Plan your travels for the whole year: The 12 best countries to visit each month

Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

As the year draws to a close, many are already planning for the upcoming consecutive holidays in the new year. By seizing the holiday periods next year and planning your itinerary in advance, you can craft the most worthwhile and ideal travel experience. Here's a look at the countries that are best suited for travel each month of December, for travelers' reference.

● January Norway
　

Norway is known as the “Land of a Thousand Islands.” Its northern region is world-renowned for wildlife expeditions, the midnight sun, and the Northern Lights. One-third of northern Norway lies within the Arctic Circle. From November 21 to January 21 of the following year, the sun disappears below the horizon, resulting in the polar night—making it a great time to witness the Northern Lights.

● February Bolivia
　

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, home to the Uyuni Salt Flats, renowned as the “Mirror of the Sky.” The Uyuni Salt Flats were formed from the dried-up ancient Lake Minchin. With scarce rainfall and a dry climate, the salt flats only fill with water during the rainy season from December to February each year, draining through the Río Lípez, creating a breathtakingly stunning reflection of the sky and water.

● March India
　

India is predominantly hot throughout the year, with most regions experiencing a tropical monsoon climate, while the Thar Desert in western India has a tropical desert climate. The months of March to May are the dry season. In March and April, one of Hinduism’s four major festivals, Holi, is celebrated. This festival coincides with the transition from winter to spring and the harvest season, and is also referred to as the Indian Spring Festival. During the celebrations, people playfully chase and throw colorful powders and dyes at one another. The multiple days of vibrant festivities bring the entire country of India to life and are also celebrated as one of the world’s most beloved events among photographers.

● April Japan
　
In Japan, there is a saying: “The cherry blossom lasts seven days,” meaning a single cherry blossom blooms for about seven days, and a whole cherry tree blossoms for roughly 16 days—characterized by blossoms blooming and falling simultaneously. The prime blooming period usually lasts around ten days. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, around the end of March to early April, when the cherry blossoms begin to fall, the breeze sends petals drifting down, prompting bursts of cheers beneath the trees. The Japanese refer to this shower of blossoms as “hana no ame” or “flower rain.”