Planning Your 2026 PTO: A Guide to Travel by Seasons
- JRA
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
As you kick off 2026, it's never too early to think about how you will use your PTO this year. One of the smartest ways to maximize your PTO isn’t by taking more time off—it’s by traveling at the right time. Seasonal travel can mean better weather, fewer crowds, richer cultural experiences, and often better value. Whether you’re dreaming of springtime blooms, summer coastlines, autumn color, or winter magic, here’s how to plan your year around destinations that truly shine in each season.
Spring (March–May): Renewal, Culture & Soft Adventure
Spring is ideal for destinations that come alive with color, festivals, and mild temperatures—before peak summer crowds arrive.
Japan
Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossom season (sakura), when parks, temples, and rivers are draped in delicate pink blooms. Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, regions like Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps offer quieter, equally beautiful experiences. Mild weather makes it perfect for city exploration, rail journeys, and cultural immersion.
The Netherlands
Tulip season transforms the Dutch countryside into a patchwork of vibrant color, especially around Keukenhof and the bulb fields near Lisse. Spring is also a wonderful time to explore Amsterdam by bike or canal before summer tourism peaks, with cool days and longer light.
Southern Italy
From the Amalfi Coast to Puglia and Sicily, spring brings warm—but not sweltering—temperatures, blooming landscapes, and a more relaxed pace. It’s ideal for food-focused travel, archaeological sites, and coastal towns before beach season crowds arrive.
Summer (June–August): Long Days & Natural Wonders
Summer is best spent where the weather is mild, the outdoors beckons, or daylight stretches late into the evening.
Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland)
With long daylight hours—and in some regions, the midnight sun—summer is the best time to experience Scandinavia. Fjords, lakes, hiking trails, and vibrant waterfront cities are at their most accessible. It’s also festival season, offering a lively cultural counterpoint to the region’s famous calm.
Peru
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is dry season in the Andes, making it the optimal time to visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Clear skies and stable weather are ideal for trekking and exploring ancient sites, while Lima’s culinary scene thrives year-round.
The Balkans (Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia)
The Adriatic coast sparkles in summer, with crystal-clear water, historic old towns, and island-hopping opportunities. Pair coastal time with cooler escapes inland—like Slovenia’s lakes or Montenegro’s mountains—for a balanced summer itinerary.
Fall (September–November): Color, Cuisine & Crowd-Free Travel
Autumn is a favorite among seasoned travelers: fewer crowds, harvest season, and landscapes at their most dramatic.
France
From wine harvests in Bordeaux and Burgundy to autumn light in Paris, fall is one of France’s most rewarding seasons. Cooler temperatures make cities, vineyards, and countryside regions more comfortable to explore, and food culture takes center stage.
New Zealand
Spring crowds haven’t yet arrived in the Southern Hemisphere, but fall delivers golden landscapes, fewer travelers, and excellent hiking conditions. It’s ideal for road trips, wine regions like Central Otago, and outdoor adventure without peak-season pricing.
Morocco
As summer heat fades, Morocco becomes far more comfortable for exploring cities like Marrakech and Fez, as well as venturing into the Atlas Mountains or Sahara. Fall brings pleasant temperatures and a calmer rhythm for cultural travel.
Winter (December–February): Escape or Embrace the Cold
Winter travel works best when you lean fully into the season—either by seeking warmth or embracing snow-covered magic.
Iceland
Winter transforms Iceland into a surreal landscape of ice caves, frozen waterfalls, and northern lights. While daylight is limited, the payoff is extraordinary scenery and fewer visitors, making it a dream for photographers and adventure seekers.
Austria & Switzerland
For those who love winter sports, alpine villages, or festive charm, these countries deliver. Think skiing, snow-dusted towns, cozy chalets, and classical culture in cities like Vienna and Zurich—especially magical around the holidays. And don't forget Christmas river cruising! It makes the season magical, merry, and easy.
Thailand
If your goal is sunshine and warmth, Thailand’s dry season makes winter the perfect time to go. From island beaches to northern cultural hubs like Chiang Mai, it’s an ideal escape from cold weather without sacrificing rich experiences.
Travel Smarter by Season
Planning your 2026 PTO, or beyond, around seasons isn’t just practical—it’s transformative. When destinations are experienced at their best, travel feels more immersive, relaxed, and intentional. By aligning your time off with the rhythm of the world, you’ll not only see more—you’ll experience destinations the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
Ready to Start Planning Your 2026 PTO?
Contact Nova Vista today!
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