Where to go for that ‘big moment’

09 January 2026

Life is full of unforgettable moments, and some of the most magical ones happen when you’re exploring the world. From nature’s breathtaking spectacles to cultural celebrations that only come around once a year, these experiences are worth planning your travels around. Whether it’s witnessing Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms, marvelling at the Southern Lights in Australia, or standing amidst millions of migrating monarch butterflies in Mexico, these are the moments that stay with you forever. Let’s explore where - and when - you can be part of these extraordinary events.

Cherry blossom season in Japan and Washington

Japan’s cherry blossom season will leave you wowed, whether you picnic beneath the blooms of Osaka Castle Park or immerse yourself in nature among the trees of Mount Yoshino. The season usually starts mid-March and lasts from two weeks to a month. Alternatively, you can marvel at Washington DC’s cherry blossoms from late March until early April.

Wisteria blooms of Kawachi Fujien Gardens – Japan

Not just famous for cherry blossoms, the southern Japanese island of Kyushu boasts pink, purple, and white wisteria blooms that herald the arrival of spring. Between April and May, the wisteria trees of Kawachi Wisteria Garden, arranged into an arched tunnel, serve up a stunning seasonal display that will leave you in tune with the rhythms of nature.

Butterfly migration in Mexico

Every November, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from North America to the warmer climes of Mexico. This colourful spectacle can be seen in all its glory at Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan. What makes it truly special is that each migration is undertaken by a new generation, with no other butterflies showing the way.

Aurora Australis, Australia

Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, can be spotted fluttering across the skies of Tasmania between May and September. These remarkable light shows of green, purple, and gold have an ethereal quality. If you head to Tasmania’s Bruny or Satellite Islands, where light pollution is low, you have a great chance of witnessing the aurora in all its glory.

Diwali - India

Experience the mesmerising glow of a nation celebrating in unison during Diwali, India’s magnificent Festival of Lights. On the 8th November 2026, the country will be bathed in the warm, golden light of millions of tiny oil lamps (diyas), creating a magical atmosphere of hope, joy, and renewal.

Along the sacred banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi, thousands of lamps are set afloat on the water as part of the Dev Deepavali ceremony - a profound cultural moment, filled with warmth and hospitality - while in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, historic palaces and bustling markets are decorated with intricate light displays, creating an enchanting scene.

Astronomical events worth travelling for

Look to the skies in 2026 for a year of extraordinary celestial events, offering two rare opportunities to witness the sun disappear in some of the world's most spectacular locations.

First, for the truly intrepid explorer, an annular solar eclipse will occur on the 17th February, casting a 'ring of fire' over the stark, white wilderness of Antarctica. This is a journey for the adventurous at heart, a chance to witness a rare astronomical event from the most remote continent on Earth.

Then, on the 12th August, a total solar eclipse will chart a path across the Northern Hemisphere. The path of totality will cross over northern Spain, offering a chance to combine this awe-inspiring spectacle with the warmth of Spanish culture and cuisine. Watching the sun’s corona blaze in the darkened sky is a deeply moving experience that you will never forget.

To book your next trip, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

10 February 2026

Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.

A modern take on Kyoto tradition at Capella Kyoto

09 February 2026

Kyoto’s Gion district is well-known for its heritage and character. Capella Kyoto places guests right in the heart of this cultural scene, surrounded by genuine traditions and the real rhythm of Kyoto life. With celebrated landmarks on all sides - Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo, where geiko and maiko keep age-old performing arts alive, Kenninji Temple, a peaceful retreat and the city’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, and Ebisu Shrine for good fortune - every walk from the hotel gives you an immediate sense of the history of this part of Japan.

A family-friendly way to experience Mount Fuji

09 February 2026

Japan has a way of rewarding travellers who slow down, and Hanz Outdoor Resort is especially well suited to families looking for space and ease. Set in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, it offers clear views of Mount Fuji while remaining straightforward to reach from Tokyo. Rather than packing days with long journeys, families can settle into one place and let the mountain become part of daily life, from relaxed mornings to evenings spent outdoors together. It’s a base that works just as well for first visits to Japan as it does for families returning to explore further.