July

You might think it was all about Europe in July, and while the continent is glorious at this time of year, this is also prime time further afield in such diverse gems as the Galapagos and Ladakh.

The Galapagos experiences the Humboldt Current which brings cold water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds and makes for great – if chilly – diving. Across on the subcontinent, while the southern states swelter in the monsoon, the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh benefits from elevation, and is one of the best places to see the Tibetan lifestyle that it is sadly being eroded in Chinese Tibet.

Back in Europe (keep up), the Palio, one of Europe’s most spectacular pageants, takes place on the 2nd July in the Piazza del Campo in Siena. After a procession little changed since the Middle Ages, riders representing the contrada or city wards race bareback on specially bred horses around the square three times, with the race normally over in a few short – but thoroughly memorable – minutes. Finally, Borneo and Indonesia are ideal in July as well.