When planning trips, climate and tourist seasons at destinations are points everyone considers. Actually, various places around the world have unique periods where “it’s better to avoid this time.” Today, we’ll introduce these lesser-known “times to avoid” organized by impact level.
Preferably Avoid (Impact Level 1)
Christmas and New Year in Western Countries (Mid-December to Early January)
Accommodation costs often more than double during this period. Particularly during Christmas season, hotel reservations in major European cities can become difficult even three months in advance. Transportation is also crowded, and New Year’s period especially sees difficult reservations and price surges. However, there are many attractive events unique to this period, such as Christmas markets and illuminations, so if you have budget flexibility, it might actually be a target period. Christmas markets in Germany and Austria in particular attract many tourists who specifically choose this time to enjoy the atmosphere.
American Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday of November)
This is one of the periods with the highest domestic movement in America. The week before and after Thanksgiving can see flight prices increase 2-3 times normal rates. Additionally, many stores close on Thanksgiving Day itself. However, large-scale sales begin from Black Friday the following day, making it an excellent opportunity for shopping-focused travelers. Tourist attractions are also relatively empty, so for sale-hunters, this could actually be a recommended period.
Swiss Scenic Train Suspension Period (Mid-October to Mid-December)
Many famous scenic trains suspend operations for winter preparations. The Glacier Express completely suspends service, while the Bernina Express operates only on partial routes. The Golden Pass Panoramic also faces possible suspension due to weather. However, regular trains continue operating, so tourism itself remains possible. Actually, enjoying quiet mountain resorts during off-season is also an option. Swiss passes and discount tickets are relatively easier to reserve, and mountain hotel rates are also cheaper than regular periods.
Egypt’s Winter Season (December to February)
Friday prayers affect tourist facility operating hours, with many places closing early especially on Fridays. Early sunset also potentially limits time spent at tourist spots. Major tourist sites like the pyramids may close around 3 PM, requiring careful tourism planning. However, temperatures are relatively low during this period, avoiding extreme summer heat. Even in Cairo and Luxor, daytime temperatures are around 20°C, making it comfortable.
Israel’s Major Festival Periods
Major Jewish festival periods involve various restrictions. Particularly strict is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, September-October), when the entire country completely stops and public transportation suspends. During Passover (March-April), hotel rates surge and kosher dietary restrictions become stricter. During Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles, September-October), tourist facility hours change and accommodation reservations become difficult. Conversely, these festival periods offer precious opportunities to deeply understand Jewish culture. In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, you can observe special ceremonies and events.
Rainy Season in Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean Resorts
Major resort destinations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean have different rainy seasons. Bali’s rainy season peaks from December to February, with frequent intense squalls even for short periods. Phuket sees increased rainfall during the southwest monsoon period from May to October, with high waves that can prohibit swimming. The Maldives faces unstable weather during the southwest monsoon period from May to October, while Seychelles sees instability during the northwest monsoon period from December to February. However, rainy season tends to see accommodation costs 20-30% cheaper, and for short stays, you can enjoy while watching the weather. Also, squalls are often short-lived, and continuous rain all day is relatively rare.
Should Avoid (Impact Level 2)
East Asian Spring Festival Period (Late January to Mid-February)
China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other places experience large-scale population movement during this period. Mainland China sees movement of several hundred million people, completely filling transportation with reservations. Accommodation costs surge 2-3 times normal rates, and many stores and tourist facilities close for over a week. Particularly small and medium-sized restaurants and shops commonly take extended vacations. However, if you want to experience traditional events and celebratory atmosphere unique to Spring Festival, this period is worth targeting. Taiwan’s temple fairs and Hong Kong’s Spring Festival parades offer precious opportunities to experience Asian Lunar New Year culture.
Ramadan Period in Islamic Countries (Timing Varies Annually)
Ramadan (fasting month) based on the Islamic calendar advances by approximately 11 days each year. During this period, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While this doesn’t directly restrict tourists, it significantly impacts travel in Islamic countries.
During daytime, many restaurants close, and operating establishments reduce seating or partition areas with screens. Even in major cities like Dubai, Istanbul, and Casablanca, daytime dining can be challenging.
Conversely, after sunset the entire city comes alive with energy. During “Iftar” (break-fast meals), restaurants become extremely crowded and reservations difficult. Streets remain lively until late night, offering more vibrant atmosphere than daytime.
India’s Kumbh Mela Festival (Once Every 12 Years)
The world’s largest religious festival sees daily attendance of several million people. Particularly on major bathing days, tens of millions gather at the Ganges and other sacred rivers. Accommodation fills months in advance, and surrounding transportation infrastructure completely paralyzes. Crowding creates high accident risk, with human accidents occurring especially on major bathing days. However, this offers precious opportunity to witness the world’s largest religious festival. The sight of millions of pilgrims and practitioners gathering represents one of humanity’s most magnificent endeavors.
Nepal’s Dashain Festival (September-October)
During Nepal’s largest festival, the entire country enters celebration mode. Many facilities close long-term, and particularly in rural areas, public transportation may completely stop. Securing trekking guides and porters becomes difficult, significantly affecting mountain region travel plans. Conversely, this period offers the most intensive experience of Nepalese traditional culture. You might observe traditional family ceremonies and community festivals, making it attractive for those wanting deep understanding of Nepalese culture and customs.
Thailand’s Songkran (Mid-April)
Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, particularly in major cities like Chiang Mai, makes urban movement extremely difficult due to water festival effects. Since people splash water on anyone on the streets, electronic devices and valuables face high water damage risk, and since it often coincides with extremely hot days, health risks also increase. However, this is Thailand’s largest traditional festival, making it the most attractive period annually for those wanting to enjoy water festivals with local residents. Many temple special ceremonies and traditional cultural events are also held.
Tibet’s Losar (February-March)
During Losar (Tibetan New Year), the entire region centered on Lhasa becomes festival-focused. Many facilities close for over a week, and depending on timing, foreign entry may be restricted. Temples hold special ceremonies and festivals, with many places restricting tourist acceptance. Conversely, this period offers special opportunity to touch the essence of Tibetan culture. You might observe traditional ceremonies at Buddhist temples and region-specific festivals.
Ethiopian Orthodox Church Fasting Periods
During major Ethiopian Orthodox Church fasting periods, particularly the 55-day “Great Fast (Hudadi/Abiy Tsom)” before Easter, many restaurants significantly limit menus. During fasting periods, animal products are avoided, limiting establishments providing typical tourist meals. However, this period offers precious opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s unique Christian culture. Particularly in religious cities like Lalibela, you can observe special prayer ceremonies and festivals.
Should Refrain from Travel (Impact Level 3)
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Period
During Islam’s major pilgrimage “Hajj,” non-Muslim entry into the country is strictly restricted. This period is sacred for pilgrims, making tourism-purpose visits inappropriate. Practically, non-Muslim restricted areas expand significantly, and accommodation is reserved for pilgrims, making general tourism virtually impossible. With millions of pilgrims concentrating, surrounding transportation infrastructure becomes extremely congested.
Summary
Worldwide “times to avoid” are also periods when local culture and traditions appear most vividly. The periods introduced here aren’t necessarily “absolutely avoidable times.” Rather, there are many precious cultural experiences available only during these times.
Ultimately, whether a period is “avoidable” should depend on what kind of travel you want. Do you want efficient tourism, or deep cultural immersion? Do you have budget and time flexibility, or want maximum enjoyment under limited conditions? Consider carefully according to your travel purposes.
※ Examples introduced in this article represent selected typical cases from around the world. Many other region-specific events and avoidable periods may exist. Additionally, article information may change.
