Summer travel guide: Top destinations in the Southern Hemisphere

Arguably, less land, more water and, yes, even less humanity make the austral half of our planet all the more special and worth the long flight to get there. With so few people and far less development, landscapes tend to be delightfully wild, customs intriguingly unique and wildlife fascinatingly rare.

Of course, traveling to the Southern Hemisphere during its summer — December through February — has the added benefit of being warm when it's cold on the other side of the globe. That said, check the weather because in certain places, it's monsoon (read: super rainy) season.

As a Southern Hemisphere dweller living just eight-odd degrees south of the equator in Bali, Indonesia, I highly recommend venturing southward during these months for warm temperatures, natural wonders and world-class hospitality. Here are ten of the best places to start planning a trip for next year during summer in the Southern Hemisphere:

Sydney

There is nothing quite like summer in Sydney. An Australian city that can feel like one giant beach town one moment and an urban center of cool fine dining and chic fashion another. There are dramatically beautiful cliff walks scenic spots for lawn bowling with a drink in hand plus Sydney Harbour cruises. The Sydney Festival dishes out dance theater musical performances each January. You can't miss Bondi Beach iconic Bondi Icebergs swim club above-the-ocean pool storied Opera House.

TPG tip: In reimagined circa-1912 sandstone Department Education building downtown glamorous culturally connected Capella Sydney bursting inspiring art including large commissions Indigenous talents plush place rest your head dine spa up when not gallivanting around radiant city suburbs Rooms start $692 per night summer.

Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia is a region breathtaking beauty spanning some square miles half long skinny country Summer ideal time visit epic destination hike Torres del Paine white water rafting kayak fjords view Perito Moreno Glacier spot wildlife penguins whales Highs typically mild thrills anything but.

TPG tip Blending into landscape enough let peaks shine Tierra Patagonia overlooks Sarmiento Lake comprises rooms celebrate staggering natural vistas besides luxurious creature comforts All-inclusive rates start $3 per night December.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

If Uganda best thing gorilla trekking highlands designated UNESCO World Heritage Site cooler rest country sprawls across equator remarkable endangered mountain gorillas home dry season results dense foliage easier view untamed natural habitat Planning kind key considering need permits limited.

TPG tip When reopens Gorilla Forest Lodge Sanctuary put guests sumptuous suites close humanly possible seeking sustainable immersed national park itself Rates start $520 person based double occupancy.

Sao Paulo

You'll like rather love heat swing Brazil populous city summertime daytime temperatures hover humidity chance rain high worth steamy atmosphere explore vibrant metropolis eye-catching aesthetics plenty architecture guided walking tour recommended culture art February March main event Carnival explosion colorful parades samba performances music street parties fabulously over-the-top costumes imaginable.

TPG tip Close festivities Bela Vista neighborhood Rosewood elegant option cultural immersion thanks collection works artists rooms begin per night season.

Queenstown New Zealand

Calling adrenaline-fueled adventurers set amid Alps Lake Wakatipu excitement especially warmest months theoretically person travel way mind enjoy wine views many fly Milford Sound teeny airplane morning aboard waterfall-strewn cruise active pursuits come bungee jumping hiking paragliding jet boating skydiving.

TPG tip Rustic luxury tap shores Hilton Resort Spa cozy fire pits indoor pool water taxi reach town rates begin or Honors points.

Cape Town

Breathtaking mountains innovative affordable Michelin-quality dining sandy beaches turquoise waters await South African live music explore wine country immerse wild spaces partake outdoor activities surfing free diving hotels best attention detail plush design worth quick lag stopover safari warning however days decide give never enough.

An icon Victoria Alfred Waterfront Fairmont Managed hotel reopened entirely look cements dynamic destination slumbering sweetly hours cushy tasting native generational recipes flavors drinking seen waterfront bar taking art starts per