When would you like to travel?

January is the perfect time to escape to wonderfully contrasting exotic climes, or to the mountains for a spot of skiing.

For those craving winter sun, there’s plenty on offer in February, as well as fabulous skiing in the Alps and North America. By now, the snow in the Alps and North American resorts is usually firmly established so it's a great time for skiing.

In the Alps, half term is now over for the French (which runs for the whole of February), so this is a great time to go skiing if you’re not traveling with children. If you prefer balmy climes at this time of year, the Caribbean is a delight, and the Maldives and Sri Lanka are in their prime season, as well as much of South East Asia, including Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam.

From the Indian Ocean, Far East and Caribbean to the Alps, April is a great time to escape, with plenty on offer for every kind of traveler. Easter skiing is favoured by many, often bringing one last big snowfall and plenty of air-weather skiing, with longer days and quieter slopes to enjoy it.

Europe is warming up nicely in May. Southeast Asia is beautiful at this time of year, as well as Australasia. China and Japan are other exciting options, or for African beaches and amazing blue waters, Mozambique is a good choice in May. Alternatively, try Mauritius and the OurSpace children’s club there.

For families with pre-school children, June is the perfect time to escape to the Mediterranean. For romance, Italy is beautiful at this time of year, and the Greek islands are sublime without being too hot. Lisbon is well known for its parties, but in June they celebrate Santo Antonio, starting with a costumed parade up to the city castle as a prequel to the most extravagant parties you’ll have ever experienced.

In July, the Mediterranean is perhaps at its best, before parts become a little too hot for some in August. Couples can find romance in Italy’s cities, and the endless beaches across the Mediterranean.

For families going away in the summer vacations, the Mediterranean offers an escape for all, You could head to Cyprus or Spain, or to Rome which comes alive for 6 weeks of the summer, with memorable live music from opera to rock, open air film screens, hundreds of galleries and Cabaret festivals.

September is great time to go away, with plenty on offer from the Middle and Far East to Latin America. 

From eating sun-ripened mango in Rajasthan, to snorkeling in Mauritius, there’s a rich choice of things to do and places to see in October.

November is a fine time for an exotic escape. Many parts of the world enjoy fantastic weather in November - and as it's outside of school vacations there are fewer people traveling.

December finally brings the beginning of the ski season in Europe. And with fewer crowds and off-peak prices, it can be a great time to go skiing. Alternatively, if you’re keen to get some winter sun before the festive season, or you fancy spending Christmas somewhere exotic, there’s a huge choice of destinations that are fabulous in December.