Some moments define a place more than any landmark. Festivals, seasonal events and cultural celebrations bring a different energy, giving you a chance to see destinations at their most alive. Here are a few worth knowing about, whether you build a trip around them or simply keep them in mind.
Late March to early April
Cherry blossom season marks the start of spring and is one of Japan’s most important annual events. The blooming of the trees is short, often lasting just a week or two, which is why it holds such meaning.
Locals gather in parks for hanami, sitting under the blossoms with food and drinks to mark the season. For visitors, it adds a very clear sense of timing to a Japan trip, with cities like Kyoto and Tokyo framed by soft pink trees and a shared atmosphere across the country.
February or early March
Rio Carnival is a major cultural event built around samba schools competing in large scale parades. Each group spends months preparing costumes, music and choreography before performing in the Sambadrome.
Alongside this, street parties run across the city, with music, dancing and crowds throughout the week. Going during Carnival gives you a direct view into Brazilian culture, where music and community are central, and the scale of the event is something you do not experience at any other time of year.
Mid September to early October
Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 and has grown into one of Germany’s best known events. It centres around large beer tents run by Munich breweries, each serving traditional food and hosting live music.
People dress in traditional clothing, and there is a strong sense of heritage behind it. For visitors, it is a social experience that is easy to join, with long shared tables, a lively atmosphere and a clear introduction to Bavarian culture beyond the usual city sights.
Early October
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. Each morning, hundreds of balloons take off together in what is known as a mass ascent, filling the sky over the desert.
The conditions in this part of New Mexico are ideal for ballooning, which is why the event takes place here. It is visually impressive, but also simple to experience, with open viewing areas and a relaxed setting that makes it easy to take in the scale of it.
March (dates vary each year)
Holi marks the arrival of spring and is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is known for people throwing coloured powders and water at each other in the streets, creating a very open and social atmosphere.
The festival has roots in Hindu tradition, symbolising the victory of good over evil, but what stands out for visitors is how inclusive it feels. Cities like Jaipur, Delhi and Varanasi come alive, with music, food and gatherings taking place throughout the day. It is one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have in India.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
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