The kids are back at school and the days are getting darker and wetter. Now is the time to escape the weather and make use of some amazing weather found both nearby and further afield. Greece is a surprisingly good choice from September through October where the crowds have dispersed, prices have reduced and the sun is still scorching. This is the time of year when you find space on that terrace in Mykonos for sundowners rather than battling through the crowds. The Cyclades tends to enjoy good weather for at least six months of the year and the easterly Dodecanese Islands close to Turkey often experience high temperatures until late in October. The options are endless; start on the mainland exploring Athens before driving west for the ferry to Kefalonia or head east, through the Cyclades, exploring one whitewashed hilltop village after the other, soaking up the crisp local wines along the way.
After the sweltering temperatures of the summer months have died down, Oman is best to visit between October and April. With little to no rainfall, temperatures are warm and pleasant on the Arabian Peninsula at this time and it’s possible to visit the beaches and finally lie out in the sun in comfort. Trek in the mountains of Jebel Akhdar before a few nights camping out in Wahiba Sands (you may need to wrap up warm for the chillier evenings). You can then fly to the beach-laden area of Salalah before finishing in Muscat with its luxurious hotels and souks to explore.
The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October where there’s virtually no rain and the daytime temperatures are not too hot. You of course will likely be travelling to Kenya for a Big Five safari, but this time period is also the best time to see the great migration, when the largest mammal migration (over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores) trek from the southern Sereneti to the Masai Mara. Kenya’s coastline is also incredible at this time of year with white sands and balmy waters and beautiful luxury lodges for your accommodation. If you want to combine with another stop, how about the Seychelles, an easy flight away and offering dry and tropical sunshine in the months of October and November
It’s springtime in New Zealand at this time of year where the flowers start to bloom and the days are long, bright and sunny. Whether you’re there for the beaches or the hiking, you’ll be there before the busy crowds of their summer tourists (December through March) and still get to enjoy all of the outdoor activities this magnificent country has to offer. From Maori blessings to gastronomic adventures, high adrenaline itineraries to wine-fuelled tours, New Zealand works as well for a family as a couple to even a multi-generational group.