10 Best Travel Destinations

SEASONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TIME AND PLACE

HUMPBACK WHALE-WATCHING SEASON

More than 10,000 humpbacks migrate to the Aloha State each winter, making it one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Book a tour to get a close-up of these mighty marine mammals.

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE CALIFORNIA

(June 25-26, 2016) Considered a rite of passage, San Francisco Pride is the largest LGBTQ festival in the States. Celebrations take place over two days and culminate in a parade with more than 200 contingents.

MEXICO (Early Nov.)

This three-day Mexican holiday pays homage to deceased loved ones. It might sound morbid, but it’s a festive holiday filled with food, music, folk-art skeletons, sugar skulls and elaborate altars to welcome the spirits.

WEATHER VALUE EVENTS

Time your big day right, and your wedding could coincide with one of these major events around the world.

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL ORLEANS, LA

(July 20-24, 2016) Thirsty revelers descend on the Big Easy each summer for this spirited food and cocktail festival, now in its 14th year. Be sure to try a Sazerac; made with a dash of absinthe and reported to be the first true cocktail, it’s a legendary symbol of New Orleans history.

EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

ORLANDO, FL (Mid- March -mid-May) A green thumb isn’t required to appreciate the 30 million blooms that grace Epcot at Walt Disney World during this 75-day festival. Expect lush landscapes, seasonal food and more than 150 hands-on seminars. Oh, and topiary displays of all your favorite Disney characters.

BEST FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY

More than 500,000 people flock to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Charles River Esplanade. For a more low-key experience, head to the Prudential Tower Skywalk (only 500 people allowed; tickets go on sale day-of). Locals swear that the best viewing spot is across the river in Cambridge.

JAMAICA(May-Aug.)

There’s more to Jamaica than Red Stripe beer and sun-kissed beaches. Discover its culture, music and cuisine 90 Days, 90 Ways through a series of islandwide events, including music festivals, culinary activities, fashion shows, sporting events and the spicy MoBay Jerk Festival.

WEDDING-PERMIT FEES AT POPULAR WEDDING DESTINATIONS

JUNKANOO STREET PARADE/CARNIVAL

THE BAHAMAS

(Dec. 26 and Jan. I) Bahamians don’t need much excuse to party. The main parade, filled with costumed dance troupes and rehearsed routines, takes to the early morning streets of Nassau (usually from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.).

OKTOBERFEST FIESTA DELACERVEZA

MALLOCO, CHILE

(Late Oct.-early Nov.) Enjoy Bavarian music, Chilean craft brews and German food with a South American twist at Chile’s biggest beer festival, a celebration of the country’s strong Germanic culture.