Travel Destinations from January to December 2026: Ready to Go Anytime
Global travel continues to warm up in 2026, with many countries easing visa policies for Chinese passport holders. Over 80 countries and regions now support visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, making it the perfect time to unlock worldwide travel!
1. January to March: Escape the Cold with Warm Winters and Exclusive Romance
January Recommendations: Turkey, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Starting in 2026, Turkey offers visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Istanbul in January blends the lingering Christmas spirit with New Year’s celebrations. The Blue Mosque’s dome looks especially majestic under the winter sun, and the aroma of spices fills the Grand Bazaar.
Chiang Mai in Thailand is an ideal warm winter destination for blessings. January’s cool, dry climate coincides with the aftermath of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Temples in the old city are bustling with incense, and visitors can join local blessing ceremonies or interact closely with animals at the night zoo, experiencing the slow pace of life in this northern Thai town.
February Recommendations: Iceland, Singapore
February is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. At night, on the black sand beaches outside Reykjavik or along the Golden Circle, you have a high chance of witnessing the dazzling green aurora. During the day, enjoy snow trekking and the Blue Lagoon’s hot springs, savoring the contrast of warm baths in icy surroundings.
Singapore’s pleasant February weather coincides with the Lunar New Year. Chinatown is festively decorated, and the Supertree Grove light show at Gardens by the Bay is full of holiday cheer. Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium are perfect for family trips.
March Recommendations: Kyoto, Japan; Maldives
Kyoto in March is wrapped in cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom tunnel in Arashiyama and the Philosopher’s Path lined with fallen petals are perfect spots for hanami, complemented by ancient temple gardens that showcase Japanese romance.
The Maldives enters its dry season with abundant sunshine and water visibility up to 30 meters. Dive spots in the Ari Atoll offer encounters with whale sharks and coral reefs. Overwater villas are a must for experiencing luxurious island vacations.
2. April to June: Chase Flowers and Cool Breezes, Unlock Summer Secrets
April Recommendations: Egypt, Serbia
April is the golden season to visit Egypt, before the extreme summer heat sets in. The weather is mild, ideal for exploring open-air ancient sites. Besides cultural landmarks, Hurghada on the Red Sea coast is a must-visit for snorkeling in clear waters rich with coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
Serbia, a lesser-known visa-free European destination, enjoys pleasant April weather. Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress offers stunning views of the Danube River at sunset. With affordable prices, you can savor authentic Eastern European cuisine for about 30 RMB per person.
May Recommendations: Spain, Loire Valley, France
May is the golden season to explore Spain, with mild and comfortable temperatures averaging 15-25°C. Avoiding the summer heatwaves, this month also hosts many unique festivals, allowing you to deeply experience Spain’s passion and romance.
The Loire Valley in France enjoys mild weather in May. Surrounded by greenery, famous castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau open for visits. Walking among them feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.
June Recommendations: Santorini, Greece; Ili, Xinjiang
Santorini in June is a breathtaking scene of blue and white buildings against the deep blue Aegean Sea. Watching the sunset in Oia town is an unforgettable experience.
Ili in Xinjiang is a romantic secret land covered by purple flower seas and vast grasslands. June coincides with lavender’s full bloom. With average temperatures between 14-34°C, it’s warm during the day but cool in the mornings and evenings, making it an excellent escape from the summer heat to enjoy natural beauty.
3. July to September: Beat the Heat, Encounter Nature and Harvest
July Recommendations: Yichun, Alaska, USA; Mongolia
July in Yichun is a perfect summer retreat with an average temperature of 22°C, 83.8% forest coverage, and fresh air rich in negative ions, making it a favored cool paradise.
Alaska in July has suitable temperatures for glacier viewing and wildlife encounters. Taking a cruise through Glacier Bay offers a close-up experience of glacier calving.
Mongolia’s grasslands enter their golden season in July. Under blue skies and white clouds, the endless grasslands invite horseback riding and staying in traditional yurts, experiencing the warmth of nomadic culture.
August Recommendation: Tasmania, Australia
August in Tasmania unfolds a pure and crisp winter scene. As Australia’s southernmost secret, winter nights reveal a dazzling starry sky. Occasionally, the Southern Lights cast a green glow across the sky, with every view telling the unique romance of off-season travel.
September Recommendations: Sicily, Italy; Changbai Mountain
September in Sicily sheds the summer bustle, leaving only the clarity and gentleness of the Mediterranean. The sunshine is just right, the sea breeze mild, and at a comfortable 28°C, even the waves seem tender. Without crowds, only ancient sites and sea breezes accompany you. September is the perfect time for an autumn rendezvous in Sicily, hiding romance in the Mediterranean’s shimmering waves.
September at Changbai Mountain brings deepening autumn. With a pleasant temperature around 20°C, the mountains are a palette of gold, crimson, and dark green, reflecting in the clear blue Tianchi Lake. September is the perfect time for an autumn rendezvous at Changbai Mountain, hiding romance in the colorful forest scenery.
4. October to December: Autumn Foliage and Warm Winter New Year
October Recommendations: Canada, Slovakia, Bolivia
October in Canada is the season of maple leaves. The crisp autumn breeze sweeps across hills covered in red and gold, creating a brilliant painting. With comfortable temperatures of 10-15°C, even the air carries the sweet scent of maple syrup. Avoiding crowds, enjoy exclusive autumn views. October is the perfect time for a maple leaf rendezvous in Canada, capturing romance in the colorful forest.
October in Slovakia is full of autumn charm. The Carpathian Mountains’ forests turn golden, and Bratislava’s old town is rich with medieval atmosphere.
October in Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats marks the dry season, revealing a stunning mirror-like salt lake where sky and earth merge, perfect for photography.
November Recommendation: Abu Dhabi, UAE
November in Abu Dhabi offers cool weather. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to experience the luxury of Middle Eastern architecture, and watch the F1 racing event for thrills and excitement.
December Recommendations: Western Australia, New Zealand
December in Western Australia unfolds a vibrant summer scene. Say goodbye to winter and join the summer festivities with sunshine, islands, and Christmas fireworks.
December in New Zealand opens a bright and warm summer scene. With comfortable temperatures of 21-24°C, sunshine bathes beaches and mountains, and breezes carry the fresh scent of grass and flowers. Lupins bloom wildly by South Island lakes, and Pohutukawa trees blaze with fiery red, hiding Christmas romance in every corner. It’s the perfect season to escape the cold and embrace freedom and warmth.
5. Essential Tips for Overseas Travel in 2026
1. Visa Policies: Confirm visa requirements in advance. For visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries like Turkey, Thailand, and Malaysia, prepare a passport valid for over 6 months, round-trip tickets, and hotel bookings. Some countries may require proof of funds.
2. Travel Gear: Pack clothes according to the destination’s climate. For islands, bring sunscreen and snorkeling gear. For self-driving in Europe and North America, apply for an international driver’s license in advance. Some countries support electric car rentals, aligning with sustainable travel trends.
3. Cultural Etiquette: Middle Eastern countries have strong religious atmospheres; avoid revealing clothing, and women may prepare headscarves. Southeast Asian countries often use tipping; carry small cash for tips.
Save this guide and travel by season in 2026 to easily unlock the world’s most beautiful overseas destinations!
If you need detailed itinerary planning for any destination, feel free to leave a comment below~