Crowds, weather and hotel prices are some of the travel factors that rise and fall throughout the year. This means you may get an entirely different experience if you went somewhere in June rather than November.
GoHop.ie, one of Ireland’s leading honeymoon providers, have given us their expert advice on what destinations to choose based on the time of year you wish to travel.
Spring – February to May
While Ireland may still be clinging on to the dreary winter climate, the weather in other countries is absolutely perfect for newlyweds. It’s shoulder season in a lot of destinations, meaning spring can be a good time to avoid the highest prices and biggest crowds.
Peru
There is a reason why Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, despite being located on top of a mountain in the depths of South America. The ancient ruins of this once mighty city are a sight to behold, and no matter how many times you visit, you’ll hope it’s not your last! The busiest tourist season tends to be during the later months, meaning between April and May is your best chance to enjoy peace and quiet on your ascent – without being drowned out by the rain.
Australia
An Australian’s idea of winter is 25°C and blistering sunshine. Summer down under gets a little bit intense from November to January. Spring would be our recommended time to visit, as the temperatures are warm yet dry with the crowds beginning to ease off. No doubt you will be spending the majority of your time outdoors, making the temperature ideal for exploring the many beaches and breath-taking viewpoints.
Italy
The lakes of northern Italy are pretty spectacular, and the best way to experience them is to rent a car and explore them at your own pace. Two stresses you don’t need on this romantic trip are the high season crowds and scorching temperatures. If you are a savvy bargain-hunter, April or May in Italy should offer you a variety of fantastic deals.
Summer – June to August
Many parts of the world will be coming into their high season of sunshine and festivals. Summer is your time if you dream of long balmy days by the sea and lively parties that go on until the small hours.
St Lucia
When you picture summertime, do you imagine relaxing on a beach with a Daiquiri in hand, snorkeling in crystal-clear water or something more adventurous like hiking? The brilliant thing about St Lucia is that you can do all of the above within close proximity of your resort. A lot of these are also designated exclusively to couples like you – score! June or July would be a great time to visit St Lucia, as the weather is not only warm, but hotel rates can be cheaper than earlier in the year. The St Lucia Carnival kicks off then too, with a colourful spectacle of dancers parading the streets.
Iceland
Don’t be put off by the name!! Summer in Iceland is surprisingly pleasant. Temperatures regularly hit 20°C and you can expect nearly 24 hours of sunshine a day in the height of summer. The Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa is THE hotspot of the moment, creating the most amazingly luxurious backdrop to relax and take some mandatory Instagram snaps. Everyone who stays in the Silica Hotel gets a complimentary Premium Pass into the lagoon.
Tanzania
July is the start of peak season in Tanzania for a reason. Elephants start migrating through Tarangire National Park, and over one million wildebeest will be moving through Serengeti in one earth-shattering herd. Temperatures will be around 30°C and the dry weather means there won’t be too much greenery blocking your views of the wildlife. You might have to pay a bit extra for the privilege, but go to Tanzania in July if you’ve ever dreamed of tracking wildlife on safari. That might sound like a lot of activity for a honeymoon, but Zanzibar is just off the Tanzanian coast and would make for a great pit-stop to laze by the beach afterwards.
Winter – November to January
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for a honeymoon that is. Rather than pottering through the darker months, why not jet off to somewhere new and exciting to start your married life together!?
The Maldives
Truth be told, there isn’t really a bad time of the year to go to The Maldives. The islands are blessed with sickeningly gorgeous weather for most of the year. Not only should the conditions for diving and surfing be ideal, but it’s also one of the cheapest times to go. It is the wet season, so be prepared for some rainfall. But thankfully storms don’t usually last very long and are followed by temperatures around 26°C and plenty of sunshine.
Canada
Be prepared to pack some thermals and expect a drop in temperature. It regularly hovers around -15°C in Canada. If you don’t mind wearing a few extra layers, there are some incredible things to see and do in this surreal country during winter. Skiing, mountain climbing, white-water rafting – take your pick! Some lakes and valleys in the Rockies are only accessible in the depths of winter as a lack of infrastructure means skiing is the only viable route. Check out Shadow Lake Lodge for example, apart from its very cool name, the only way to get here during winter is by skiing or a 14km hike through the woods. Now, that’s what we call an adventure!
