Travel calendar 2010

APRIL

Follow the action: Amsterdam will be gearing up for its annual Queen's Day celebrations with the Orange Festival at the end of the month (30 April). Street parties take over the laid-back streets, parks and squares, with thousands of revellers cavorting in orange wigs, capes, feather boas and body paint.

Take it easy: Base yourself in a cosy country cottage and explore the landscape and folklore of Cornwall as it blooms into spring. The Lizard Peninsula in the south and the Tintagel caves in the north have ruggedly romantic seascapes, or venture onto the wilds of Bodmin Moor and enjoy a drink at haunted Jamaica Inn.

MAY

Follow the action: Head to Manhattan in spring when there is less heat on the city streets and shorter queues for the main attractions than in the humid and busy summer months. Join the art buffs, students and curious tourists at the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit in West Village (29-31 May).

Take it easy: Leaves are starting to fall from the trees at the Berenty Reserve in Madagascar, making it easier to spot the bright eyes and bushy tailed lemurs. Treat yourself to a ‘soft' adventure package with plush accommodation, minimal driving and an easy tour pace.

JUNE

Follow the action: Forget the UK's more corporate summer events - for an authentic festival experience, join the summer equinox celebrations at Stonehenge in Wiltshire (20 - 21 June). Mystical vibes are in the air during the free all-nighter when hundreds gather around the ancient stones to see the sun rise.  

Take it easy: At this time of year the Florida Keys has all the perks of a big summer resort but without the heaving crowds. The waters around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West will be warm enough to explore the beautiful living-coral barrier reef.

JULY

Follow the action: Caribbean and Latin culture make an exotic mix in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Locals love their live music all year round but party fever really takes over during the Festival of Fire (2 - 12 July). Rum flows freely as colourful floats pass by and conga lines wind through the historic streets. 

Take it easy: If you're after an inexpensive beach break close to home, Croatia is just over two hours away from the UK. It's got miles of coastline and islands, and sea and land temperatures reach a glorious 28°C (83°F) at this time of year.

AUGUST

Follow the action: If you're after thrills and spills, winter season is well underway in Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island in August. Of course it's famous for bungy jumps and late night fun, but it's the perfect time for skiing or snowboarding on Mount Coronet and The Remarkables if you can't wait for the European winter season.

Take it easy: For a lazy mid-summer trip take a short ferry ride over to Brittany, northern France. With a similar climate to the UK, now is the time to enjoy its rugged coastline and seafood banquets. Explore the region by hire car and stay in guest houses along the way.

SEPTEMBER

Follow the action: For live wildlife action book a tour to Admiralty Island National Monument in Alaska to see brown bears hunting for wild salmon. If that's not enough action, go native and paddle the canoe route from Angoon village to Mole Harbour.

Take it easy: Tranquillity can be found on the west coast of Ireland at any time of year, but why not combine your stay with the Galway International Oyster Festival (23-26 September). The slippery delicacy is served with Guinness and champagne at various events, including the Oyster Opening Championship on the opening day and Magnificent Mardi Gras Party.

OCTOBER

Follow the action: No where celebrates Halloween like America and liberal San Francisco is the place to go for ghoulish parties and parades. The vibrant neighbourhood of Castro is host to the biggest and gaudiest parade of revellers.   

Take it easy: Australia's wide-screen landscapes make it perfect driving country.  Take advantage of the mid-spring climate to cruise along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Hair-pin bends wind around awesome cliff-side views, including the sight of the Twelve Apostles - huge eroded limestone rocks jutting up from the sea. Laid-back beach towns and national parks provide plenty of pit-stops.

NOVEMBER

Follow the action: Swap murky UK skies for crisp Swiss vistas and take a trip to its historical capital Bern. With stately medieval architecture and elegant hotels it has all the ingredients for a civilised city break. But watch out, the annual Onion Festival (22 November) will add a pungent twist to your stay as 700 onion-wielding stalls line the streets.

Take it easy: With the summer season just starting, Natures Valley on South Africa's east coast can be enjoyed in relative peace. Remote beaches are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and indigenous trees tower over lagoons and rivers. Stay close to nature at one of the many comfortable lodges and guest houses in the valley.

DECEMBER

Follow the action: Feed your festive anticipation by taking a coach or plane to Germany and visiting the Christmas markets. Stock up on traditional crafts and delicacies at the open-air markets of Cologne, Aachen, and Koblenz. Whilst there, take in the wintery splendour of the Rhineland's countryside and dreamy Barvarian castles.

Take it easy: Egypt's pyramids are a tourist draw throughout the year, but if you want to avoid the stress of heat and crowds go in December. The Nile Valley still enjoys average temperatures of 20°C-26°C (68°F-79°F) so you can pack light, just take some warm tops for the evening.