Sri Lanka, 25th largest island in the the world, comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka very much depends on which part you would like to visit.

Nestling on the southern tip of India between the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea, is the tropical island of Sri Lanka. It is the 25th largest island in the world and comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. Combined with temperatures that hover around 27°C (80°F) all year round thanks to its close proximity to the Equator, Sri Lanka has much to offer thalassophiles and sun worshippers – when it is not raining.

The island’s weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons and, because they alternate, Sri Lanka can be seen as an all-year-round holiday destination. For when the eastern coast’s Arugum Bay is just too dangerous for surfing the Western coast’s sea off Kalpitiya with its prevalence of Blue Whales is hardly a shabby alternative. In short, there is always somewhere that’s dry throughout the year but plan your trip around these months to avoid washed-out beach days.

In a nutshell, the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.

October to March – best to visit west and southern coastline

Includes: Chilaw in the west, Galle in the south, and the capital Colombo in the south-west

Though temperatures are a fairly constant 27°–29°C year-round, this region experiences the Yala Monsoon Season from April to September. During this period the wettest months are April, May and June. Most of the beach hotels are in this region.

If you are looking to spend time on the beach get there during the months between October and March which promise the best weather – though a downpour cannot be ruled out.

If you fancy a dip in the sea then plan your holiday between January to March, when the sea is calm. Another perk is that during these months you are most likely to spot Blue and Sperm Whales.

Party-goers should get there in April for the Sinhala & Tamil Nadu “New Year” festival. This marks the end of Sri-Lanka’s harvesting season for the Sinhalese people. The festival typically lasts around a week and hosts an array of social and gastronomical events – plantain galore!

July marks the beginning of the traditional Esala festivals, with the first taking place in Kataragma. The festivals mark the commemoration of the first teachings given by the Buddha. Attend Kataragama’s event and you could witness whip crackers, elephants, Hewisi drummers and Borukakul Karayo stilt walkers.

Alternatively, August hosts the second of the Esala festivals, this time however taking place in the Kandy region. This festival specifically lasts ten days and, much like Kataragama, offers dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants for those who wish to take part. Be sure to try local delicacies on offer including Okra and banana flower.

It’s worth noting that Sri-Lankan schools are in full swing with their second term during May, June and July. So, should you be wanting a quiet or even child-free holiday, these are the best months to travel accordingly.

March – best time to visit the Central Hills

Includes: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Central Hills is a mountainous area located at the south-central part of Sri Lanka. The triangular shaped hilly area reaches heights over 300 m and covers around 20 per cent of the total area of the Island.

Because of its location and elevation, the Central Hills tend to be cool throughout the year and indeed much cooler than the coastal areas averaging about 15°C. January through to March tend to be the sunniest and driest time. The wettest months tend to be October and November.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s visas are divided into three categories: visas for business trips, visas for tourism and visas for transits. You can apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)  online.

April to September – best time to visit Eastern and Northern areas

Includes: Eravur, Passikudah, and Trincomalee in the east and Habarana and Vavuniya in the north, and Trincomalee in the northeast

The ‘Maha’ monsoon season hits the Eastern and Northern areas from around November to March with the wettest months being November and December. So to avoid this get there between April to September.

August and September are generally dry and probably the best time to visit Sri Lanka for family holidays though it can get very hot and at this time rain showers are short and sharp.

Note: Get to Sri Lanka during school term, January to April when everything is naturally a lot quieter.

October and November – inter-monsoonal period

The inter-monsoonal period is highly erratic and severe flooding and thunderstorms could occur at any location at any time. On the bright side, this is the off-peak season in Sri Lanka so no crowds which is great as long as you don’t mind unpredictable downpours.

The Deepavali (Diwali) festival, which means “festival of lights” also takes place every year either in October or November depending on the Hindu Lunar calendar. It is a truly beautiful event where you can witness the glowing houses created by locals, try local cuisine and visit Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most admired Hindu temples of Sri Lanka.

Considering a trip up north to take in Canada’s stunning natural landscapes, vibrant multicultural cities, and friendly local culture?

As the world’s second-largest country spanning six time zones, Canada offers tremendous scope for adventure – snow-capped rocky peaks towering above turquoise lakes, vast forests rich with wildlife, and cosmopolitan cities with a laidback vibe.

So, how do you maximise those drool-worthy Instagram selfies without ending up managing a hectic holiday?

As vast as Canada is, planning travel in the Great White North takes a bit more forethought than a domestic getaway.

So, read on for savvy tips to make the most of your Canadian holiday.

Don’t Get Stopped at Customs

Before trekking up to the Great White North, make sure your documents are in order, including:

Passports

Only driver’s licenses or valid passports are accepted at land and sea points of entry between Canada and the US. Indian passports must have adequate remaining validity of usually at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Canada. Check current passport expiry rules on the Government of Canada website before booking tickets.

Visas

You will need a visa to travel to Canada. Make sure you have completed the application for the appropriate visa category. Examples include a tourist visa, work visa, or student visa. Provide detailed and accurate information on the application.

eTA

When travelling by air to Canada or even transiting through a Canadian airport, Indian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure. The eTA for travel to Canada serves as an electronic document similar to a visitor visa. Applications only take a few minutes online. So, you must have an approved, valid eTA before attempting to check in and board any flight heading to a Canadian destination. Air carriers will deny boarding if a passenger has not secured this mandatory entry requirement pre-travel.

COVID Requirements

Canada currently requires all passengers flying in from India to provide a negative COVID-19 molecular test result from within 72 hours of departure. Check official government websites for the latest test reporting rules and health screening measures in effect at the time of travel.

Insurance: Dull But Essential

Consider policies covering emergency medical costs, smashed gear from extreme sports, and logistics if unexpectedly iced in by freak blizzards. Use options like:

Health Insurance with Travel Benefits

While Canada has an excellent public healthcare system, services do not come free for Indian nationals. Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for Canada that includes emergency medical coverage can help safeguard you from unexpectedly high hospital or doctor bills during your trip. Review policy terms to ensure adequate coverage for adventure activities you may have planned as well, such as skiing, rock climbing or kayaking.

Overseas Travel Insurance

Look into international travel insurance options in your home country that include trip cancellation, lost baggage and emergency assistance services. If crossing multiple countries en route to/from Canada, an international policy spanning all locations may be less hassle than securing separate coverage for each destination. Make sure you confirm the territorial limits match the entire length of your upcoming travels.

Use Tech Tools Wisely

Navigating the world’s second-largest country, spanning six time zones, requires next-level travel savvy. These tools simplify logistics:

Download savvy apps

Transit apps like Google Maps, Moovit, Transit and Trippr integrate schedules from regional transportation agencies. Airlines also offer handy electronic boarding and flight status updates via mobile apps.

Buy local SIM cards

Purchase local SIM cards granting affordable data/calling rates, available at Canadian providers like Lucky, Public and Chatr Mobile.

Backup digital photos

Having cloud storage and external hard drives can safeguard your priceless moments captured during your trip against device failures or losses.

Frosty Fun

Summers in Canada are great for relaxing by the lake and eating a lot, but winters offer just as many amazing things to do.

Layer like a local

Rather than shiver in thin layers, take wardrobe cues from savvy locals. Thermals, heavy parkas, thick socks and snow boots equip you to revel in winter’s wonderland comfortably.

Try snow sports

Dog sledging, ice skating, snowshoeing and downhill skiing/boarding deliver extra dose of winter magic. Many outdoor survival companies offer winter gear rentals and starter lessons for newbies. Glide like an Olympian along the Rideau Canal Skateway’s frozen expanse!.

Travel Light, Travel Easy

Loading down your luggage cart with heavy suitcases full of non-essentials can turn a fun vacation into an exhausting haul. Instead, embrace the art of minimalist packing – especially for shorter trips – and reap the rewards like easier mobility, less risk of bag fees, and flexibility if plans change.

Stick to key devices like phones, tablets or lightweight laptops. Heavy photography gear and bulky electronics add unnecessary weight and could attract thieves. For must-have valuables, use secure bags and in-room safes.

Get in on that Local Flavour

You may have already researched the top attractions and sights for your international vacation spot. But taking time to get better acquainted with your destination before departure allows for smarter packing, efficient planning, and a smoother overall travel experience.

Beyond main tourism hubs, read up on local history, cultural customs and etiquette, average weather and climate conditions at that time of year. This helps determine optimal items to bring for comfort while avoiding overpacking.

Map out locations you hope to visit and get to know the transportation options available (bus, train, trams, cycle, etc.) to find the best ways to navigate the area. Having a loose itinerary prevents wasting precious time on long trips.

Conclusion

As you can see, Canada promises endless travel adventures. Follow these insider tips for smarter insurance, packing, navigation and more – then get ready to lose yourself in this staggeringly beautiful, culturally vibrant, and geographically vast nation.

Want to travel the world this summer at a low cost? Find low prices of drinks and food at places such as Vietnam or Japan

Picking out places to visit for the upcoming summer may come with its challenges, especially for those on a budget.

However, according to Post Office, a British-based mail and financial services company, there are opportunities to explore destinations around the globe without straining your finances. Countries such as Vietnam, South Africa and Japan present enticing options where in-country costs remain relatively low.

10 cheap places to travel on a budget

Post Office released the Holiday Money Report for 2024. In its report, it shares cheap hotspots to visit on your next adventure.

Post Office based its recommendations on costs of tourist essentials, like drinks and meals, instead of the price of traveling by plane or accommodations.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos offers a rich blend of modern amenities and ancient sites, catering to diverse traveler interests. For example, visit Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, when you visit Cyprus, make sure to only enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, for your safety. Paphos is in the Republic of Cyprus.

Marmaris, Turkey

Marmaris, situated at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in Turkey, is celebrated for its nightlife, beaches and clear waters. During summer, it offers ferry services to Greece, including trips to Rhodes, per Mares Travel Agency.

According to the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Turkey. There is a small possibility of terrorist attacks and wrongful detaining of U.S. citizens. Furthermore, do not visit the Sirnak province, Hakkari province or anywhere near the Syrian border.

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Kuta is known for its stunning coastline, a popular spot for surfing. There are also cultural spots such as Buddhist temples and theater or conservation centers, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Indonesia. There is a risk of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and violent demonstrations. Also, stay away from the Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach, found on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, attracts individuals with its beaches and is great for watersports, nightlife and amusement parks, per Tripadvisor.

According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town in the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond resorts, there are also great luxury restaurants and nightclubs to visit. Also, due to its location on the coast, snorkeling around the coral reefs is popular, according to Britannica.

Per the U.S. Department of State, “The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert.”

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is known for cliff beaches and seafood. One of the popular places to visit this summer in Algarve is Lagos, per Lonely Planet.

According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Portugal.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is full of ancient culture while still showcasing modern attractions. For example, you could visit Asakusa, a Buddhist temple, or Tokyo’s Disneyland, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa, located near the Indian Ocean, has a lot of beachfront hotels and is a great place for watersports! Some of the top places to visit include the Fort Jesus Museum or Haller Park, per Tripadvisor.

According to the U.S. Department of State, parts of Kenya have a risk of terrorism, kidnapping, violent demonstrations or crime. Therefore, when visiting, one should exercise increased caution. Make sure to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border counties.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a beautiful location where one can find wildlife and a variety of plants. There are also great places to visit to learn more about the heritage, eat delicious food or to hike. For example, you could visit Lion’s Head Peak or Greenmarket Square, according to Hotels.com.

Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime and civil unrest.

Tourists in Cape Town using GPS apps sometimes get directed through high-crime residential areas. Make sure to stay updated on the current events in the area, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An has diverse scenes from rice farms to beaches. Travelers can go shopping around the town or spend time hiking around farms. For a historical trip, stop by the Japanese Bridge or take a cooking class. For shopping, visit unique stores such as Cocobox to find jams or Reaching Out for tea sets and jewelry, according to Vietnam Tourism.

As they say, “When in Rome…” But what does it mean to “do as the Romans do”? Quite literally, the phrase means that it is advisable to follow the customs and conventions of the area you are visiting.

When visiting a new place, considering the culture is just as important as the climate. I got to tour Italy as a chaperone on a high school trip a couple of years ago. I gained some insights, but no one could confuse me for a local. For the inside scoop on how to act like an Italian, we went to an expert.

Introducing Steve Perillo, CEO, President, and third-generation family owner of Perillo Tours, America’s leading tour company to Italy. Steve’s such an expert on Italy that he can tell you the average temperature on a given day in any region. Here are more than a few tips for acting like a local in Italy, according to Steve.

10 Best Ways To Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in Italy

1. Dress Nicely

Italian women as well as men tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let’s just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you’re a tourist. So are flip-flops. Steve suggests that you wear clothes that fit the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly. “Italians take a lot of pride in their appearance and usually follow the dress code for any kind of public outing. Even when going shopping, Italians dress nicely,” he says.

2. Keep Your Shoes On

In some cultures, it’s appropriate to take your shoes off when entering one’s home. Steve says in Italy, it comes down to personal preference: “Some Italians find it rude to take off one’s shoes in front of others. Some, though not many, expect you to take them off.” Be attentive to what others are doing with their shoes, and when in doubt, ask.

3. Shoulders And Knees Must Be Covered In Church

Largely Catholic, Italy has an inordinate amount of ornate churches that you can tour. However, it is important to keep in mind that while these churches are attractions, they are still considered holy places. Show respect by dressing conservatively. Don’t wear sunglasses. If you wear sandals or flip-flops, they may not let you into a church.

4. Don’t Call During Pisolino

If you need to call on someone between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., think again. You may interrupt their “pisolino.”

“Pisolino refers to a nap that most Italians take after their mid-day meal each day, also known as a siesta,” Steve says. He advises that if you must call during these hours, you “first apologize for disturbing the household at this time.”

5. Punctuality Is Not A Priority

You may be used to being on time down to the minute, or even showing up early, but Italians don’t answer to clocks as much as Americans do. Steve says, “It is acceptable to arrive 15 to 30 minutes after the designated time. If you complain, you will look like a tourist”

6. Italians Don’t Wait In Line

“Unlike Americans, Italians don’t really believe in standing in lines,” says Steve. “The unspoken rule is whoever is the most aggressive and gets to the front first, goes first. Lines are simply not respected.”

7. Fare La Bella Figura

As you may have gathered, impressions mean something in Italy. Fare la bella figura literally translates as “to make a beautiful figure,” but it means “to make a good impression.” We always want to look nice on vacation anyway, so leave the messy bun and yoga pants at home and get your bella figura on!

8. Familiarize Yourself With Campanilismo

Steve explains, “The best way to describe campanilismo is a strong sense of pride for one’s local area. Sometimes people will even define themselves right down to the particular quarter of the city they live in. Italians are more proud of being Toscano (from Tuscany) or Romano (from Rome) than being Italian, so try to avoid doing that.” Even speaking Italian but with a different regional accent may be frowned upon.

9. Do Your Shopping Before Sunday

Prior to 2012, “all stores, except supermarkets, were always closed on Sundays in order to give workers time to spend with their family and go to church,” Steve says. More stores are open on Sundays now, but don’t count on it!

10. Only Carry Essentials

If you don’t need it, don’t bring it — especially your passport. Backpacks are very handy and comfortable to use, but they can be unsafe because you will look like a tourist if you wear one. You can wear a shoulder bag or fanny packs like many Italians do to carry valuables and documents, or, alternatively, if you are afraid of being pickpocketed, you can use a money belt.

Steve offers these tips to visitors to avoid being pickpocketed in touristy areas:

• Always keep your hand on your bag that’s hanging on your shoulder or keep your bag in front of you.
• Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket.
• Use a cheap luggage lock that you can use to lock the zippers on your backpack or purse in busy areas.
• At restaurants and cafés, leave your purse in your lap instead of hanging it off of your chair, and don’t leave your phone on the table if dining outside.