January

The first month of the year can be a bit depressing. The excitement of the holiday season is over and it's the middle of winter with at least four months before Easter. If the weather is getting you down, it's warm somewhere in the world so cheer yourself up with a trip to a beach somewhere. Thailand is good in January, it's the tail end of their winter, and visitors can enjoy a warm climate without the oppressive heat.

Or for those who enjoyed the festivities of Christmas, live through it all over again in Ethiopia. One of the oldest nations in Africa, Ethiopia follows the ancient Julian calendar, which means that Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7.

February

February is carnival time - enjoy the biggest party on earth in Rio de Janeiro in early February. The average temperature is 26°C and the beach is world famous with its wide sands and serene sea.

Closer to home is the Venice carnival of masks in February. Dating back to 1268, it is described as 10 days of indulgence and an extravaganza of colour, costumes and masks.

March

St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City is a great spectacle, when everyone is Irish for the day. The annual parade dates as far back as 1766 and is held to honour the patron saint of Ireland. Marchers still follow the same route as the first parade. The parade begins at 11 am and clan by clan march up 5th Avenue from 44th to 86th streets. The day of festivities usually comes to an end around 5pm.

April

A time for walking and reflection, trek along the Sierra Nevada of Southern Spain. Take a guided tour amongst some of the most dramatic scenery of the mountains, there are all levels of walks that can be taken for the experienced mountain walkers to day trippers. The walks are graded in terms of difficulty and there are walks designed for seniors and families.

May

Enjoy a city break to Linz, the European Capital of Culture for 2009. The capital of the Province of Upper Austria is situated astride the Danube. Austria's third largest city, Linz offers a range of activities, including a walking tour, a ride on the Linz City Express, a trip to the historic district of Pöstlingberg, or a visit to one of the markets.

June

The beginning of the summer months in Europe, June can be a good time to visit Athens, especially for travellers not bound by school timetables. In June, Greece begins to wake up to summer. Many people who work in the tourist trade start to return to the islands and to open up their businesses, ready for tourists. It's a good time to get a travel bargain and the weather is attractive with an average temperature of 25°C.