Tag Archives: arctic

People kayaking in Croker Bay, Canada.

Major Savings Alert: 60% Off Arctic Cruises and Expeditions

Leave a reply

If you’re looking for a way to stay cool this summer, how about heading way up north? WOW List Arctic expert Ashton Palmer has negotiated the biggest discounts we’ve ever seen on trips that take in remote locales stretching from northern Alaska all the way to Scandinavia. We’re talking up to 60% off more than 70 voyages, from this May through September, on five different small-ship cruise lines. Most of these special offers are exclusively for WendyPerrin.com readers: They’re available only if you start your planning with our Trip Questionnaire.

Picture polar bears on Svalbard, narwhals off Canada, Inuit culture in Greenland, the stunning fjords of Norway, or even the legendary Northwest Passage: Arctic expedition cruises journey to some of the world’s wildest landscapes along the globe’s most northerly latitudes. If this summer feels like a good time to get away from it all, you can’t get much farther “away” than that.

Read on for a sampling of the experiences you can have in the far north, whether on land or by small-ship expedition cruise.  Whatever sort of “coolcation” you’re looking for, we can connect you with the right expert:

GET A PERSONALIZED TRIP RECOMMENDATION

NORWAY & SVALBARD: “I can’t imagine a better way of traveling to this part of the world…”

Passengers and a photography guide from the National Geographic Endurance in Spitsbergen capturing a group of short reindeer were hanging out on a steep grassy slope.

Passengers and a photography guide from the National Geographic Endurance in Spitsbergen. Photo: Traveler Tom Redburn

“We enjoyed a wonderful expedition trip on the National Geographic Endurance along the Norway coast, continuing above the Arctic Circle to Svalbard. The trip ran from May 31 to June 15, starting in Bergen and ending in Oslo, after a charter flight from Longyearbyen. We already had a good idea of what we wanted to do, but Ashton helped confirm that we had made the right choice in choosing a Lindblad/Nat Geo ship over any of the other possible ways of visiting Norway and Svalbard. Lindblad/Nat Geo created the perfect itinerary for us and the friends we were traveling with, poking in and out of fjords, visiting picturesque villages and incredible scenery along the coast for nine days before heading to Svalbard and its rugged landscape, where we were fortunate to see about ten polar bears, dozens of walruses, hundreds of thousands of birds and more, from our ship, Zodiac expeditions, kayaking, and walks on land.

I can’t imagine a better way of traveling to this part of the world than on the Endurance, which can take no more than 128 passengers (we had 110), with the large majority of cabins having balconies for private viewing, while also providing terrific public spaces, fantastic meals, an excellent gym and spa, and absolutely first-rate guides, wonderful daily presentations, and a staff that met all our needs. It’s not inexpensive, but I thought the value was worth the money.

Among the highlights were viewing Briksdal Glacier, enjoying waffles and jam at a couple of charming restaurants set on a lake and one of the Lofoten Islands, visiting a husky farm for training dogs for racing, kayaking along a cliff with roosts for thousands of birds, and spotting polar bears along the coast of Svalbard that the captain and expedition leader found along the route. There are no guarantees and the rules forbid getting too close to the bears (I think 200 meters is the minimum distance) but every time we saw a bear and were able to photograph it or view through binoculars, it was a thrill. It was late spring/early summer and most days the sun never went down. The weather was usually right around freezing, and we had everything from brilliant sunshine to cloud bursts of rain, even some snowflakes, and bitter wind. We were given heavy coats as part of the trip and rented waterproof boots and always felt well protected despite the constantly changing conditions.

We were grateful that Ashton and his team suggested a cabin on the starboard side for better viewing, advised us to sign up early for the night on deck in a clear dome, and gave us several other options so that we could feel extremely pleased by our choice of going on the top-of-the-line Nat Geo Endurance.” —Tom Redburn

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A CRUISE TO THE ARCTIC
MORE EXPEDITION CRUISE REVIEWS

CANADA’S YUKON: “We felt we had the breathtaking, snowy landscape and vast wilderness of the Yukon all to ourselves…”

Northern Lights in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada.

Northern lights over the Yukon. Photo: Shutterstock

“Northern lights, and then some, in the breathtaking Yukon. Marc put together a well-organized and well-crafted itinerary that had a little of everything—nature, a wide variety of activities, culture, and history—for my sister and me. Our excursions were all private, from a director-led museum visit, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park and then flying back in a Cessna, formulating a skin cream with an herbalist/healer, to a city walking tour with a guide who had keys to all the historic buildings.

Marc astutely provided us with five opportunities to see the aurora, and we saw it on three nights. The sky was on fire during two of the nights. A yurt with a hot stove was much welcomed. We were having so much fun taking pictures, we begrudgingly went in to warm up only when our fingers started to go numb.

The other highlight, much to our surprise, was dogsledding. I have gone dogsledding in the past, but this experience was totally different. Our guide, Ben, is a musher who participates in races. We loved meeting his dogs and learning how he cares for them during a race and outside of racing. The dogs have distinct personalities and are hysterically adorable.

We told Marc that seeing the northern lights was our priority, and we let him choose the dates and locations. Aside from it being a province of Canada, we knew nothing about the Yukon. But we placed our trust in Marc, and he nailed it. And because it was low season, we felt we had the breathtaking, snowy landscape and vast wilderness of the Yukon all to ourselves. Does life get any better than that?” —Linda Bailey

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CANADA
MORE CANADA REVIEWS

NORWAY: “The trip had something for everyone. The northern lights, city food tour, a mountain hike, cod fishing…”

Katherine LeClair holding a bbig fish on a boat in Henningsvaer, Norway.

Traveler Katherine LeClair lands the big one during a day at sea with a local Henningsvaer fishing guide.

“You know it is a magical, life-changing vacation when you’ve made friends with the locals! Everyone in Norway was so friendly and kind. The balance of city and wilderness experiences was amazing. We were centrally located in Oslo, so happy with the accommodations, near the bus and walking everywhere was a breeze! A flight to northern Norway, a ferry ride, and we were transported to the Arctic Circle! My number-one bucket-list experience was to see the northern lights, and our time at Manshausen delivered!

We were a family of five; kids are 28, 27, and 24 years old. The trip had something for everyone. Of course, the northern lights, city walking/food tour, sea kayaking, a mountain hike to a cave, cod fishing, sauna/hot tub time. Time together as a family stood still as we ate meals together and played a lot of card games.

Torunn and her team added so much value! They gave us the local read on everything. We left our trip with pictures of the northern lights, true local connections, and Norwegian sweaters from the sheep farm!” —Christi LeClair

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NORWAY
MORE NORWAY REVIEWS

ICELAND: “We climbed glaciers, went dog sledding, soaked in hot springs, drove down the black beach…”

Gail Fennell and family next to a monster on a black beach in Iceland.

Traveler Gail Fennell and her family cruised in a monster truck along the black beach.

“Mads helped me plan a five-day trip to Iceland for my husband, myself, my three grown sons with their significant others, and my five-month-old granddaughter. There was not one aspect of the trip that I would have changed. We climbed glaciers on foot and in a monster truck, went dog sledding (even the baby), soaked in hot springs, drove down the black beach, and relaxed in a fabulous villa in the country, where we saw a spectacular show of the northern lights.

Every one of his recommendations worked with our family situation and one day was more exciting than the next. We will definitely be using Wendy Perrin’s WOW List again!” —Gail Fennell

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ICELAND
MORE ICELAND REVIEWS

ALASKA: “We never saw another cruise liner once we left port in Juneau, nor a single soul, and felt like we were in our own world…”

Jackie Mandel inside a broken piece of ice from Lamplugh Glacier, Alaska.

Traveler Jackie Mandel got up close and personal with nature—and ice!—during her intimate Alaskan cruise.

“Ashton recommended Uncruise Adventures, and what an amazing adventure it was! We explained that we wanted an experience where we saw animals and glaciers up close and that we were not big fans of cruise liners. Uncruise was the perfect recommendation, with 73 guests and 30 staff allowing us to go where no big boats go. As a matter of fact, we never saw another cruise liner once we left port in Juneau, nor a single soul, and felt like we were in our own world experiencing Alaska.

Each day you chose from an array of activities, such as kayaking, skiffs, bushwhacking, and ecological meandering along the shores. One day the captain came across humpback whales and stopped the boat so we could all enjoy the whales for an hour while they frolicked in the water. No large cruise liner can do that! Also, in kayaks we were able, within a safe distance, to get up close to brown bears catching salmon, and sea lions under the water trying to grab the salmon while the salmon were jumping all around us out of the water like they were on trampolines. A lifetime experience.” —Jackie Mandel

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A CRUISE TO ALASKA
MORE EXPEDITION CRUISE REVIEWS

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.

Brook in Norway in winter, posing at the Lofoten Islands, with snowy mountains, the Norwegian Sea and houses in the background.

Here’s Why Norway in Winter is Delightful

Leave a reply

Even for a dedicated off-season traveler like me, I’ll admit that going to Norway in winter initially sounded like an oxymoron. Isn’t Norway a place best experienced in summer, when you can enjoy a broad array of outdoor adventures?

Well, I am here to report that I had a fabulous 10 days in the country this past November, on a trip dreamed up by WOW Lister and Norway native Torunn Tronsvang. I discovered that it’s a brilliant destination in late fall and winter. Here’s why—based both on my own experience and on the reviews that we’ve received from your fellow travelers who planned their trips the WOW way:

You can still do many of the same things that you’d do in summer.
One of my trip’s highlights was cruising through a fjord on a private yacht. Cozily bundled in coats and hats under blankets provided by the captain, my husband, son, and I gazed up at a sheer rockface to one side of the boat, a gentler slope covered with a powdered-sugar dusting of snow to the other, and wisps of clouds lit up by the afternoon sun. During our entire time in Lysefjord, not a single other vessel came into view. Other days brought similarly quintessential Norwegian experiences—hiking a beautiful mountain trail, eating cinnamon rolls and other local delicacies, driving gorgeous coastal routes. Indeed, it is the Nordic spirit to carry on no matter the elements: We saw plenty of locals snuggled up under blankets and heat lamps outside bars and restaurants, and even playing golf when the temperature was in the high 30s.

Brook and the family sitting on orange chairs on a private yacht, overlooking the Lysefjord and the mountains.

Brook and family aboard a private yacht in Lysefjord, Norway. Photo: Helge Ljones

Despite all of Norway’s natural beauty, one of my favorite afternoons was spent indoors, making cheese with a farmer. It was truly hands-on: We donned hairnets, rinsed our arms in whey up to our elbows, and then plunged them into a vat to gather the curds. Since we’d caught the farmer at a quiet time of year, he was happy to spend several hours with us. I left having a far better appreciation for the artisanal cheese-making process—and convinced that it should cost $100 a pound, given the work involved!

Brook breaks up the cheese curds at a cheese farm in Norway.
Brook breaks up the cheese curds during a cheesemaking class at the Lofoten Gårdsysteri cheese farm.
Brook and son Zeke packing cheese curds into rounds.
Brook and son Zeke pack the curds into rounds.
Brook’s son Zeke flipping over a fresh cheese round.
Zeke flips over a fresh round.
Hugo shows Brook a round of goat cheese flavored with local seaweed.
Farmer Hugo shows Brook a round of goat cheese flavored with local seaweed.

 

You can have the iconic sights largely to yourself.
Last year was Norway’s busiest ever for cruise travel, but most ships visit over the summer. I didn’t see a single cruise ship while I was there—nor, for that matter, any large groups of tourists. (This traveler similarly enjoyed a quieter experience of the Flam Railway, one of the country’s most famous train lines, in late fall.)  The most popular spot on my itinerary was Pulpit Rock, which juts out over Lysefjord and provided the backdrop for the climatic fight scene in Mission: Impossible—Fallout. During the summer, 6,000-7,000 people a day hike the 2.5 miles each way to the lookout, in “two long conga lines” that my private English-speaking guide described simply as “pandemonium.” In contrast, we saw only a handful of people on the day we visited and even had the iconic spot all to ourselves for some time.

Brook posing in front of Pulpit Rock above Lysefjord with showy mountains in the background.

Brook in front of Pulpit Rock above Lysefjord, Norway. Photo: Erlend Berne

You can see the northern lights.
Sightings of the aurora borealis can happen in Norway from late August through March. WOW List travelers have combined northern-lights viewing with ice fishing and snowshoeing in February, and with dogsledding and meeting the Sami people in March. The advantage of seeing them in November, I found, was that I didn’t have to wait until the wee hours for total darkness: I saw the northern lights twice, both times around 7 p.m.

Brook with the northern lights in the background at the Hattvika Lodge.

Brook takes in the northern lights from Hattvika Lodge in the Lofoten Islands. Photo: Ryan Damm

When the days are short, the light is gorgeous.
Above the Arctic Circle, the days constrict quickly in November, going from seven hours of sunlight early in the month to just two and a half by the end. What those numbers obscure is the quality of that light—with the sun always low on the horizon and high clouds often adding texture, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo—and the additional periods of dawn and dusk when you can still be exploring outdoors.

That said, if you want more sunlight, go in late February or March, when the days are roughly equivalent to what you get in the United States.

The limited daylight forces Type-A travelers to slow down.
I’m a no-FOMO kind of traveler. Do I usually cram in too much? Probably. So I actually came to appreciate the dark morning and afternoon hours of Norway’s off-season. It forced me to slow down both body and brain. It helped me start to understand the Norwegian way of life. It made room in the day for my family to play board games, stoke a fire in our cabin’s fireplace, or relax together in a hot tub. (My adolescent son was also thrilled that this was the rare trip on which he was allowed to sleep in.)

Norway’s weather is changeable at any time of year.
You can get a rainy day with 50-degree temperatures in July just as easily as in December; sweaters and raingear are essential items even in summer. The day before the worst storm that I encountered in my travels, another group had been sea-kayaking in the same spot on water that they described as glass-smooth. You wouldn’t know it when the schools shut down the next day due to sideways-pelting rain, but our private guide ably pivoted our itinerary from the intended hike to instead visit a not-yet-open-to-the-public fishing museum created by her uncle. And that was the only day of the trip when the weather forced a change in our plans.

It’s a winter wonderland.
As a Californian who lives far from snow, encountering it during our trip was a plus. You may not feel the same if you have to shovel it off your front path every winter, but the dusting of white—aided by the Christmas decorations in many cities and hotels, even a twinkling tree in our room at the Eilert Smith Hotel—made the trip feel like the kickoff to a cheery, festive season.

Brook on a hike to Pulpit Rock posing in the snow.

Brook goes off-trail to romp in some snow on the way to Pulpit Rock. Photo: Erlend Berne

There was snow in the hills we hiked near the southern coastal city of Stavanger (where temperatures were usually in the 40s, equivalent to New York City that month); up above the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten Islands, there was snow all the way down to sea level, and temperatures topped out at 35 degrees. But it was also the most beautiful place I think I’ve ever been in my life:

A landscape of the Lofoten Islands with snowy mountains, the Norwegian Sea and a rorbu house.

One of many picturesque spots in the Lofoten Islands, burnished with November light. Photo: Ryan Damm

Sidewalks and paths can be slippery; if you’re not sure-footed (and even if you are), a device like Yaktrax will be enormously helpful.

You can have your choice of accommodations.
Norway’s hotels typically have just a handful of rooms, so they book up six months or more in advance for the summer high season. In winter, you have your pick of places to stay (excepting the most popular northern lights-viewing lodges) and aren’t left piecing together an itinerary based on whatever availability remains. This is not the trip on which to be stingy about your accommodations, either: You’ll be spending time there in those darker cozy hours, so give yourself room to spread out.

Brook sitting on a wooden chair overlooking the Lysefjord.

Brook at The Bolder, a collection of cabins high above Lysefjord. Photo: Ryan Damm

You won’t miss your holiday feasts back home.
I wasn’t prepared for just how delicious the food was in Norway. Even when abrupt hunger pangs sent us to the first open restaurant, or a late-arriving flight made take-away in our hotel room the best option, we were served top-shelf meals, from a halloumi sandwich at a burger bar to legitimately spicy Thai noodles.

As a vegetarian, I tested the country’s commitment to local and seasonal ingredients—and came away impressed by the variety of produce I was served, from beets to celery root to mushrooms to kale, often flavored with pickled herbs. My husband enjoyed local lamb, reindeer, and of course, fish. This family enjoyed a fancy New Year’s Eve dinner at their Oslo hotel, followed by a midnight toast on the roof.

Carrot tartlets and fried mushrooms served on traditional plates.
Carrot tartlets and fried oyster mushrooms at Bellies in Stavanger.
Artisanal cheeses cut on a wooden board with beets, and other jams on the side.
Artisanal cheeses at the Lofoten Gårdsysteri cheese farm.
Dishes from the 10-course seasonal tasting menu at Hattvika Lodge's Fangst restaurant in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Ryan Damm
Elements of the seasonal 10-course tasting menu at Hattvika Lodge's Fangst restaurant.
Bowl of mushrooms and moose and reindeer liver between rounds of porcini flatbread on a bed of smoking dry ice. Photo: Ryan Damm
A smoking bowl of porcini flatbread at Kvitnes Gard in the Lofoten Islands.
A bowl of hearty stew with veggies and beans served over mashed potatoes at Priekestolen Basecamp, near Stavanger, Norway. Photo: Ryan Damm
A hearty stew of beans and veggies over mashed potatoes at Priekestolen Basecamp.

 

Oslo’s many museums are ideal sanctuaries on short, chilly days.
The only time I felt truly cold during my trip was when the temperature in Oslo dipped well below freezing. No matter: I explored the city by hopscotching from one toasty museum to the next. I saw multiple iterations of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, the study in which Henrik Ibsen wrote his last play, and secret messages circulated by the Norwegian resistance during World War II. But my favorite museum moment was walking around and under the original Kon-Tiki raft with Liv Heyerdahl, whose grandfather Thor built the bamboo-and-balsa vessel 75 years ago and then successfully sailed it from South America to Polynesia.

Brook standing in Oslo's Kon-Tiki Museum beside Liv Heyerdahl, granddaughter of famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

Brook at the Kon-Tiki Museum with Liv Heyerdahl, granddaughter of famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

Intrigued by an off-season adventure in Norway? Here’s one more reason why the next few years are a good time to go: The solar activity that causes the northern lights to appear runs in roughly 11-year cycles, with the next peak happening in July 2025.

START A TRIP TO NORWAY

 

Transparency disclosure: Some experiences described here were provided to Brook for free or at reduced rates. In keeping with our standard practice, there was no promise of editorial coverage in exchange: Complimentary or discounted travel never influences our reportage. All of these experiences are accessible to every traveler who uses Wendy’s WOW questionnaire. Thanks to Wendy’s WOW system, you’ll get marked as a VIP traveler.

 

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.

The Best Trips to Book in April: What to Lock in Now

Leave a reply

UPDATE:  THE PANDEMIC IS CAUSING HUGE CHANGES IN TRAVEL, SO CLICK TO ASK WENDY BEFORE PLANNING ANYTHING.

PLEASE SEE OUR COVID-19 TRAVEL COVERAGE.

WE WILL UPDATE THIS ARTICLE AS INFORMATION DEVELOPS ON SAFE TRAVEL.

Whether you’re still trying to figure out your summer travel plans, have already turned to fall, or are starting to think about next spring (many bucket-list trips need to be booked a year in advance, after all), we’ve gathered here a handful of memorable options for your next trip. These are the trips you should be booking in April if you want to experience nature’s greatest marvels and cultural extravaganzas at their best possible moments.

(Don’t miss the rest of our series on what trips to book in each month of the year. If you prefer to know which destinations are ideal for traveling to in any given month, see our Where to Go When series, and don’t miss our comprehensive guide to the benefits of booking early.)

Belize: Lobsters and Last-Minute Deals

Belize fisherman showing off his fishing catch on a dock, giving two thumbs up

“Scuba Steve” on the opening day of lobster season. He speared all this himself! Photo: Rachael Wilson

For: June 2019

June is the start of Belize’s slower season, which means that there are often great deals to be had: four nights for the price of three, free resort credits, and the like. Furthermore, lobster season opens up on June 15 and there are countrywide celebrations that include fishing tournaments, live music, and lots of dancing. We even know how to get you a lobster-cooking master class with one of the country’s most acclaimed chefs.

Why book in April? These last-minute deals usually appear four to six weeks prior; start planning now so that you’re ready to snap them up immediately.

Ask about a trip to Belize

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Morocco: A Surprising Hot Spot for the Holidays

camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

Wendy and family on a camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

For: December 2019 and January 2020

Most people don’t think of Morocco as a holiday destination, but December 20 to January 5 is the tippy-top of high season there: Top hotels get sold out months in advance, rates are higher, and most properties in Marrakech have four- to six-night minimum stay requirements.

Why book in April? Last year, our Trusted Travel Expert was already having trouble finding holiday availability in May. Book now to ensure your spot.

Ask about a trip to Morocco

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Patagonia’s Beautiful but Short Summer

For: December 2019 through February 2020

Southern Patagonia combines jaw-dropping scenery, an edge-of-the-earth vibe, and luxurious lodges better than anywhere else. Luckily, this landscape isn’t just for the uber-fit: Options range from easy day hikes to multi-day backcountry treks—and unlike higher-altitude trails in the Andes and the Himalayas, the only thing taking your breath away will be the views.

Why book in April? Patagonia has a very limited weather window and relatively few beds. After April, availability at the big-name lodges and authentic Argentine estancias during these popular summer months will be hard to find. (You might also consider the shoulder seasons of November and March, which see pleasant conditions and fewer crowds.)

Ask about a trip to Patagonia

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Northern Peru’s Archaeological Wonders—with Special Access

The ruins of Kuelap, Peru

The walled settlement of Kuelap, Peru, was built in the sixth century. Photo: Aracari

For: August 2019

Explore some of northern Peru’s most interesting hidden gems—including the seat of the oldest civilization in the Americas and the highest tropical mountain range in the world—with Trusted Travel Expert Marisol Mosquera as your guide. Thanks to Marisol’s connections, you’ll be hosted by archaeologists studying significant pre-Inca ruins, witness ongoing excavations, step behind the scenes in a museum, dine in a private home, and visit artisan workshops.

Why book in April? Right now, there are seven spaces left on this special journey, and Marisol is offering a 10% discount on the land costs for WendyPerrin.com readers.

Ask about a trip to Peru

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Portugal’s and Spain’s Less Crowded Shoulder Season

Lisbon, Portugal skyline with Sao Jorge Castle

Lisbon is getting even closer, thanks to new direct flights. Photo: Shutterstock

For: October and November 2019

While the Iberian peninsula has become so popular that you’ll find foreign visitors there well into fall, the locals have returned home by then, making the crowds a bit more manageable. Plus, the summer heat has subsided but the days are still long and the sun is shining. In Portugal, smart travelers stay at one of the spectacular hotels just outside Lisbon and Porto, so that you can enjoy the cities but retreat to a place of tranquility at the end of the day. In Spain, Andalusia is absolutely idyllic in fall.

Why book in April? The most prized hotels are already nearing full occupancy for the autumn months. Moreover, the Alhambra has changed its ticketing policy, making reservations increasingly limited, and complicated to arrange; book now to ensure that you get the date and time you prefer.

Ask about a trip to Portugal and Spain

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Ireland’s Autumn Sweet Spot

landscape view of green fields in Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Ireland

Ring of Kerry, Killarney. Photo: Jonathon Epstein

For: September and October 2019

Autumn hits the sweet spot in Ireland, when the summer crowds have left favorite sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry—but the fine weather remains. And there are fun events taking place too, such as the Galway Oyster Festival and the Cork Jazz Festival.

Why book in April?  Ireland is extremely popular among travelers right now, so you have to book early—even for travel during the shoulder season—if you want dibs on the most well-connected guides and prime rooms at the most atmospheric hotels (a lake-view room at Aghadoe Heights Hotel, say).

Ask about a trip to Ireland

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Antarctica’s Prime Season

travelers in red winter coats rowing a zodiac boat amid floating ice and glaciers of Antarctica

There is a short season when travelers can visit Antarctica. Photo: Expedition Trips

For: November through early March, for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons

As with Patagonia, there is a short season when travelers can visit the White Continent, and a limited number of ships capable of making the journey. Whether you are hoping to experience Antarctica at its most pristine early in the season, see fluffy penguin chicks up close, or search for whales as the sea ice opens later in the summer, there are excellent options still available for both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

Why book in April? Airfare to South America increases as the season approaches—and high-demand cabins sell out quickly—so April tends to be a sweet spot with moderate airfare and good availability. Some departures still have early booking incentives available, too.

Ask about a trip to Antarctica

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

One of Mexico’s Most Colorful Festivals

people parading in Oaxaca street for La Guelaguetza, one of Mexico's most colorful festivals

La Guelaguetza, in Oaxaca, is one of Mexico’s most colorful festivals. Photo: Journey Mexico

For: July 2019

One of Mexico’s biggest and most colorful festivals, La Guelaguetza takes place in Oaxaca on two different dates in July (this year, it’ll be on July 22 and 29). The celebration, also known as Los Lunes del Cerro or Mondays on the Hill, includes traditional dances, music, parades, art, costumes, and folk tales from the indigenous people who make up nearly half of Oaxaca’s population.

Why book in April? Tickets for the festival go on sale in May; if you get the dates of your trip and your hotels nailed down now, you’ll be ready to snap up event tickets as soon as they’re available.

Ask about a trip to Mexico

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Norway’s Breathtaking Fjords (and Slightly Lower Prices)

The Reinefjord in Lofoten. Photo: Andrea Giubelli - Visitnorway.com

The Reinefjord in Lofoten. Photo: Andrea Giubelli – Visitnorway.com

For: mid-May to mid-September 2019

Norway’s fjords are iconic for good reason: These deep valleys, cut by glaciers along the country’s western coast, combine gorgeous landscapes with picturesque little fishing villages. You can cruise into the fjords, and go hiking and biking along their edges. The flowers and waterfalls are most impressive in the spring, while mid-June to mid-August usually sees the best weather (and nearly endless days). From mid-August to mid-September, the leaves start turning, and prices can be lower too.

Why book in April? There are only a few top-quality hotels in the fjord region, making it hard to find an available room for peak season if you wait until after Easter to book. The savviest guides get booked first as well.

Ask about a trip to Norway

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

China: A Place to Hike Off the Beaten Path

Yading Nature Reserve—in Sichuan Province, China—is full of beautiful mountains, monasteries and autumn views. Photo: Raymond Ling

For: October 2019

Sichuan Province’s Yading Nature Reserve is full of turquoise lakes and holy mountain peaks that are the beautiful backdrops for invigorating hiking and camping. It has been home to Tibetan monasteries for more than 800 years, but the area wasn’t familiar to the outside world until the first Westerner to visit published his photographs in National Geographic in 1931 (which some think were the inspiration for the “Shangri-La” depicted in James Hilton’s explorer classic Lost Horizon). Today you’ll find isolated mountain temples, lamaseries, and Tibetan towns. In October, the red, yellow, and green trees form a particularly dazzling autumnal vista.

Why book in April? Although Yading Nature Reserve is still off the beaten path, it’s becoming more popular with domestic travelers. Book now to ensure you’ll have the best hotels and highest-caliber guides to help you take in your own slice of serenity.

Ask about a trip to China

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Canada: A Polar Bear Safari

polar bear reclining in Hudson Bay in Churchill, Canada,

Hudson Bay in Churchill, Canada, is one of the best places to see polar bears in the fall. Photo: Jennifer Santoyo

For: October and November 2019

Every fall, the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, Canada, transform into a polar bear kingdom as the mighty mammals make their annual migration to the sea ice. There is no other place on earth where humans can see so many polar bears so easily. Experience the thrill of wildlife watching from the safety of a customized polar rover.

Why book in April? The window for polar-bear viewing in Churchill is narrow and demand is high; book now to claim a spot before they sell out.

Ask about a trip to Canada

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

India’s Fascinating and Famous Pushkar Camel Fair

camel wearing colorful decorations in front of a tent at Pushkar Camel Fair india

The Pushkar Camel Fair in India draws tens of thousands of camels and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Photo: Billie Cohen

For: October and November 2019

One of the most magical festivals in a country with a calendar full of them, the Pushkar Camel Fair is a spectacle of livestock trading and religious observance, with tens of thousands of camels and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in attendance. The event ends on the full moon (November 12 in 2019), and villagers start arriving en masse about ten days prior. This year, our Trusted Travel Expert has a professional photographer leading a tour to the festival, ensuring that travelers will bring home shots worthy of that spot above the fireplace. The best time to visit is November 6-9, when the focus is on animal trading and you can stroll the bazaars.

Why book in April? The bottleneck for Pushkar is the limited number of good-quality hotels and tented encampments in the area. If you wait until May, you’ll likely be stuck in poor-quality accommodations that are quite far from the action.

Ask about a trip to India

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

Zambia: The Highest Density of Leopards in All of Africa

An aerial view of Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Photo: Lower Zambezi National Park

An aerial view of Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Photo: Lower Zambezi National Park

For: November and December 2019

When Mfuwe Lodge’s wild mango trees ripen in November and December, entire families of elephants walk right through the lobby to snack on the fruit. Mfuwe is located in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, which also has the highest density of leopards in all of Africa and is home to immense populations of other wildlife, from wild dogs to lion and unique antelope species.

Why book in April?  During April only, our Trusted Travel Expert can get you five nights at Mfuwe for the price of four, and a highly discounted rate for a private guide and vehicle. It’s an offer that’s available only to WendyPerrin.com readers, so be sure to use Wendy’s trip request form.

Ask about a trip to Africa

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

The Netherlands: Cruising through Tulipmania

a field purple tulips in bloom at Tulips at Keukenhof Gardens Netherlands

More than 7 million tulips bloom at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. Photo: Keukenhof Gardens

For: April and May 2020

Spring is tulip time in the Netherlands, of course, and one of the best ways to see the colorful display is via a barge slowly cruising the country’s canals. You’ll stop at Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million bulbs are in bloom, as well as in the canal-ringed city of Delft (once home to the painter Johannes Vermeer), and you’ll pass many of Holland’s iconic windmills set amid the photogenic spring landscape.

Why book in April? Only two of the barges plying the canals of Holland live up to our Trusted Travel Expert’s high standards, and the season is short—so you need to book early to reserve your cabin.

Ask about a canal cruise in the Netherlands

You’ll be marked as a VIP and get a trip like this.

 

We’re here to help

If your goal is an extraordinary trip when the time is right, go to Ask Wendy. We know which trip-planning specialists have up-to-the-minute intel for your destination and can minimize your risk and maximize your experience. Check out Real Trips Right Now to see the difference that this makes.

 

Be a safer, smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. And read real travelers’ reviews of Wendy’s WOW List and use it to plan your next trip.