2 destinations at their best
January
The cheapest month to fly almost anywhere, and the best month to be somewhere dry and warm while home is grim.
Where to travel, month by month
Most destinations have one or two months where they're genuinely at their best, and a couple where they're a mistake. Start from the month you can actually take off work and pick a destination whose season fits it — it's a far better way round than picking a place and hoping.
5 destinations at their best
February
Shoulder-season Europe at half price, aurora season in the north, and the last good month in tropical Asia before the heat.
7 destinations at their best
March
The month everything starts opening again — southern Europe warms up, North Africa is perfect, and Japan's blossom season begins.