Where to go when: An alternative month-by-month guide including how to make the most of your annual leave
Dreaming of new adventures but undecided on where to go or just need some inspiration??
Getting the timing right can mean many things; from avoiding the monsoon seasons in South East Asia, to having the best chance to see the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle, to summiting Mt Kilimanjaro under a full moon, to having the chance to see young Carneddu foals in Snowdonia or simply just avoiding the crowds and peak pricing.
If you want to make the most of your annual leave and not waste precious time searching where to go and what to do and when, then have a peruse through the trips below. You can rest assured that we’ve ploughed in plenty of time with creating these exciting itineraries to maximise your time away, fully immerse you in the destination and culture, tempt you to step out of your comfort zone whilst also continuously improving each element of these trips so they are more sustainable and beneficial to the communities and environments we’re so fortunate to visit.
Plus at the end of these recommendations, we’ve got some hot tips to help you maximise your annual leave for 2023.
1. January
Start your New Year on a high, literally
Start the New Year with an adventure that fills you with great memories for many years to come! Whether it’s standing on the world’s highest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro, or on the Roof of North Africa, Mt Toubkal, or marvelling at the vast starlight skies from the Sahara Desert, find an adventure to light up your New Year.
The magic of Iceland
If you’re up for a frozen adventure and keen to witness nature at it’s most awe-inspiring, January is a great time to visit Iceland. Though this ruggedly majestic island will be at its coldest and darkest, your snowshoe journey will be well and truly brightened by the Northern Lights. Plus you’ll have the pristine frozen landscapes to yourself which makes soaking in the hot springs far more enjoyable.
Why not try the Snowdonia Winter 7 Summits
Or if you are looking for something a little closer to home, check out our homegrown mountain adventure embracing rugged mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) in winter. Covering 7 of Snowdonia’s renowned mountains, this journey will take you through spectacular landscapes and test your mettle on a tough 3-day adventure.While the winter conditions can add extra challenges in the mountains, it also offers a great opportunity to develop your knowledge of the environment and experience the raw beauty of the Welsh peaks amidst a serene and stunning setting. You may even have the mountains to yourselves.
2. February
The greens of Costa Rica
Experience the many ‘greens’ of Costa Rica. The perfect place to put your responsible travel resolutions into practice. A dream destination for exhilarating back-to-nature adventures and Costa Rica has been blazing the green trail for decades. Lying along the Central American Isthmus, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, it is home to some 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. February is a great time to explore one of the world’s most ethical destinations from Coast to Coast as the festive travelling crowds thin out in February and the rainforests are still awash with every shade of green.
Stand on the ‘Roof of Africa’, Mt Kilimanjaro, and treat yourself to a safari
February is when the colours of the bush are still prime as you traverse through the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro prior heading through varied climatic zones to summit the world’s highest freestanding mountain. According to the locals, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during a full moon to minimise the chance of rain. February is also a great time to explore the leafy Ngorongoro Crater where black rhino, hippo and lion roam the crater floor and temperatures reach a comfortable 23°C. The ideal treat following a climb of this incredible mountain. Or if later in the year suits you better, check out the dates in September and October.
3. March
Snowshoe the scenic Kungsleden Trail and witness the magic of the Northern Lights
With the UK summer still a few months away, it’s the ideal time to experience an adventure in the ‘low season’. Experience the pristine frozen wilderness of the Arctic Circle as you traverse hut-to-hut in Abisko, Northern Sweden, with barely another soul along your trail. Plus Abisko National Park offers some of the best conditions in the world for Northern Lights watching. Statistics collected in 2015 showed that if you stay for just one night in the Arctic you’ll have around a 14% chance of seeing the Northern Lights, whereas if you stay for five nights your chances increase to about 90%. So grab your chance and join us for this once in a lifetime Arctic journey. Join Jim in March 2023 as he returns for the 5th time to lead one of his all time favourite trips.
Stand at the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Mt Toubkal
Winter is a great time to explore Mt Toubkal National Park as it offers a true winter mountaineering experience plus the High Atlas are virtually deserted apart from the local Berbers and other mountaineering enthusiasts. March is also when Morocco awakens with the beginning of Spring and the lowlands are starting to bloom with wildflowers, almonds and cherry tree blossoms. Though if you’re still a bit baffled as to when to trek Mt Toubkal, here’s a helpful guide for climbing Toubkal in Summer or Winter?
4. April
New adventures await in Uzbekistan
Locked in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is brimming with rich history, epic landscapes, culture and stunning ancient architecture. We’re thrilled to be beavering away on a brand new mountain bike itinerary which will immerse you in the fascinating history of the Silk Road Route, ancient empires, venture into the naturally beautiful, remote corners of this enthralling country and connect with communities who rarely see foreign visitors. This amazing, all encompassing journey discovers at handle bar level this friendly land. For optimum temperatures for this cycling adventure together with a visual feast of colourful wildflowers across the beautiful Uzbek landscape, this trip will be running in April and the Autumn months when it’s still a fairly quiet time to visit. Keep a look out on our social media channels @adventurous ewe or sign up for the Adventurous Ewe Explorer enewsletter (end of web-page) enewsletter for more info.
Discover one of Europe’s most important medieval pilgrimage routes in Italy
Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims on a self-guided Italian Camino via Francigena trek. Experience the final 125kms of the legendary trail from Montefiascone to the Vatican City through the rolling hills Tuscany. From a social aspect Spring is a great time to take on this pilgrimage as you’ll capture the essence of this journey given you’ll be more likely to encounter other walkers and cyclists along the way. Plus you’ll avoid the heat of summer. Self-guided trips allow you the flexibility to to cherry-pick your sightseeing stops, start early or later in the day to catch the sunrise or sunset, take the time to sample local coffees & meet the locals or linger a little longer over lunch. Accompanied by our in-depth trip notes, ActiveNav app and emergency contact details, you’ll never feel rushed or unsupported.
Or why not make the most of £100 off discount and explore the amazing Annapurna?
Book before 7 January 2023 and you get £100pp off our Annapurna Trek running from 16 – 24 April 2023. Join Adventurous Ewe’s Founder, Jim, and experience some of the best trekking trails on the planet in short period of time without the demanding impact of high-altitude ascents. You’ll be captivated by the area from the very first day. This trip offers a window into traditional culture and lifestyles of the Annapurna Ranges in the Himalayas. Be quick, Annapurna 100 offer expires soon.
5. May
Discover dramatic and diverse landscapes across the UK
Majestic mountains, emerald valleys, dramatic coastlines, ancient myths and historic castles, the UK packs a whole lot of natural beauty and culture into its island nation. With the warmer temperatures emerging, the longer daylight hours and with Spring in full swing, May is a great time to dust off your hiking boots and start exploring closer to home. There’s something for everyone, for the seasoned trekkers there’s the Welsh 15 Peaks or Lake District 15 Peaks or for something different there’s the Snowdon, Lake District or Ben Nevis Challenge (bike, hike & kayak). Or for a more hard core bike, hike & kayak check out our very own 3-day Snowdonia Crossing. Or if you’re keen to do something for charity, why not take on the 50K for Mental Health UK and trek 50km in one day along the beautiful Jurassic Coast.
Head for the summit of Mt Toubkal Morocco in the Spring
Take on the highest point in North Africa amid the colourful and blooming months of Spring in April & May. Seeing the wildflowers emerging from the winter and the landscape at its greenest will definitely put a spring in your step. Why not join Jim on 27 April – 1 May 2023? We also have a Summer Toubkal Trek for women with our very first Adventuress in the Wild trip from 7 – 11 June 2023. There’s plenty of Toubkal dates to choose from in 2023.
6. June
New for ewe…….Climb the legendary Mt Olympus in Greece
When it comes to legends, Mt Olympus is legendary given it’s home to 12 Olympian Greek gods. It’s the highest point in Greece, a country chock-full of cultural significance and intriguing history. We’re delighted to be hosting our first ever climb of these fabled slopes in 2023. In the Summer months, the weather on Mt. Olympus is cool and comfortable. It becomes more volatile approaching Autumn and Winter, with the possibility of torrential rain and hail as early as August. So if you’re in need of a quick mountain fix over the Summer months, keep an eye out for the launch of this trek soon or sign up to our Adventurous Ewe Explorer enewsletter (end of home-page) to be the first to receive the exciting details.
Trek one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world, The Camino de Santiago Spain
For something different take on our fully supported Camino de Santiago de Compostela self-guided trek allowing you to enjoy this historic pilgrimage at your own pace. We recommend experiencing this trek in June to enjoy the last remnants of Spring and you can hike during pleasant temperatures. It’s warm and sunny but not too hot plus there are not too many people, and fields are covered in flowers. Avoid the busy months of July and August when organising your accommodation can prove a little tricky.
7. July
NEW – Stand amid some of the world’s most spectacular 8000m+ mountains – K2 Base Camp and Concordia
The spectacular Karakoram mountains of Pakistan are home to some of the wildest landscapes on Earth. At the heart of the Karakorum, the glacial junction known as Concordia is dominated by huge, encircling peaks. Nowhere else on Earth can you stand so close to so many of the world’s highest peaks including Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum (8080m) and the crown of the Karakoram, K2 (8,611m), the world’s second-highest mountain. An expedition to K2 Base Camp at 5,150m makes unquestionably one of the most spectacular treks in the world. The best months for trekking in the Karakoram are July and August, although the trekking season runs from mid-June through mid-September. You can expect to find quiet and uncrowded trails throughout the season as this classic trek is currently one of the lesser-tackled – high-altitude adventures. We’re beyond excited about this mighty mountain expedition.
In need of a quick mountain fix? Tackle Mt Triglav, Slovenia
This action-packed adventure will immerse you in the majestic scenery and quirky traditions of the Julian Alps, introduce you to via ferrata & alpine scrambling and see you summiting the highest peak in Slovenia, Mt Triglav at 2864m. And all in just 3 days! Not only is Triglav the highest peak in the country, but also a powerful national symbol. It’s such a trace of identity that it is said that every “true” Slovenian should stand on the summit of Mount Triglav at least once in their life. The dry seasons runs from June to October. Our local IFMGA Guide says the ideal dates are between the end of June and the beginning of July: “this is the less crowded period and the time where most flowers are in bloom”.
Jump in the saddle and pedal to Paris
Take on this iconic 300-mile cycling challenge from capital to capital. From the picturesque English countryside to the quiet French country lanes, rolling green hills of Northern France, passing the war memorials and cemeteries of the Somme to where a spectacular finish awaits with the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, and the finish at the Eiffel Tower. There’s still space on our London to Paris trip on 19 – 23 July 2023. Be quick to avoid missing out on this iconic cycling challenge.
8. August
Discover the colours of Iceland along the awe-inspiring Laugavegur Trail
Iceland, a vast volcanic landscape where mighty forces shape the earth: geysers gush, mudpots bubble, ice-covered volcanoes rumble and glaciers cut great pathways through the mountains. This is your chance to immerse yourself in 68km journey by foot along the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmörk. Experience the uninhabited wilderness of Iceland discovering the most varied scenery this exceptional country has to offer. The season for hiking in Landmannalaugar is just a couple of months a year, from late June till mid-September. The magical and diverse landscape, combined with the long and bright Icelandic summer days, will capture any trekking enthusiast’s imagination. Plus Landmannalaugar is also one of the best places in Iceland to see the northern lights towards the end of August.
Trek the majestic Caucasus Mountains and discover timeless highland tower-house villages of Georgia
Georgia’s rich culture and amazingly diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for anyone loving nature, remote adventure and history on the grandest of scales. From its green valleys spread with vineyards to its old churches & watchtowers perched amidst incredible mountain scenery and to remote mountain trails winding through ancient villages, Georgia known as the Gem of the Caucasus. The best time to hike in the Caucasus region is from mid-June until the early September. The high season is July and August, when the weather is dry and warm, however we recommend visiting Georgia soon before tourist numbers increase as these beautiful mountains become more popular to trek. June and September are quieter but the weather is not reliable.
9. September
Trek in the heart of Europe is Slovakia, a land of castles and mountains
We’re super excited to have created a brand-new long weekend trekking adventure to this captivating and much less visited patch of Europe – Adventure Hike Malá Fatra Mountains, Slovakia. Here you’ll trek the highest peak of the Mala Fatra, traverse the main ridge to enjoy breath-taking views, hike through the gorge Janosikove Diery surrounded by fascinating cliffs and climb ladders along small waterfalls. This is a far less visited area of Slovakia and our new itinerary is exclusive to Adventurous Ewe. Up in the mountains, September is the month with the fewest storms and down in the valleys there are many harvest festivals.
Join the ranks of intrepid explorers and discover the secrets of Greenland’s rugged polar expanse
‘When you’ve seen the world there’s always Greenland’ goes the old travellers’ saying. But why wait till then? Few places on Earth combine such magnificent scenery, such clarity of light and such raw power of nature. A vast expanse of ice, floating in the midst of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Greenland has long been a mystery to travellers. Following on from Jim’s recent recce trip to Greenland, he’s pulling together an expertly crafted adventure with a select group of local & indigenous people, to give you a real taste of the life of an explorer on this remote and simply awe-inspiring island. It’ll be a one of a kind adventure. Again, make sure you sign up to our Adventurous Ewe Explorer enewsletter (end of page) and be the first to receive the details of this unique adventure.
10. October
Be part of the very first Adventuress in the Wild Everest Base Camp Trek
Come and meet your wild side on our women’s trek to Everest Base Camp for the Adventuress community. Experiencing the Nepalese Himalayas and its local people is a mountain adventure with treasured encounters and experiences that you will value for many years to come! Eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks are found in the Everest region, setting the stage for a journey of a lifetime. Hiking to the most iconic base camp at the foot of the greatest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest (8848m), this is one of the world’s most classic treks. There are 2 distinct trekking seasons in the Himalayas; pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December). Our personal favourites are March, late October and November.
Jump in the saddle and pedal to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong as you cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia
Experience an incredible cultural journey as you pedal 450kms off the beaten track to immerse yourself in the rawness and beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. Pedal to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, witness the local way of life and experience the warmth & friendliness of the country’s rural hospitality. Arrive in Siem Reap, near the Western Gate of Angkor Wat, to behold sun set over sugar palm trees marking a truly memorable finish. Join us in October 2023 when you’ll miss the worst of the crowds during this shoulder month of travel. The heat is not too bad and the rains are easing off as well. This is one of our all time favourite easy going trips!
11. November
Marvel at glaciers, expansive lakes and stand in awe of the sheer granite peaks of Mt Fitzroy on our exclusive Patagonia Trek
Patagonia, the ultimate destination in the pursuit of pure wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes! On South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild and the scenes are raw and dramatic. Spaces are vast, as are the silences that fill them. This backdrop sets the greatest stage for a jaw-dropping adventure. Following years of guiding in South America, Chief Ewe Jim carefully crafted this Patagonia Trekking itinerary to ensure you will experience the very best of this incredible place and more. We run our Patagonia Trek in late Spring during the shoulder season month of November. The landscapes are alive with colourful flowers and it’s crowd-free hiking both make for capturing those epic photos of this iconic landscape.
Get off the beaten track in Nepal and experience the local life first hand as you trek, cycle and raft
Over 9-days you will traverse the foothills of the Annapurna Range, cycle trails against the backdrop of the impressive Langtang Himalaya, trek through remote mountain villages, summit of Poon Hill at sunrise, raft Nepal’s world-class white water rivers, wild camp on the river banks and stay in remote farm villages. Not only will you be amidst the awe-inspiring views of Himalayan mountains and glacial rivers, you’ll experience the rich culture and traditions of Nepal on this exclusive trip carefully crafted by Adventurous Ewe. Join us for the epic Nepal Hike, Bike & Raft.
12. December
Colombia boasts all of South America’s allure, and more
Explore Colombia with it’s towering Andean mountains, unspoiled Caribbean coast, vast jungle landscapes, hidden archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida and the cobbled colonial city of Cartagena. This itinerary has a lot packed in for you to experience in this remarkable country which will take you by surprise. It’s the second-most biodiverse nation in the world and having visited here numerous times, we’ve got some fantastic insider tips to help make your trip a once in a lifetime adventure.
December to February is a fantastic time to travel through Colombia because it’s dry in most areas. In the Andes, expect sunny skies and warmish days – perfect for hiking and the Caribbean coast is at its most gorgeous. However, it’s all relative during the jungle treks of Minca and The Lost City as the rainforests can be wet all year round so the key is to be prepared. Keep in mind The Ciudad Perdida is closed around September every year as the area is spiritually cleaned by the indigenous Wiwas population. The spiritual leaders, also called Mamos, make sure that Mother Earth can recover by providing a ceremonial cleansing. Colombia is well and truly an adventurers paradise!
Holiday hack for 2023
There’s nothing like travel to reconnect you with the world, but if you work full-time, the annual leave you’ll be allowed to take to do so will, of course, be limited. So to help you make the most of your annual leave for 2023, here’s our holiday hack to maximise your days for adventures, including the bonus bank holiday for the King’s coronation. The following is based on the official 2023 bank holidays in England and Wales…
January
Bank holidays in January 2023: Mon 2 January (Monday – New Year’s Day, substitute day)
Days away from the office: 9 (Sat 31 December – Sun 8 January)
Days to book off work: 3 – 6 January (4 days)
April
Bank holidays in April 2023: Fri 7 April (Good Friday) and Mon 10 April (Easter Monday)
Days away from the office: 16 (Sat 1 – Sunday 16 April)
Days to book off work: April 3 – 6 (4 days) & April 11 – 14 (4 days)
May
Bank holidays in May 2023: Mon 1 May (Early May bank holiday), Mon 8 May (to mark coronation of King Charles III) and Mon 29 May (Spring bank holiday).
Days away from the office: 9 (29 April – 7 May) and 9 (27 May – 4 June)
Days to book off work: 2 – 5 May (4 days) and/or 30 May – 2 June (4 days)
August
Bank holidays in August 2021: Mon 28 August (Summer bank holiday).
Days away from the office: 9 (Sat 26 August – Sun 3 Sept)
Days to book off work: 29 August – 1 September (4 days)
December
Bank holidays in December 2023: Mon 25 December (Christmas Day) & Tues 26 December (Boxing Day) + 1 January 2024 (New Year’s Day)
Days away from the office: 10 days (23 Dec – 2 Jan)
Days to book off work: 27- 29 Dec (3 days)
We hope this helps with your travel plans for next year and thereafter. We’d love for you to join us on any of these incredible journeys and if you’re keen to take the hassle out of planning, Jim and Sue are on hand to provide some inspiration, top tips or to help curate your perfect tailor made adventure.
Many thanks for reading.
Yours in adventure, always
Jim & Sue
Adventurous Ewe Crew
