• Introduction
• United States & Canada
• Caribbean & Mexico
• Europe
• Central & South America
• Asia & Middle East
• Australia & Pacific
• Africa

Asia & Middle East

Winter Forecast: In Asia, squirrelly North Pacific winds cause trouble closer to the equator, whipping up monsoons, but they suppress rates at coastal resorts in Vietnam and Malaysia. West of Mount Everest, the blanket of heat is temporarily lifted from the Indian subcontinent, prompting a festival blitz that can at times be experienced for low-season rates. The Sahara Desert region experiences a bout of cool, dry, winter weather that makes visits to most of the Middle East mild and comfortable.

15. HONG KONG
Designated a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China after the British handed it back in 1997, Hong Kong is a study in opposites: colonial, historical buildings nuzzle up against cutting-edge skyscrapers, while the entire city stands starkly against lush, green mountains and the jewel-blue buffer of the surrounding South China Sea.

Why Go In Winter: It’s the best time of year for savings on hotel stays and weather is comfortably cool – around 55 degrees – in the earlier part of the year. Avoid Chinese New Year when crowds abound and attractions close. 

Winter 2009/2010 Events: Chinese New Year (Feb. 14); Hong Kong Arts Festival (Feb. 25–Mar. 28); Spring Lantern Festival (Feb. 28) 

16. JERUSALEM
The spiritual home of the world’s three major religions will enchant even the most secular of visitors with its rich history, ashen stone buildings, delectable cuisine, and abundant sacred landmarks. Although the past few years have been rather turbulent for the Holy City, for now the situation has become relatively calm, making it an ideal time to visit.

Why Go In Winter: While winter in Jerusalem can be extremely cold, the drastically reduced rates on hotel stays make bundling up to see the sights well worth it.

Winter 2009/2010 Events: Jerusalem International Book Fair (Feb. 15–20); Purim (Mar. 10)

17. JORDAN
Unlike its neighbors, Jordan has few natural resources. And yet, the country has capitalized remarkably on its natural and historic treasures, making it one of the Middle East’s top tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy ancient ruins in the desert, bathe in Dead Sea mud, and, indulge in five-star hotel stays.

Why Go In Winter: Even though the winter months bring cold weather to Jordan, outdoor sightseeing is still more comfortable during these times than the scorching summer months. The Red Sea and Aqaba, in particular, are worth visiting during this period.

Winter 2009/2010 Events: “The Ultimate Journey” at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (Amman; through Jan. 21); Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed) (countrywide; Feb. 26) 

See Costa Rica Travel Guide | See Finland Travel Guide | See Hong Kong Travel Guide | See Jordan Travel Guide | See Mozambique Travel Guide | See Venezuela Travel Guide | See Zanzibar Travel Guide | See Austin Travel Guide | See Los Angeles Travel Guide | See New Orleans Travel Guide | See Santa Fe Travel Guide | See Vancouver Travel Guide | See Jerusalem Travel Guide | See Maine Travel GuideSee Oaxaca Travel Guide