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.