Next year, Scotland’s Far North is vying for Unesco World Heritage recognition thanks to its rich biodiversity and critical role in carbon sequestration. The wild and boggy terrain is home to mist-shrouded mountains, rivers, a diverse wildlife population and restaurants that emphasize local, foraged ingredients. A late-August visit ensures comfortable temperatures for exploring the great outdoors – without the nuisance of midges. The Baltic Trails Key dates: The best time to see the northern lights varies by location, however the northern hemisphere's winter is the ideal time for a visit. Here's what you need to know about planning a trip to see the northern lights in Europe. Make a reservation at a US national park Key events: Amplifest, Festival Gastronómico Francesinha, Oktoberfest, Feira de Santa Iria in Faro, Feira de Praia Vila Real de Santo António. Places to stay are cheaper in November

A Mexico visit in January or February means dry and relatively cooler days, providing some relief in humid coastal destinations. It’s also whale-watching season along the Pacific Coast. In Mazatlán, February is carnival time: the 2024 festival is the 126th edition. Kangaroo Island, Australia Travelers will love Chile in November. After the hush of winter months, Patagonia awakens to the vibrant hues of spring, while the northern regions gradually shed their chill, offering a respite from the dampness of previous seasons. This also marks the ideal time to explore the picturesque coastal towns and desert landscapes of the north, a month before the busy tourist season swings into action. Swahili Coast, TanzaniaWales’ southwest is far less crowded with tourists than the north – and has an air of the untouched and untamed. The best period to visit starts in April, when rainfall is low and temperatures milder. A hike along the Wales Coast Path is the best way to explore this protected shore. Palau In a time marked by listicles and AI, what makes our selections unique is our people. We have real human beings on the ground all over the world discovering what’s new and evaluating old favorites, who are dedicated to making sure you have the guidance and recommendations you need to get you where you want to go. From beachcombing to village-hopping, volcano-climbing and indulging in fresh, lip-tingling ceviche, Nicaragua’s pleasures are plentiful. And in 2024, the country will offer visitors something even more special: it’s a prime viewing destination for the total eclipse on April 8. Observe it from atop a volcano for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wales Key events: Rincón Surfing Festival, Calle Loíza Culinary Fest, Jayuya Indigenous Festival, Winter League Festival, Puerto Rico Queer FilmFest, Thanksgiving. Christmas celebrations occur throughout December

Editors begin work on the list as early as April. Chambers says that – as much as they’d like to – not every staffer can visit each place on the list personally. Why shiver at home? With beautiful beaches, bioluminescent bays, steamy forests and a rich history that's perfect for enjoying in the sun, Puerto Rico is a snow bird’s picture-perfect haven. For years the high-end bathing market in Iceland was dominated by the Blue Lagoon. The milky blue geothermal seawater in the middle of a lava field is still perfect for jetlag recovery – it helps that it's 20 minutes from the airport – but more geothermal baths and spas have popped up in recent years, attracting visitors for their elegant architecture, stunning settings, and unique bathing experiences. The Mývatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland overlook Lake Mývatn and the surrounding bird-filled wetlands and volcanic landscapes. Situated on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana pipes in natural steam for its steam bath. Why it’s exciting: Roll on from Vienna into an underrated Italian port city ⁠– and a more affordable base for exploring Cinque Terre. Fans of train travel like me are looking toward 2023 with excitement – and a newly expanded to-do list.This year, we really wanted to try something new and we wanted to reflect the way that we saw travelers looking for travel, which was about the destination, but also about the experience,” explains Nitya Chambers, executive editor and senior vice president of content at Lonely Planet. Key events: Día del Descubrimiento de América, Festival de Cine Internacional de San Juan. November is the start of holiday season

Wherever you go, expect higher prices, as accommodation prices typically increase by 30% or more during the summer high season. On the plus side, this is one of the most festive times to be in Portugal, with big national celebrations, as well as lots of local outdoor events (including concerts and film screenings). Low season months of November to March are a cheaper time to visit With drier weather and more sunshine, August is a great time to explore Ecuador’s 10 national parks and eco-friendly cloud lodges – and Día de Independencia (August 8) and the procession of La Virgen del Cisne (August 15) are big events on the cultural calendar. If you’re not pushed for time, a brand new digital-nomad visa means tourists can enjoy extended stays in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Far North, Scotland Every summer, the Perseids ignite night skies in the northern hemisphere with what’s arguably nature’s greatest fireworks display. Observation conditions will be ideal this year, with warm weather and a waning crescent moon that won’t wash out the fireballs. The display will occur from July 14 to September 1; in dark-sky locations, it might be possible to see around 100 meteors per hour when the showers peak between August 12 and 13.Ultimately, whether you hit the road in search of a perfect meal or a stunning cityscape, travel is just as much about exploring along the way as what’s on your itinerary. During the summer months, you’ll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Sydney also makes the list. The Australian city is known for its friendly inhabitants, as well as for its beautiful beaches, top-notch food scene and … oh yeah, a pretty cool opera house. There’s just an opportunity with our kids in the summer (to) spend some more time, go immerse and have the experience of living somewhere where you can really feel changed and transformed by being part of another place.”