Fourth quarter travel can be a fun and exciting time for many looking to experience interesting and fun-filled moments in different countries. Here are 5 top countries one can travel to in the months of October through December.
Fourth Quarter Travel #1: Japan
These last three months of the year make for really great times to travel to Japan all because of the wonderful combination of cultural activities and aesthetic nature. During these months of October, November and December, the country is in its most strikingly beautiful phase of transformation especially with the onset of autumn colours. In October and November, bright red and yellow colours of leaves cover parks and gardens — forming breathtaking scenery that attracts both photographers and lovers of nature.
Kyoto is a great destination with historic temples and beautiful gardens. Some city parks in Tokyo burst with red and gold foliage. Those travellers visiting Japan in December will get to witness the magical holiday festivities with various illuminations and traditional markets of Japan.
Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan becomes something of a wonderland for lovers of winter sports generally managing to count itself among the best destinations for skiing and snowboarding. The Sapporo Snow Festival usually held in early February boasts amazing ice sculptures and drew people from every corner of the globe. Hot springs are the best thing to relax in at the end of a day out on the slopes. Winter festival season kicks off in December when many cities around the country illuminate their towns in breathtaking light displays, magical in their own right.
Japanese cuisine is also at its best during this time of the year which means roasted chestnuts and warm noodle dishes grace the tables. In the final quarter of the year, Japan has a unique appeal — a blend of nature, culture and food that should make it a destination not to be missed by any traveller.
Fourth Quarter Travel #2: Australia
Australia, from October to December, is an exceptional destination especially when it ushers in the vibrant summer season. This is indeed a great time for travellers to explore everything from stunning beaches to breathtaking outback vistas. The coastal cities such as Sydney and Melbourne come alive with festive events, outdoor festivals and bustling markets.
Sydney is bounded by an immense number of activities, including the famous Opera House and the beautiful harbour among many others. The Sydney Festival is one of the most renowned festivals in the world — portraying art and culture. Moreover, December marks the beginning of the summer beach season, enabling sunbathing on famous shores like Bondi Beach or exploring the Great Barrier Reef — one of the seven spectacular natural wonders.
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Meanwhile, Melbourne boasts of its foodie culture with festivals related to the summer harvest and locally sourced produce. Tasmania and the Gold Coast have their beautiful sceneries, perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing and water sports of all kinds. And since Australia has a multicultural population, there is always a lot one could do — festivals and events to keep the different cultures of the people who call this place home alive.
Because of the locals, the traveling experience almost seems more inviting due to the warm and friendly nature of its people. Besides, during the end of the year, Australia can be a good destination to see unique wildlife because it is easy to see animals like kangaroos and koalas along with different types of birds during the summer season. With its exciting combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, it surely is one of the best countries to travel around during the last quarter of the year — a truly unforgettable journey full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Fourth Quarter Travel #3: Switzerland
Switzerland represents one of the best destinations in the world to travel to in the last quarter of the year, offering an enchanting mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and exciting outdoor activities. As the autumn keeps going to winter, the Swiss Alps come alive with vibrant fall colours, forming striking vistas ideal for hiking and photography.
October is also a good time to visit popular towns like Lucerne and Interlaken in good weather and with fewer tourists. From November through December, the landscape morphs into a winter wonderland — a paradise for winter sports lovers. Zermatt and St. Moritz becomes among the most famous resorts for skiing, snowboarding and après-ski events. The villages get very festive with their lights twinkling and catch the eye of any visitor.
Switzerland also has some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe especially in cities such as Zurich and Bern where you will be able to find handmade crafts, local delicacies and mulled wine. This is definitely the place, considering the great public transport system and accessibility to such stunning sites — the iconic Matterhorn, beautiful Lake Geneva with serene boat rides or cosy lakeside cafes. Swiss hospitality simply remains unbeatable and with the authentic cuisine that one should taste such as fondue and raclette, your culinary experience will be incomparable.
Whether one loves outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes or vibrant cultural events, this Switzerland in the last quarter of the year surely promises a magical escape — one special for every kind of traveller. Undoubtedly, Switzerland is considered one of the best destinations that offer an incomparable mix of beauty and festive charm for an unforgettable end-of-year escape.
Fourth Quarter Travel #4: South Africa
South Africa is a place any person would want to travel to during the last quarter of the year, from October to December since the weather is calmer compared to the earlier parts of the year. The country has a particularly vibrant landscape with diverse wildlife as spring turns into summer. This is a perfect time to visit famous national parks like Kruger National Par as the chances of seeing the Big Five-lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo-are greatly enhanced.
Vegetation is greener and the animals are far more active — for any photographer, this is a dream setup. Aside from the really thrilling safaris, one can try all the riches of South Africa’s vibrant cultural experience. Cape Town boasts of having the famous Table Mountain with a beautiful shoreline, offering endless outdoor activities — hiking, wine tasting around the area of Stellenbosch and enjoying the fashionable food scene at the V&A Waterfront. The Garden Route is a beautiful drive down the southern coast, with breathtaking scenery, quaint little towns and pristine beaches — both for total relaxation and also for thrill-seeking action.
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This time of the year also coincides with a lot of festivals that include the Cape Town Jazz Festival and the Knysna Oyster Festival, showing the diverse culture and gastronomic history of the country. The mild weather means that it is also an excellent time for beach lovers to explore the beautiful shores of Durban and the Eastern Cape. If it is South Africa, whether one is planning adventure, encounters with wild animals or even for some cultural exposure, the last quarter of the year has a lot to offer in terms of memories and changes in perception each traveler would take back home.
Fourth Quarter Travel #5: Italy
Italy remains one of the most perfect destinations to travel to in the last quarter of the year given its blend of culture and history, along with seasonal festivity. The colours around autumn are pretty, too. In Tuscany, during the months of October to December, it is a sight to enjoy when vineyards turn into quills of painted colours. This period of time also ushers in the harvest season which means that foodies have the opportunity to make stops at various festivals taking place across the countryside offering local delicacies, truffles and full-bodied wines.
Cities like Florence and Rome are never crowded, giving tourists a relaxed mood to view the iconic Colosseum and the Uffizi Gallery. This country is more charming during the holiday period when all towns and cities are festively decorated with dazzling Christmas markets, twinkling lights and decorations. In December, you will be able to experience Italian Christmas celebrations peculiarly — from feasting on panettone to attending midnight Mass in historic cathedrals. This magical atmosphere in the air is created due to a mix of history, gastronomy and festive spirit-thanks to which it is surely one of the best times to be in Italy, to begin with and experience the rich cultural tapestry.
Moreover, during this time of year, the weather is especially pleasant in many regions, allowing for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor exploration. A walk through the beautiful streets of Venice, a meal of delicious Bolognese food — impressive during the holiday decoration periods. Italy is a great travel destination in the last quarter of the year. Beautiful landscapes, delicious food and rich traditions make Italy something one really needs to visit to create unforgettable memories that will long remain after the trip.