As , there is no better time to start planning what trip you want to take next year. So whether you want to go skiing, take a safari or visit a world heritage site, here are the perfect vacations for every month of 2016.

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1. January: Attend the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China

The is , featuring ice palaces and sculptures lit up in a multitude of colors. The festival began in 1985 in the northeast Chinese town of Harbin. It is held every January, lasting for over a month. The festival offers not only the opportunity to tour the snow and ice sculptures, but also attend an ice lantern art fair, watch winter swimming, go dog sledding or even stay in an ice hotel. This year the festival begins on .

2. February: Go Skiing in the Dolomites, Italy

Peak ski season in Europe is well underway by February, making it the perfect time to head to Italy’s prime ski destination: . The are home to two main ski areas, and , but you don’t have to . With jagged pinnacles, dramatic sheer rock faces, the view alone makes the trip.

3. March: Explore Costa Rica

Head to Costa Rica this March, when the . Visitors can explore the country’s lush landscape, including stunning waterfalls, misty crater lakes, volcanic springs and jungle-fringed beaches. Be sure to not miss Arenal Volcano National Park, home to two volcanoes, and the , home to over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. For a closer encounter with some cute animals, , located in the village of Penhurst, a privately run sanctuary raises and rehabilitates injured and orphaned sloths.

4. April: See the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Every year in early April, cherry blossoms burst into bloom in Washington DC and can be seen surrounding the Tidal Basin. Visitors can check with the National Park Service to find out . This vibrant city also hosts an annual , featuring several , including the parade, ranger-led tours, a rugby tournament, concerts and exhibits. There are also a number of museums to explore.

5. May: Experience the Midnight Sun in Norway

Northern Norway, especially the North Cape above the , is a great place to see the Midnight Sun. The sun doesn’t set from May to July. This phenomenon , which is why the "Midnight Sun" continues for the longest time in places such as Svalbard islands and the North Cape. , the this year.

6. June: Go Wildlife Watching in Botswana

One of the , home to such impressive creatures as elephants, antelope, big cats and African dogs. Seventeen percent of the country is dedicated to national parks, according to Lonely Planet, which ranked list this year. One park not to miss is , home to largest elephants in the world. June falls right in the middle of the , making it the ideal time to go. making them easier to spot, there are fewer mosquitoes, and it seldom rains.

7. July: Explore Iceland

In July, the weather is mild and the days are long (up to 20 hours long) in Iceland, making it a great time to visit, especially since . Visitors can drive the Great Ring Road and explore the country’s vast wilderness full of stunning fjords, glaciers, lava fields, gorges and meadows. Because Iceland owes its existence to a large volcanic hot spot in the mid-oceanic ridge, . July is also a great time to go bird and whale watching.

8. August: Celebrate 100 Years of National Parks in the U.S.A.

The is turning 100 years old on August 25, 2016, so be sure to . Across the country, the national park service protects 408 sites, including national monuments, battlefields, military parks, lakeshores, seashores and wilderness areas. So whether you want to admire the or , there is a park for everyone to explore this August. To find an upcoming centennial events, visit .

9. September: See the Colorful Cano Cristales River

Located just east of the Andes in a remote, isolated area of , the burst into . This phenomenon lasts just and is caused called Macarenia clavigera, which, when the sunlight, the . The (from pale pink to dark red), reports the BBC, but can also turn blue, yellow, orange or green.

10. October: Explore Breathtaking Petra in Jordan

This October, visit the amazing rock-cut temples and tombs of Petra. The weather is still sunny and warm, allowing you to sleep out under the starry skies or , yet still cool enough to , according to Conde Nast Traveler. Plus, there are .

11. November: See Polar Bears in Churchill, Canada

Only 600 miles south of the Arctic Circle, is considered the “” because every year, polar bears gather in the to wait for the bay to ice over. By November, as many as , reports The Huffington Post. Local tour operators offer tourists a way to in their natural habitat from tundra vehicles or wilderness lodges, and one group, , offers a week-long “Mothers & Cubs” safari.

12. December: Shop at Europe's Oldest Christmas Market in France

Strasbourg, France, because the city is home to , with the very first, ), held in 1570. The . Visitors to the market can try traditional Alsatian Christmas treats or buy a variety of handmade crafts, including ornaments. This year, the market will open on the 27th of November, and .