Australia
It takes a long time to get to Australia — flight times from Los Angeles to Sydney average around 14 hours — but groups that make the trip are rewarded with stunning vistas, memorable experiences and a vibrant culture. Since the continent is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to ours, making a winter departure from the United States a summer arrival in Australia.
Seasonal Experience: Summer is a great time to visit almost any part of Australia, but it’s especially memorable in the tropical climate of Darwin and the Northern Territory. Ecotours through the region highlight overflowing creeks and blooming flowers, with stops to swim in waterfalls, watch tropical birds and overnight at nature lodges in stunning national parks. For an unforgettable experience, schedule a helicopter ride over Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park when it is brimming with water.
Top Attractions: Any group visiting Australia will want to spend time in Sydney, where the group can take a cruise under the massive Harbor Bridge or enjoy dinner and a concert at the striking Sydney Opera House. Groups also love Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where they can enjoy snorkeling expeditions and glass-bottom-boat cruises.
While You’re There: If you make the trip all the way to Australia’s west coast, there are abundant opportunities to enjoy the Indian Ocean, including the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, manta rays, turtles and sharks at the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Thailand
Long considered an exotic destination, Southeast Asia has recently begun to surge in popularity with Americans, as more tour operators and cruise lines begin to offer trips there. Chief among favorite destinations in the region is Thailand. The area’s tropical climate makes winter a fantastic time to visit. December through April are considered peak tourism months, as the rainy season starts in spring and continues through fall.
Seasonal Experience: Festivals dot the calendar throughout December, January and February, making winter a colorful time to visit Thailand. The entire country celebrates the birthday of a beloved former king in early December. January brings the Chiang Mai Winter Fair, an exciting arts, music and athletics festival. Then, in February, the Bangkok China Town Festival is a celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year.
Top Attractions: Thailand is renowned for its beaches. Railay Beach in Krabi province boasts white sand and crystal blue water, with a backdrop of dense vegetation atop towering cliffs. After a day on the beach, visitors to the island can go elephant trekking, kayaking or snorkeling. Another popular resort area, Koh Phi Phi, is home to Monkey Beach, where visitors can have up-close encounters with mischievous primates.
While You’re There: Thailand has a number of important religious and ceremonial sites. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a maze of halls and Buddhist temples, and visitors learn about the country’s history and religious traditions through the art and architecture of the palace complex.
South Africa
At the southernmost point of Africa, South Africa is a world away from most residents of the United States. This means not only that the country is at the opposite of the seasonal spectrum, experiencing summer during the American winter, but also that it offers opportunities to encounter natural beauty and wildlife unlike anything you’re likely to find in North America. Add the country’s inspiring 20th-century history, and you have a wealth of reasons to head to South Africa in winter.
Seasonal Experience: Christmas is an early-summer holiday in South Africa, and locals celebrate it in much the same way Americans celebrate Memorial Day — by getting outdoors. December is a popular time for South Africans to visit their country’s game reserves and national parks, and groups making the trek should spend some time on safari as well. The best-known site is Kruger National Park, where lion, elephant, zebra and giraffe sightings are frequent, but there are numerous other places to enjoy the South African summer outdoors as well.
Top Attractions: Nobody should visit South Africa without spending time in its two principal cities. Cape Town is considered by many travelers to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is the jumping-off point for excursions to Robben Island, where visitors can tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for years. Groups can learn more about Mandela’s story at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa.
While You’re There: Just a short drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a quaint college town surrounded by a world-class wine-growing region. Groups can enjoy leisurely lunches and wine tastings at numerous wineries in the area.
