# 2026 Vacation Planning

## Potential Destinations

### Japan
- **Status**: Interested, but likely postponed beyond 2026
- **Notes**:
  - Research needed on best seasons to visit
  - Consider cherry blossom season (March-April) vs autumn colors (October-November)
  - Budget considerations
  - Duration needed (minimum 10-14 days recommended)

### Hainan, China
- **Status**: Recommended destination, under consideration
- **Best Time to Visit**: March (sweet spot - nice weather, not peak season)
  - Overall best period: November to April
  - Optimal months: December to March (18-26°C / 64-79°F)
  - March specifically: Great weather, crowds thinning out compared to winter peak
  - Avoid: Chinese New Year (Jan 29, 2026) - extremely crowded, high prices
  - Avoid: Summer (June-September) - typhoon/rainy season, very hot and humid
- **Target Window for 2026**: March 2026 or November-December 2026
- **Notes**:
  - Research needed on what makes this destination appealing
  - Activities and attractions
  - Comparison with other beach/tropical destinations
  - Visa requirements for China

### Madeira, Portugal
- **Status**: Alternative destination under consideration
- **Best Time to Visit**: April-May or September-October (sweet spots - pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
  - Overall best period: April to October
  - Peak season: July-September (warmest, driest, most crowded)
  - Spring (April-May): 18-24°C, drier, longer days, Flower Festival
  - Summer (June-September): Up to 26°C, driest weather, busiest period
  - Autumn (September-October): 22°C, mild weather, cultural festivals, fewer crowds, increasing rainfall
  - Winter (December-February): 16-20°C, rainiest months, cheapest, fewest crowds
- **Target Window for 2026**: April-May or September-October 2026
- **Year-round appeal**: Mild climate year-round due to location off West Coast of Africa
- **Notes**:
  - European destination, easier visa/travel logistics
  - Good for hiking and outdoor activities
  - Cultural festivals in autumn

### Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
- **Status**: Alternative destination under consideration
- **Best Time to Visit**: November to June (dry season)
  - Dry season: November to June (mid-20s to low-30s°C)
  - Best for sun/beach: February to June (predictably hot, bright days, no rain)
  - Best for cooler temps: December to March (sunny, breezy, dry, ideal for beach)
  - Quieter period: April to June (warm but not scorching, fewer crowds, good for hiking)
  - Greenest landscape: October to December (after rainy season)
  - Rainy season: July to October (short sporadic showers, not continuous rain)
  - Wettest/warmest: September
- **Target Window for 2026**: February-May or November-December 2026
- **Year-round appeal**: Hot temperatures year-round, very little rainfall, Atlantic sea breezes
- **Notes**:
  - Beach-focused destination
  - Good for water sports and relaxation
  - Volcanic islands with year-round warm weather

## 2026 Available Days
- Total vacation days:
- Days already allocated:
- Days remaining:

## Planning Criteria
- [ ] Budget range
- [ ] Preferred travel season/months
- [ ] Trip duration
- [ ] Type of vacation (beach, cultural, adventure, mix)
- [ ] Travel companions

## Research To-Do
- [ ] Hainan destination overview
  - Best areas to stay
  - Main attractions
  - Typical costs
  - Best time to visit
- [ ] Alternative destinations for 2026
- [ ] Flight costs and availability
- [ ] Accommodation options
- [ ] Required travel documents/visas

## Decision Timeline
- Target decision date:
- Booking deadline:

## Notes