2026 Holiday Calendar: Travel Destinations to Visit from January to March

New Year, new hopes, new homes. After endless days of postponing, cancelling, and patiently counting down, travel is finally ready to reenter your life, filling it with positivity and light. 2026 comes with new promises. Technological advancements like smart airports, contactless services, and AI-driven personalisation will make your journey different. With each corner of the globe becoming more accessible, now is the perfect time to check off those dream destinations from your travel bucket list. We were very excited to design this 2026 Holiday Calendar, which covers destinations, events, festivals, and places of historical significance. When this is finally live, we hope it gets you as excited. We do hope you use it to plan your travels this year. 

Go For… While the UAE is renowned for its scorching summers, the arrival of winter in the UAE transforms the landscape into a haven for cold yet warming adventures. 

January is a festive month in Dubai, with the city hosting many events. One of the highlights is the Dubai Shopping Festival, a month-long celebration featuring discounts, fireworks, fashion shows, and entertainment activities that attract shoppers from around the globe. Besides DSF, the Dubai International Film Festival, usually held in January, showcases regional and international films, providing a platform for cinematic artistry and cultural exchange. After tiring out physically, take your tongue on a culinary adventure. You must try "Al Harees," a slow-cooked dish made with wheat and meat, and "Machbous," a fragrant rice dish with meat or seafood. For dessert, "Luqaimat" and sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup.

Travel Alike: Tailor-made Dubai Holiday Packages

Going to Dubai without the Alike’s Dubai Tourist Pass (DTP) can cost you megabucks. The pass eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets, making it easier to manage sightseeing options. Moreover, you can enjoy up to 50% savings with complimentary vouchers and numerous benefits. Get yours now!

Go For... Summer is in full swing, offering beautiful beaches, outdoor festivals, and the Sydney Opera House. Perfect for sunbathing and surfing. 

Visiting Australia in January provides plentiful possibilities to explore the nation's pristine beaches, such as Bondi Beach in Sydney and the Gold Coast hinterlands. The warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, from snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to hiking through Tasmania's wilderness. January is also exciting for cultural seekers for its  Sydney Festival, which runs throughout the month. It showcases an impressive array of performances in theatre, music, and visual arts. Furthermore, Australia Day on January 26th offers a glimpse into national pride and festivities, parades, fireworks, and community gatherings.

Go For… Ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, Hokkaido boasts powdery snow, world-class ski resorts, and the Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also famous for its fresh seafood, including crab, sea urchin, and salmon. The local dish, "kaisen-don" (seafood bowl), is a must-try.

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands. The region is famous for its powdery snow and world-class ski resorts like Niseko. The Sapporo Snow Festival also features intricate ice sculptures and snow slides. The island boasts several national parks, such as Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its untouched wilderness and diverse wildlife, and Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest in Japan, featuring volcanic landscapes and hot springs. People start hitting the island during Furano's bloom when the lavender fields come alive. If you have extra time, visit Hakodate, a port city renowned for its night views from Mount Hakodate and historical Western-style architecture.

Go For… It's Carnival month! Experience the world's biggest party with perky parades and samba music.

Southern Hemisphere is bathing in summer from December to February. February is the month of Brazil's world-famous Carnival, one of the most fervent celebrations globally, so it is also the best time to experience Brazil’s culture. The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo pulsate with the sounds of samba. Beyond the Carnival, February radiates in Rio's natural beauty, with Copacabana- and Ipanema-like beaches receiving footfall in full swing to Sugarloaf Mountain-, Pedra Do Telégrafo-like treks to the don’t-you-dare-miss Christ the Redeemer-like masterpieces. Carnival season is a great time to indulge in street food and local specialities. Brazilian cuisine is diverse and delicious, with special treats such as feijoada (a black bean stew), churrasco (barbecue), and tropical fruits. 

Go For… Enjoy mild weather while exploring the palaces, forts, and culture. Don’t miss the desert festival in Jaisalmer, Holi, and Elephant Festival in Jaipur.

"Padharo Mhare Desh" translates to "Welcome to my land" and is the traditional tourism slogan for Rajasthan. For Indians, Rajasthan is a land of historical significance, majestic forts, palaces, and temples. For others, it is a colourfully fierce land with nothing you can’t find here. You are called to this land of diversity, from Jaipur’s Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and bazaars to Udaipur’s picturesque lakes, the City Palace, and Jodhpur’s impressive Mehrangarh Fort. Also, attend the Elephant Festival in Jaipur, which showcases decorated elephants, traditional games, and cultural performances.

Travel Alike: Tailor-made India Holiday Packages 

Go For… Adventure sports, stunning landscapes, and the annual Summerdaze Festival.

March is the peak of summer in New Zealand, characterised by warm and sunny weather. Average temperatures in Queenstown range from 22°C (72°F) during the day to around 9°C (48°F) at night. Queenstown blooms with activities during March, like bungee jumping, jet boating, and white-water rafting on the Shotover River. While March is a peak tourism month, many local schools resume earlier, which decreases the number of domestic tourists, allowing international visitors to enjoy popular attractions with less competition. Look out for numerous events and festivals, such as music festivals and the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival.

Don’t stop here. For better readability and experience, we have kept this one short. To get ideas about places to visit in 2026 for other quarters, check these out. We wish you happy reads!