best balance (for snow)
Japan- high-season (mid-March)

Beachy Honeymoons: March is a great honeymoon month to avoid crowds if you don’t mind a little unpredictability. It’s the last month of the dry season in many places. So look more closely at the weather reports and consider spots where a few small showers and cooler nights will enhance your trip.

Snowy Honeymoons: This is the last opportunity of the year to enjoy a snowy destination! Consider what winter activities you’re most excited to experience. Because you start to get longer hours of daylight in March, find a destination that has a lot of outdoor adventures.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – read about her April in Paris trip here!]

April

The Caribbean– best balance
Seychelles- best balance
South Africa- best for combining different regions

Australia- best balance
France- high-season
Napa, California- best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: April is the bridge between the dry and wet seasons. For the best weather, look into heading a bit further towards the southern hemisphere. If you’d rather stay closer to home, the Caribbean will have some unpredictability, but overall beautiful days and lower crowds.

City Breaks: April is the beginning of perfectly romantic city breaks. Consider locations that you dream of strolling around, admiring the architecture and the flowers in bloom. Look to Europe and Japan for the most beautiful displays of spring blooms.

May

Portugal– best balance
Malta- best balance
Costa Rica- best balance
Hawai’i- best balance

Fiji- best balance
Scotland- best balance
Ireland- best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: A perfect shoulder month. If you’re looking to stay closer to home, the Caribbean and Central America will have lower crowds without (yet) the summer rains. Otherwise, you can beat the summer crowds but enjoy the rising temperature on the other side of the globe. Southern Europe and the South Pacific are entering their dry season. Warm weather, low humidity, and the islands practically to yourselves — It makes the long plane trip worth it!

Sightseeing and Exploring: If you’re not a sunseeker, look into northern Europe. A perfect combination of warm days, cool nights, green countryside, lower crowds, and maybe still a little snow on the utmost mountain peaks.

[Photo credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

June

Hawai’i– high-season
Antigua- best balance
St. Lucia- best balance

Fiji- high-season
Greece- best balance
Alaska- best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: June is the beginning of hurricane season in the Caribbean, but it’s still too early for major risk. This is a good month for sun-seekers. Look for spots where you can sneak in before the storm risk increases in late summer.

City Breaks: June is an excellent month for city breaks. Everything is open and waiting, but the true heat of summer hasn’t settled into the cobblestones yet. Look for cities that allow you to get out into nature a bit for a cool breeze.

July

French Polynesia– high-season
Malta- high-season
Italy- high-season

Ireland- high-season
Canada- high-season
Iceland-high-season

Beachy Honeymoons: French Polynesia and southern Europe swell to their peak popularity. Honeymooners in July will almost certainly have to share the beaches with plenty of other travelers.

Outdoorsy Honeymoons: July is the peak month for many cooler-weather destinations that are just coming into their own at this time of year. Look to the north to find green fields, hiking trails, cool mountain lakes, fresh breezes, and unending hours of daylight.

August

Kenya & Tanzania– high-season
Mozambique- high-season
Bali- high-season
Vietnam- high-season

Croatia- high-season
France-high-season

The sweltering temps are reaching their peak and everyone is looking for a beach. August is difficult to avoid crowds, especially in Europe where many countries have their summer vacations. Look to the islands in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa for the peak of the dry season. Beautiful beaches and beautiful clear skies await you there.

[Photo credit: Liz via Shared Adventures Travel – read about a New England Roatrip here!]

September

Hawai’i – best balance
French Polynesia- best balance
Bali- best balance
Greece- best balance

Croatia- best balance
Italy- best balance
Japan-best balance
The UK– best balance

Beachy Honeymoons: This is the perfect moment to swoop in and enjoy the last warm days without all the crowds. Look to the most popular summer beach destinations. You’ll find amazing weather, still-warm seas, and fewer people.

City Breaks: Like April, September is a perfect month for city breaks. The sweltering heat dissipates and the nights start to cool. Everything is still open and buzzing from summer, but the temperatures and crowd levels are much more pleasant. This is the time to visit Italy, Greece and Croatia!

October

Mauritius-high-season
Vietnam- best balance
Dubai- best balance
Zambia- high-season

France- best balance
Amsterdam- best balance
Canada-best balance
New England- high-season

Beachy Honeymoons: This is the best time to visit those destinations that are almost unbearably hot in summer. While October brings unpredictability, it also brings good opportunities to explore beyond the beach.

Cool Honeymoons: Stunning fall foliage is the main focus of an October honeymoon in North America and Europe. While you may have a mixture of sun and rain, October’s quiet crispness in the cities will only add to the romantic atmosphere.

November

Thailand-best balance
The Maldives- high-season
Jamaica- best balance

Australia- high-season
Argentina- best balance
Chile- best balance

November is all about the Southern Hemisphere. While the north experiences rain and cloudy skies, the south is right at the beginning of summer. The weather isn’t too hot yet and the crowds aren’t too big, so overall you want to consider the bottom half of the world. It’s also a good time for the Caribbean, as the hurricane risk is nearly past, and crowds ten to be lower.

December

The Caribbean-high-season
Mexico– high-season
Thailand– high-season
Bali- high-season

Copenhagen- best holiday markets
Austria- best holiday markets
Prague- best holiday markets

Beachy Honeymoons: The holiday season sees everyone in the north escaping the cold for beautiful beaches. Consider places near to the equator on both sides of the world- South East Asia, The Caribbean, and Mexico are all in their stride.

Snowy Honeymoons: The beginning of snow, cold temperatures, and beautiful holiday markets! While snow is a little unpredictable, consider those cold-weather cities with booming holiday markets as the perfect cozy romantic destinations.