January is New Zealand's warmest month, with highs in the 60s and 70s. Take advantage of the wide range of outdoor activities (from hiking to bungee jumping), and spend an afternoon or two tasting world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Plan to spend at least two weeks there: the flight is long, and the North and South Islands combined are about the size of California.

At the height of dry season, February-Costa Rica's supreme month-conveniently coincides with North America's winter. Fly into San Jose or Liberia, and spend five or six nights to experience the best of the jungle (think: howler monkeys and neotropical butterflies) and the beach (surfing and snorkeling).

If you've always wanted to visit Italy's most lauded sights, this is a great time to do it without breaking the bank. With weather between the 40s and 70s, it will be pleasant for sightseeing without the swarms of summer tourists. Start in Rome and work your way north by train (which are affordable and fast) to Florence and then Venice, allotting at least three nights in each city.

High season technically starts in April, but it doesn't really pick up until the end of the month; early April is the best time to experience the island's pristine pink-sand beaches without the crowds. And just a two-hour flight from NYC, it's easy to do if you can only take a long weekend.

With kids still in school, the Aloha State is still a couples' paradise. Flight and hotel deals abound, and the weather is perfect-highs in the 80s, lows in the 70s, and less rain than in the popular winter months. If you have five nights, pick two islands (great combos are Maui and Lana'i for pampering, and Kauai and the Big Island for adventure) or add two nights on Oahu if you have a week.

Between the Hindu temples brimming with flowers and incense, bathtub-like sea water, and black sand beaches, Bali is the definition of paradise. Balinese resorts and spas are luxurious and affordable, especially in June (high season starts in July). Just be sure to bring an extra suitcase-the exquisitely carved statues, beds, tables, and houseware are hard to leave without.

A quick five-hour flight from New York, Reykjavik charms with European shops and cafés by day and decadent dance clubs by night. With 21 hours of daylight in July, it's a little too easy to stay out until the sun goes down. The Blue Lagoon thermal pool is a must, and the surreal volcanic landscape and quirky Icelandic horses make for great photo-ops.

One of the best ways to experience Alaska's natural beauty is on a cruise that highlights the state's best sights. Active couples can heli-hike, kayak, or zip-line, while spectator-types can ogle colossal glaciers and breaching whales. Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian all sail here. By mid- to late August, you can get potential shoulder season discounts of 10-25% on stay.

On the Greek Isles, it's still summer in September-without the inflated prices, hordes of tourists, and heat waves. Pack your swimsuits and relax beside a clifftop pool in Santorini or Mykonos. Add a stop in Crete or Corfu before ending in Athens with a pre-sunset climb to the Acropolis. Book your trip for the latter half of the month for better deals.

With the monsoons behind you and tiger season ramping up, October is the perfect time to see India. Focus on Rajasthan, home to many of the country's iconic sights. Start in New Delhi and stop in Udaipur (stunning lakes and palaces), Jaipur (massive fortresses and palaces) and Ranthambore National Park (tiger safaris), before ending in Agra at India's monumental declaration of love, the Taj Mahal.

The grapes have been picked and the crowds have dispersed, but there are plenty of wine-centric diversions (not to mention spas) to be enjoyed in towns like Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga and you can begin or end with a stay in eternally romantic San Francisco.

Hotel rates hover around off-season lows until Christmas, making early December a great time to fly south. Foodies should consider Anguilla or Barbados. If you plan to spend your time in the water, Grand Cayman, Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, or the British Virgin Islands won't disappoint. Stay out all night dancing in Puerto Rico or Aruba; or get in touch with nature in St. Lucia or Jamaica.