North South Journeys also offers customised private itineraries to a range of destinations Beyond Latin America. We only work in countries where we have trusted ground partners and can provide the same level of service as on our Latin America, Antarctica & Arctic itineraries. If you are interested in travel to a location not listed below, please reach out with your request.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a magical island nation featuring many religions, people groups and destinations to explore. From tropical beaches to colonial forts, a rich cultural history and delicious culinary options – this Indian Ocean gem is our most popular destination outside of Latin America.
We have a range of itineraries featuring private guided adventures around the island with your option of 5* luxury accommodation to boutique lodges. Many of our clients also add a side trip to the Maldives during a visit to Sri Lanka as there are short, direct flights that make the connection easy.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit is from December to March, when there is the least amount of rainfall and the most sunny days out of the year. These months are considered high season so some services will be slightly more expensive. However, Sri Lanka’s climate is fairly good all year round except during the very high rainy season so travel can be arranged for most of the year.
India
The world’s most populous democracy, India is also an enormous landmass full of whimsical towns, bustling cities and incredible remote areas. India boasts a startling array of world-famous attractions: from the historic Red Fort of Old Delhi, to the glimmering Golden Temple of Amritsar, the ghats of Varanasi, the desert palaces of Rajasthan, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the cool alpine air of Darjeeling and, of course, the immortal Taj Mahal.
Visitors can anticipate more than a few awe-inspiring sights. This is not only one of the best value-for-money tourist destinations in the world, but one that offers a unique travelling experience. A friendly land, well trodden by years of heavy tourist traffic, there are few more intriguing places than majestic India.
Best time to visit India
The best time to visit India is during winter (November to March), when the monsoon season is over, and temperatures haven’t yet reached the hellish heights of summer. Low tourist season is between April and September.
Japan
Japan is a destination of striking contrasts, where travellers will see unique ancient culture and astonishing innovations. The major cities appear westernised, but visitors quickly realise the sleek modern society of Japan is seamlessly blended with millennia of tradition. This is revealed in the Buddhist and Shinto temples sprinkled throughout the urban centres, the intricate social rituals for eating and greeting, and other small reminders of Japan’s long and proud history. Once out of the cities, visitors can climb one of the country’s 200 mountains, soak in secluded hot springs, visit ancient shrines and castles, or attend a sumo match.
Best time to visit Japan
The weather in Japan varies dramatically from the north to the south, with the rainy season generally lasting from June to early August. September is typhoon season; however, October and November tend to be a good time to travel to Japan, as the weather is mild and pleasant.
Vietnam & Cambodia
Vietnam is known for its lush rice paddies, vibrant conical hats and rich cultural traditions, but beyond these iconic images lies a country of breathtaking diversity. From stunning natural landscapes to timeless villages, idyllic beaches and bustling cities where the old meets the new, Vietnam offers an unforgettable journey for the senses.
Modern day Cambodia is the successor kingdom of the powerful Khmer Empire which ruled most of what is today Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the 9th to 14th centuries. Emerging from a violent past of human rights atrocities and political instability, Cambodia is steadily becoming as a top travel destination in Asia. The magnificent Lost City of Angkor is undoubtedly a bucket-list destination drawing travellers to Cambodia.
Best time to visit Vietnam & Cambodia
The weather in the region is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. One of the best times to visit is the cooler dry season with comfortable temperatures, from Nov to Feb although Feb to April (spring) or Aug to Oct (autumn) are also good options.
Turkey
Turkey is a captivating bridge between Europe and the Middle East, where the modern world and ancient history seamlessly coexist. In its vibrant cities, boutique shops and exotic bazaars call out for attention, while the tolling church bells mingle with the calls of the muezzin. Here, remnants of the Roman Empire, the early Christian era and the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire are living elements that continue to shape the country’s cultural fabric.
Turkey’s diverse regions offer something for every traveller, from bustling marketplaces to serene beaches, from ancient ruins to modern art, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey is best visited during the periods April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm without being too hot, and the bulk of the summer tourist rush is over. Istanbul has mostly mild weather and can be visited year-round.
Italy
Italy dips down out of Europe and into the Mediterranean like a sleek stiletto, so it’s hardly surprising its citizens are known for impeccable style and fashion. Once containing the great Roman Empire that stretched across the globe, it now boasts some of the most spectacular architecture, frescoes, sculptures and Renaissance paintings in all of Europe.
More than 3,000 years of history are spread across landscapes ranging from pastoral hillside olive farms and seaside fishing villages to the Armani-wearing, scooter-driving and espresso-drinking hum of big cities. Italy also has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, with an incredible 54 places of global historical significance dotted around the country.
Best time to visit Italy
Most people visit Italy in summer, between June and August. However, the best times to visit Italy are in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is cool and dry, the skies are generally clear and accommodation is usually cheaper as there are fewer tourists around.
Croatia
With its magnificent coastline of picturesque islands and reefs, and a countryside scattered with Roman ruins and medieval villages, Croatia is fast becoming a rival to Greece for tempting those looking for beautiful beaches, great food and rich history.
After centuries of being geographically sliced and diced to suit empires, conquerors and political and ethnic divisions, Croatia has been left with a diverse cultural legacy and a wealth of historical attractions. The long Adriatic Coast forms the western leg of the arc-shaped country, tapering to the unique ancient seaport of Dubrovnik in the south, while the land between the rivers Drava and Sava form the northern section. The capital, Zagreb, sits in between.
Best time to visit Croatia
The weather is fairly predictable, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Croatia is in the warm summer months between May and Sep; however, Jul and Aug can be very crowded, especially in coastal resorts.
Spain
With sun-bleached beaches and historic cities, it’s easy to see why Spain is such a popular choice for an unforgettable holiday in Europe. An incredible 53 million people visit each year (the second most in Europe after France), and the country deserves its formidable reputation as a tourist haven.
Spain has many autonomous regions that offer great variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide space to get off the beaten track, and the country’s vibrant cities and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller. Art lovers can get lost in the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, Goya and Velazquez, whose works are displayed across museums and galleries.
Best time to visit Spain
Spain featuring the warmest climate on mainland Europe, so there’s no bad time to visit. The peak tourist season is summer (June to August), when legions of foreigners flock to the country’s famed beaches. The best time to visit is any time between May and October, as the weather is warm and sunny.
Iceland
Iceland’s fantastical wilderness brings fire and ice together, blending astonishing beauty and immense power like almost nowhere else on earth. Adventurers will long remember its dramatic and occasionally surreal landscape of active volcanoes and spectacular geysers, vast glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains and majestic waterfalls.
Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle and its hardy people trace their roots to ancient Norsemen and Celts. Most of the country’s popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, and can be explored on the much celebrated ‘Golden Circle’ route. Top of the list for scenic splendour are the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.
Best time to visit Iceland
The summer weather enables all sorts of outdoor fun, but the icy winter months bring with them the spectacle of the Northern Lights, which is truly one of the most magical experiences the world has to offer.
Nordic Region
Norway is a wildly beautiful country of snow-capped mountains and deep glacier-carved fjords. The astounding scenery of the southwestern Fjordlands and the mysterious Northern Lights are the main draw cards.
Known for its pristine landscapes, cutting-edge innovation and refined, minimalist design, Sweden is a Nordic wonderland full of endless possibilities with lush forests, idyllic archipelagos, untamed tundra and sophisticated cities.
Often described as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes,’ Finland is a place where natural wonders abound. Visitors can escape to an unforgettable wilderness of vast forests, serene islands and wild arctic mystery.
Often overlooked by travellers, Denmark is small yet prosperous. This thriving country enjoys some of the highest standards of living in the world, and contains a host of interesting attractions and experiences for visitors.
Best time to visit the Nordic Region
This depends entirely on the type of activities you wish to undertake. The summer months allow hiking, fjord cruising and more while winter offers Northern Lights and a snowy wonderland atmosphere.
South Africa & Botswana
Billed as ‘a world in one country’, South Africa’s myriad delights include spectacular landscapes and wildlife, cosmopolitan cities, and a fascinating history. Tourists flock to the Western Cape with its scenery, beaches, mountains and wine lands. Johannesburg is the commercial capital of the country and the gateway to the Kruger National Park and other reserves.
For those who love the great outdoors, Botswana offers unforgettable adventure in the heart of Southern Africa. The Okavango Delta sustains an abundance of wildlife to be found in this oasis is astonishing. Chobe National Park has the world’s largest herds of Elephant, and Moremi Game Reserve is renowned for having some of the densest populations of wildlife on earth.
Best time to visit South Africa & Botswana
The climate varies markedly between regions so it depends on where you want to explore. Generally, the best time to visit is late spring (October and November) and early autumn (March and April) to avoid the intense heat of summer and the cold and wet winters.
Canada
Canada offers visitors a range of experiences as varied as the land itself. It provides something to suit every traveller: large cosmopolitan cities; frozen northern tundra and snowy mountain peaks; rugged coastlines; rich farmlands; and pioneer outposts. The country has a French and British colonial history, reflected in its cuisine, culture, and customs. Canadian identity is mixed in with the legacy of the country’s own aboriginal First Nations history.
In the south, the Rocky Mountains separate Canada’s two main tourist provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. There are more than 41 national parks in Canada, with the Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta being larger than Switzerland. Canadian national parks are unique in that they have cities and towns within the protected areas, providing comfortable bases for exploring the natural and manmade attractions.
Best time to visit Canada
The weather is extreme, ranging from frigidly cold winters to uncomfortably hot summers. The size of the country and the vast variability of terrain also make the climate ranges drastically. This is a year-round destination, attracting winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers in autumn thanks to glorious fall foliage.
