Traveling—with the experience and fulfillment it gives—is an essential part of the lives of many people. Some people travel to unwind, while some do it for self-discovery. Whatever the reason, travel has its benefits, and it is one of the best ways to lift our spirits.

However, traveling requires proper planning, especially if you want to make the most out of your vacation. You need to know where to travel at a particular month of the year. Like fate, you would want to be in the right place at the right time.

If you’re already planning for your vacations next year, whether for yourself or for the annual family vacation, here’s a yearlong list of the best places to travel in 2020!

1. January - Cebu City, Philippines

Photo courtesy of Christian Paul Del Rosario via Pexels

The “Queen City of the South” is in its liveliest during the first month of the year. Traveling to Cebu in January will let you experience one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines: Sinulog Festival!

Witness how Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, celebrate the festival with an extravagant street parade with amazing costumes and upbeat music. You can also take a city tour and visit some of the galleries and museums in the city to appreciate their rich and vibrant culture. Also, don’t forget to try the famous Cebu Lechon while you’re there—a trip is never complete without it.

2. February - Melbourne, Australia

Photo courtesy of Rijan Hamidovic via Pexels

If you’re up for an adventure this Valentine’s Day, then Melbourne would be the best place for you to travel for February. Next year’s love month in Melbourne is loaded with activities that you and your partner can enjoy.

If you love physical activities, you can join the 5K Foam Fest at the Wandin Park Estate in the Yarra Valley. You can also watch your favorite Studio Ghibli films, and Harry Potter films with a live orchestra to accompany it at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl.

What's a Valentine's date without food, right? You can also visit the street food stalls at the Queen Victoria Night Market. Australia is the best place to head to in February.

3. March - Boracay, Philippines

Photo courtesy of Ramon Kagie via Unsplash

March marks the beginning of summer, which means it’s time for you to head to the beach! What better way to kick-off summer than to be in one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines? Explore t Boracay island and enjoy the warm sun while sipping fresh buko juice by the shore! Go kayaking with your friends in Station 1, or learn how to swim like a mermaid with the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy in Station 2. You can also enjoy an island hopping tour with your best buddies and enjoy a mouthwatering seafood lunch by the beach!

TIP: March is peak season at Boracay, better book your Boracay accommodations as early as now to avoid the hassle, and the extreme price hike.

4. April - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Photo courtesy of John-Mark Smith via Pexels

Spring is in full bloom in the Netherlands, which is why it's the best place to visit in April. Witness a bunch of floral festivals like the Tulip Festival and Cherry Blossom Festival in Amsterdam, as well as the flower parade in Haarlem.

While you’re in the country, you can also check out their museums during the National Museum Week and visit the Elfia Fantasy Fair at Castle de Haar.

5. May - Palawan, Philippines

Photo courtesy of Toa Heftiba via Unsplash

May is the month when it begins to rain. If you’re still craving for the beach at this time of the year, then Palawan is the place to be! The island is least likely to be affected by typhoons during the rainy season, which makes it the best place to visit while escaping the gloomy weather!

Head over to the Underground River with your friends, and explore the secret beaches of El Nido. You can also go wreck diving at the six shipwrecks the Japanese soldiers left in Coron Bay at the end of World War II, and end the day with a bottle of cold beer at Port Barton.

6. June - Thailand

Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Embrace the warm culture (and weather) of Thailand this June 2020. Don’t even think about skipping the Grand Palace in Bangkok, nor the Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai to gain first-hand experience of the colorful culture of the country.

Thailand is also rich in vitamin sea, so make sure to enjoy the waters of Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and Similan Islands. You can also immerse yourself in the daily routines of Thais by shopping in their floating markets.

7. July - Siargao, Philippines

Photo courtesy of Rene Padillo of Unsplash

The rainy season means it’s surfing for some beaches in the Philippines, including Siargao. Get a surfboard and learn how to surf in one of the best surfing spots in the world. Visiting Siargao in July is a good decision as the waves are good for surfing.

You can also visit Guyam Island, Naked Island, Daku Island, and the Magpupungko Rock Pools. Don’t forget to enjoy a scrumptious dinner at the best restaurants on the island like Aventino’s Pizzeria, and Kermit Surf Resort & Restaurant. The nightlife in Siargao is pretty active, too. Better get yourself ready for an adventure this July.

8. August - Malaysia

Photo courtesy of Umar Mukhtar via Pexels

Malaysia is one of the best places to visit in August because of the warm weather, especially on the east coast. August is the best time to climb the Petronas Towers and marvel at the beauty of Kuala Lumpur from the top.

Schedule a date with the orangutans in the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center during your visit, as well. If you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and scuba dive at Sipadan Island, one of the best diving sites in the world. While you're in Asia, go ahead and indulge with the best Asian food, including Malaysia's staple, Nasi Kandar, which you can find in Penang.

9. September - Bicol region, Philippines

Photo courtesy of Archie Binamira via Pexels

Looking to spice things up this September? Well, Bicol is the answer to your needs! The month of September plays a vital role in the history and religious practices of Bicol. You can witness the Peñarancia Festival, or go on an ATV tour to Mount Mayon, and swim (relatively) near the butandings in Sorsogon. Bicol is also known for its spicy foods, so make sure to try the authentic Bicol express and chili-infused ice cream (yes, that's a thing!).

10. October - South Korea

Photo courtesy of Ren zo via Unsplash

Since the Philippines doesn’t have autumn, you can experience it by traveling to South Korea in October. Go Seoul-searching while experiencing the red and yellow season in the country. You can visit the Seoraksan National Park and bask in the autumn weather there. You can also enjoy the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market during your stay, and be awed by the Busan Fireworks Festival.

Grab the opportunity to go mountain climbing at the Namsan Mountain in Seoul and be amazed at the view of mountains covered in autumn leaves. And since the weather in South Korea is cold, keep yourselves warm with a bowl of hot tteokbokki and ramyun in Myeongdong

11. November - Iceland

Photo courtesy of Simon Migaj via Pexels

Of course, when Iceland comes into discussion, the Northern Lights are always discussed! If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness this world-famous attraction when you visit in November. Apart from the Northern lights, you can enjoy the winter wonderland by visiting the Glacier Lagoon for a chilly photoshoot in low light without the tourist crowd.

Warm yourselves with a dip in the hot springs of Iceland. November is famous for the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, so be sure not to miss that.

12. December - San Fernando, Pampanga

Photo courtesy of Skitterphoto via Pexels

Filipinos are one of the best celebrants of Christmas and the city of San Fernando in Pampanga is proof of that. Known as the “Christmas capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando is the best place to visit during the month of December, especially if you’re a very festive person. Every December, the Giant Lantern Festival is well received by the locals and tourists in the city. So if you’re a fan of bright lights for the holidays, this place is the one for you.

2020 is definitely the year to travel, and the places and countries mentioned above are a good place to start. So it's time to start planning for your vacation because the key to a memorable vacation, whether local or abroad, is to travel smart.

12 Best Places to Travel to for Every Month of 2020