This one’s for the spontaneous go-getters. You’ve got a bit more AL to spare and would drop everything to catch a last-min flight. Destination daydreaming tends to take you somewhere far away – think tropical temps, soft sandy beaches and a serious foodie scene. From tacos and tequila in Mexico to beachside bliss in Barbados… it’s never too late to pick that dream trip. So, we’ve picked out the best last-minute trips for whichever month you’re feeling.
January – Mexico
Trade the UK’s single-digit temps for clear skies and sunny days in Mexico. Christmas is over and the January blues have started to creep in… So, start the New Year right with some much-needed winter sun. Mexico’s dry season is from November to April, so you’ll be right in the peak season, but you’ll also miss the rush of Spring Break in March and April. Tropical beaches are a given here, but when you’re not living your best beachy life, the weather’s also perfect for getting to know the rest of Mexico. Cancun’s a must – local markets and old-school cantinas can be found in the downtown area or buzzy bars, restaurants and clubs are in the Hotel Zone. Then, for a bit of history and culture you can tick off day-tripping to Mayan ruins in Tulum and Chichen Itza.
February – Sri Lanka
The UK in February doesn’t get much better, let’s be honest. The days are just as short and dark and summer still seems so far away. Pick Sri Lanka in February for temperatures up in the 30s and there are no rain clouds in sight. This teardrop-shaped island has dreamy beaches, stunning surf and amazing wildlife. On top of all that, you can explore local life at fragrant tea plantations, centuries-old colonial mansions and golden Buddhist temples. If you’re after something a little cooler, try trekking up in the hills where the temperature drops by a few degrees.
March – The Maldives
Move over lovebirds, the Maldives isn’t just for the honeymooners. Leave your stresses at home and embrace the island life in March, where temperatures are a toasty 31°C and the rainy days are almost non-existent. Name a better place to say goodbye to winter… we’ll wait. The Maldives is big on holiday clichés – the sands are powdery and white, the oceans are 4K-clear, and Indian Ocean views are in every direction, so you can tick off scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing. You’ve got its postcard-perfect above-water villas and boujie beachfront bungalows, as well as a gourmet dining scene and luxury private islands to indulge in. Pure bliss.
April – Thailand
Thailand is just edging towards the end of its dry season in April, but if you can handle the heat, it’s well worth a getaway now. It’s the end of the peak season, too, which means you’re more likely to bag a great value deal. The Songkran Festival – AKA Thai New Year – takes place over three days in mid-April, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate and get involved with the local culture. New Year’s celebrations here are a bit different to what you’re used to… Huge street parties take over the cities and water guns and buckets are thrown over each other to symbolically wash away the previous year and start the new one fresh. It’s basically one big water fight – not a bad way to cool off.
May – The Dominican Republic
Okay, so it might be the start of the rainy season, but don’t sleep on the Dominican Republic in May. Temperatures are still up in the 30s and the showers come in short, sharp bursts, making it the ultimate shoulder-season pick. You can embrace all the Caribbean charm – lively towns, immaculate beaches and friendly locals – minus the crowds. Head to Punta Cana for mega resorts or Puerto Plata for a bit of culture and history. If you’re after exploring the Dom Rep’s diverse landscape, go for a hike and swim at the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagu or to see it all from above, try zip-lining through the treetops in the rainforest.
June – St Lucia
Hear us out… We know June’s the beginning of the wet season for the Caribbean, but you’ll likely experience short bursts rather than long downpours in St Lucia. The rest of the time you’ll get tropical temperatures – around 31°C during the day – perfect for chill days on the beach. This island’s got over 150 kilometres of dreamy coastline, so you can pick between pristine white sands or quirky black-sand spots. With a little more rainfall during this period, the rainforest is seriously impressive. Hike through the forests on foot or take it all in from the treetops on a zip-line. The calm Caribbean waters here are also great for snorkelling – see if you can spot local marine wildlife like sea turtles.
July – Los Angeles
Peak summer’s officially entered the chat, with hotter temps and longer days. If you’ve got kids, you’re counting down the days until the summer hols, and if not, you’ve still got time to get in early before the summer rush. Where better to kick start summer than LA baby? The Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Venice Beach – Los Angeles is full of iconic movie scene sights to tick off. July’s ideal if you fancy living out your American dream – it’s right in the middle of US summer, so temps are up in the mid-20s and there’s little-to-no rainfall. And yes, LA’s all about sun, palm trees and celeb-spotting, but the real lifestyle here is hiking in the hills, heading to Malibu for a surf, and shopping in the many, many boutiques along the boulevards.
August – Dubai
Dubai is seriously hot right now. This desert metropolis is a steamy 42°C in August, so if you like things hot, head here. It’s all designer shops, high-end stays and boujie beach clubs in this mega city. They’ve fully embraced the ‘bigger is better’ mantra, too. Super-sized skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa – AKA the tallest building in the world – are a must-visit, plus if you love shopping, you’re in the right place. Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops, as well as extra features like an aquarium, an ice rink and a cinema complex. If waterparks are your guilty pleasure, there are three to pick from, or on dry land there are another three theme parks. You’ve also got the world’s largest indoor ski slope and can go sandboarding down desert dunes – sound like enough?
September – Barbados
Caribbean beachy breaks are always a good idea… and getaways to Barbados are all about first-class sands, unreal street food and plenty of rum punch. While the Caribbean is in its rainy season in September, Barbados manages to avoid the worst of it. The island sits just south of the hurricane belt, so you’ll still get plenty of tropical sunshine, with only the odd downpour here and there. The big benefit to travelling during this period is you’ll miss all the peak season crowds – that means no fighting over a sunlounger and the high chance of a great value deal. Pick from an all-day sunbathing sesh with a cocktail, exploring historic Bridgetown or partying in buzzing St Lawrence.
October – Mauritius
Spoiler – Mauritius loves a beach, and October or November is the best time to visit this island. The thermometer’s rising but the rain and humidity haven’t set in yet. Temperatures sit around 27°C, ideal for topping up your tan on one of the postcard-ready beaches – it’s all white sand, swaying palms and bright blue waters. But this place has more than its iconic beaches. You’ll be here in spring, so hiking’s deffo on the cards. Mauritius’ only national park, Black River Gorges, is a must-visit – this protected rainforest has hiking trails, waterfalls and endangered wildlife, like the Mauritian pink pigeon and the echo parakeet.
November – India
India’s having its rain-free moment, so November is the golden window. Forget crowded Delhi, Goa’s way more chill. The average temperature is 33°C, which is ideal for enjoying the stunning coastline. If you’re after beachy days with buzzy nights, North Goa’s where it’s at – think big beaches and watersports, plus loads of lively bars and restaurants down the strip. South Goa is more of a peaceful pick with yoga retreats and laidback beaches. Wherever you end up, you’re in the perfect place to beat the winter blues.
December – Senegal
Trade the grey clouds and puffer jackets for blue skies and palms because Christmas in Senegal is so on. December’s right in the dry season, so things are a toasty 28°C, plus you can see some of Africa’s most stunning nature and wildlife here. The beaches are perfect for some all-day relaxation – we’re talking soft sands and sunbathing in a hammock with a cocktail or three – and the west coast is where all the best ones are. There’s a solid watersports line-up, too. Think deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, jet-skiing and windsurfing. The real star of the show, though, is the safari scene. Zebras, giraffes, rhinos and flamingos… see if you can spot one of these alongside big cats at The Delta Saloum National Park and Bandia Animal Reserve.
Check out all our Long-haul holidays holiday and book your last-minute trip now.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Rachel Coppenhall (she/her)
Last updated: 02/10/2025
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