By Fathima Rukaiya,
If you’re dreaming of ticking off those once in a lifetime destination, timing is everything. Visit at the right moment, and you’ll experience perfect weather, fewer crowds, and often even better prices. We’ve also included up to date 2025 travel costs and specific must-visit spots for each destination. Let’s dive in!
1.Kyoto, Japan
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April (Cherry Blossom Season) or November
In spring, you can witness the stunning cherry blossoms (sakura) in full bloom at famous spots like Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path. In autumn, the city’s ancient temples and gardens are adorned with vibrant red and orange foliage.
Must-Visit Spots:
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Gion District
Costs:
Flight from Colombo (Round-trip):Starting from USD 390
Hotels: about $100 per night
Daily budget: about $100
2. Paris, France
Best Time to Visit: April to June (Spring)
Springtime in Paris offers pleasant temperatures, blossoming gardens (particularly at Versailles and the Jardin des Tuileries), and less tourists. Ideal for river cruises and strolling tours!
Top Attractions:
Eiffel Tower with new glass floor experience
Louvre Museum
Seine River Cruise
Costs:
Flight: starting from USD 700
Hotels: $180 – $350 per night
Meals: $15 – $50 per meal
Tip: Book a “skip-the-line” Louvre ticket ($30), it saves hours.
3. Santorini, Greece
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early June or September is the ideal time.
These months offer warm, sunny days without the scorching heat of summer. Plus, hotel rates are lower and iconic spots like Oia aren’t overwhelmed with crowds yet.
Main Attractions:
Sunsets in Oia Village are the nicest.
Black Beach and Red Beach
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Costs:
Flight: Round-trip from Colombo for USD 780
Hotels: $150 – $400 per night
Cave hotels are more expensive.
Meals: $10 – $30 per meal
Tip: Ferries to other islands, like Mykonos, cost about $60 each trip.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Best Time to Visit: Between December and February (summer in New Zealand).
It’s summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing the warmest weather of the year. Ideal for adventure sports, lake activities, and hiking trails.
Top Attractions:
Skyline Gondola in Queenstown
Shotover Jet Boat
Milford Sound Day Trip
Costs:
Flight: approximately USD 1,850 round-trip from Colombo.
Hotels: $100 – $250 per night
Adventure Activities: $100 – $250 per activity
5. Rome, Italy
Best Time to Visit: May or September
Beautiful weather for sightseeing without the summer’s extreme heat and outdoor dining is a real treat during these months!
Top Attractions:
Roman Forum and Colosseum
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums
Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Costs:
Flight: From Colombo, round-trip tickets start at USD 700.
Hotels: $130 – $300 per night
Meals: $10 – $25 per meal
A 72-hour pass for Rome’s public transit is only $22.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Best Time to Visit: May through September (dry season).
This is Bali’s dry season, meaning plenty of sunshine, minimal rain, and the best conditions for beaches, temples, and rice terraces. Humidity is also much more manageable.
Top Attractions:
Temple of Uluwatu
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Ubud Monkey Forest
Costs:
Flight: Round-trip from Colombo for USD 520
Hotels: $50 – $200 per night (plus $180 for luxury villas)
Meals: $3 – $15 per meal
An affordable method to explore is to rent a scooter, which costs $5 to $10 per day.
7. New York City, USA
Best Time to Visit: April through June and September through early November.
Instead of the bitter cold or suffocating summer heat, spring and early fall offer pleasant weather, blossoming parks, and a lively urban life. Excellent for going to outdoor events and strolling through neighborhoods.
Top Attractions:
Central Park
Broadway Shows
Refurbished observatory of the Empire State Building
Costs:
Flight: From Colombo, round-trip tickets start at USD 1,150.
Hotels: $200 – $400 per night (midtown Manhattan)
Meals: $10 – $50 per meal
MetroCard: unlimited rides for $34 per week
8. Marrakech, Morocco
Best Time to Visit: March through May and September through November
The temperature during these seasons are pleasant and not scorching, making them perfect for touring the gardens, souks, and medinas. Because of the severe summer temperatures in Marrakech, these months are a safer and more comfortable option.
Top Attractions:
Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Medina Souks
Koutoubia Mosque
Costs:
Flight: From Colombo, round-trip tickets start at USD 850.
Hotels: $50 – $150 per night
Meals: $5 – $20 per meal
It is highly advised to take a half-day guided souk tour, which costs about $25.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
Best Time to Visit: From October to April
This is Cape Town’s dry and sunny season, perfect for beach visits, hiking Table Mountain, and seeing wildlife. Winter months (May–September) can be rainy and cool.
Top Attractions:
The Table Mountain Cableway
Boulders Beach (colony of penguins)
Robben Island
Costs:
Flight: From Colombo, round-trip tickets start at USD 700.
Hotels: $60 – $180 per night
Meals: $8 – $25 per meal
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
Best Time to Visit: From April to October (Dry Season)
Clearer sky, less rain delays, and safer hiking conditions on the Inca Trail. It’s also the best time for those iconic panoramic views of the ancient citadel.
Top Attractions:
The Citadel of Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo)
Cusco Historic Center
Costs:
Flight to Cusco: starting at USD 1,300, round-trip from Colombo
Hotels: $50 – $150 per night
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu: about $50
The world is prepared to provide you with an experience that is unmatched when you set your sights on these amazing locations. Every location has a distinct rhythm that attracts visitors, whether they are taking in the rich culture of Kyoto, seeing the ancient treasures of Machu Picchu, or chasing sunsets in Santorini.
The secret is timing; if you choose the appropriate season, you’ll be surrounded by the ideal fusion of breathtaking scenery, cultural gems, and life-changing experiences.
* These prices are based on the latest available information and may tend to fluctuate.
