RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE

PLAN THE MOST AMAZING HOLIDAY WITH THIS EPIC LIST OF WHERE TO GO FOR EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR, COURTESY OF LONELY PLANET

JANUARY

Valais, Switzerland

Layer upon layer of fresh, powdery snow means January is the perfect time of year to experience Switzerland's enchanting ski valleys. Valais, in particular, is home to a string of mountain villages to suit all tastes.

From the glitz and buzz of the famous Zermatt Valley to the lesser-known resort towns of Goms and Leukerbad, the region offers visitors not only ski and snowboarding slopes, but winter wonderland hiking trails, mountain biking and sledging tracks.

In family-friendly Goms, over 50 miles of walking paths twist through the mountains for magical views.

Meanwhile, charming Leukerbad, with its 34 miles of slopes and 11 cross-country runs, sits among 65 thermal mountain springs. And the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway - a spectacular train line that takes you to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn mountain - is easily accessible from the central hub of Brig, which also links to Geneva and Zurich airports.

FEBRUARY

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Located 2,300 miles west of the coast of Chile, the tiny volcanic island of Rapa Nui - also known as Easter Island - is one of the world's most remote inhabited islands. Yet each year, in February, its 8,000-strong population swells as visitors come to celebrate the flamboyant and fun Tapati Festival. For two weeks, traditional costumes, music, food and games become the island's focus.

There's much more to explore while you're here, including the Moai - the mysterious stone-carved figures created by Polynesian settlers from volcanic ash, some up to 10 metres tall, dotted across the island. Other unmissable sites include the Orongo Cultural Village to learn stories of tribal life, the Rano Raraku quarry where several Moai lie unfinished, and the main town of Hanga Roa, where street stalls serve delicious fresh fish.

MARCH