Prepare For Fun In This June

JUNE: Pacific Ocean

The transit of the planet Venus across the sun is a very rare occurrence. Indeed it has only happened seven times since the telescope was invented in the early 17th century. On 5/6 June, however, the phenomenon should be visible from locations in the Pacific, as the planet makes its stately, six-and-a-half-hour progress across the face of the sun. Although the last transit occurred in 2004, the next won't happen until 2117.

Calling For MAY Travellers

MAY: Baku, Azerbaijan

When Kiev hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, it proved a terrific boost to tourism in Ukraine. With the 2012 contest taking place in Baku from 22 to 26 May, Azerbaijan is bracing itself for an influx of 50,000 to 100,000 visitors, according to the country's Ministry of Culture & Tourism.

April Is Waiting

APRIL: Nova Scotia

Canada's tourist industry received a boost last summer on the back of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal tour. And this year, the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, on 15 April, may also cause a surge in visitor numbers, particularly in Nova Scotia and the port city of Halifax, where 150 of those who perished were laid to rest. Most were crew, stewards or steerage passengers.

Hot In March

MARCH: Ecuador

Exploring the Ecuadorian jungle has hitherto necessitated roughing it in cabins and eco-lodges that might best be described as 'rustic'; and this can be a problem inasmuch as you rarely escape rain altogether in a rainforest, so it's as well to have a comfortable room to retire to in bad weather. But the opening of Mashpi Lodge (www.mashpilodge.com) means the area now has a luxury option.