Written By Kayla Douglas

There’s a certain magic required to help clients find their best destination match—so we’ve compiled a roundup of where to travel based on your Chinese Zodiac sign.

…each animal sign has associated personality traits that can help determine some of your inherent travel preferences.

No strangers to turning to the Western zodiac, we’re pivoting to pairing up destinations best suited to the Chinese Zodiac. This rotating 12-year system assigns an animal sign to those born in each corresponding year. If you’re not familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, each animal sign has associated personality traits that can help determine some of your inherent travel preferences. So join us as we weave around the world with all twelve signs.

Rat

Born in the Year: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

The first animal in the twelve-year cycle, people born in the Year of the Rat are said to be quick-witted and adaptable. Their flexibility lends itself nicely to visiting bustling cities. Based on some highly-anticipated hotel openings and pop culture moments popping up across Thailand, all eyes are on Bangkok.

Here’s an itinerary to inspire your trip to Thailand.

• Best time to visit Bangkok: November to February during cool season when rain is minimal.
• Properties we love: Too many to list! For riverside elegance, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or The Siam Hotel Bangkok; for a boutique gem, 137 Pillars or Banyan Tree Bangkok; for ultimate immersion, Capella Bangkok or Rosewood Bangkok; or, for the new kid in town, you can’t miss the Aman Bangkok.
• Can’t miss: For a quintessential Bangkok experience, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can set up a guided visit to the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa where you can shop for local produce, food, and mementos.

Ox

Born in the Year: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

People born in the Year of the Ox are dependable, diligent, and often seeking balance. To offset their tireless approach to work, an ideal destination for The Ox is one immersed in nature. For the ultimate reset, when it comes to where to go based on your Chinese Zodiac sign, we’d send this sign to Costa Rica.

• Best time to visit Costa Rica: Dry season in Costa Rica, otherwise known as summer, runs from December to April; this time of year is perfect for visiting the Pacific Coast including Guanacaste. From September to October, the Caribbean Coast is driest, contrary to the rest of the country. The Central Highlights of Monteverde and Arenal are enjoyable year-round, but if you want to do any hiking, the dry season is best.
• Properties we love: for beachfront properties in Guanacaste, clients love Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo or Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo; if travelers are seeking a rainforest stay, Nayara Tented Camp is set within Arenal Volcano National Park, and for the ultimate spa and wellness-focused stay, Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection is ideal thanks to its partnership with THE WELL.
• Can’t miss: There are so many outdoor pursuits to take advantage of across Costa Rica and your ‘can’t miss’ activity really depends on what part of the country you’re discovering but soaking in natural geothermal pools, going on a coffee plantation tour, surfing, or exploring the biodiversity of the cloud forest are all possible.

Tiger

Born in the Year: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

People born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be pioneering, fearless, and playful. With a proclivity to adventure and new challenges, The Tiger will relish a trip across India. For fear of being too ‘on the nose,’ we’d even recommend a tiger safari.

Here’s an itinerary to inspire your trip to northern India.

• Best time to visit India: The winter season running from October to March is the ideal time of year for moderate temperatures and festivals.
• Properties we love: With India covering such wide swaths of territory, it’s impossible to narrow down the entire country to just a handful of hotels, though, if you’re sticking to a circuit in the north of the country, The Oberoi properties in Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur are stunning. For a tiger safari experience, having a home base at Aman-i-Khas is sure to create memories thanks to its tented camp experience met by intuitive service.
• Can’t miss: Some highlights of our go-to northern India itinerary include seeing the Taj Mahal at sunset, wandering the blue rooms of The City Palace, visiting The Pink City including Gem Palace, and taking a sail on Lake Pichola to see City Palace from the water.

Rabbit

Born in the Year: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to pay attention to details and have a calm demeanor. When it comes to where to go based on your Chinese Zodiac sign, The Rabbit’s peaceful nature plays nicely with a rural destination like the fjords of Norway.

• Best time to visit Norway: If you’re envisioning a winter wonderland, from December to March is the best time to have a chance to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, or Alta; if you’re coming for the fjords, the waterfalls are most dramatic after the snow melts in April and May which is also when puffins and whales return to the coast, for peak season, June to August offers long daylight (24 hours in the Arctic Circle!) and ample festivals whereas autumn from September to November provides stunning foliage.
• Properties we love: Åmot is our obsession for full buyouts, allowing guests to have a fully-staffed historic farm estate set in the heart of the Norwegian fjords to themselves.
• Can’t miss: Exploring the region by helicopter is an extra treat, in addition to salmon fishing, and glacier hiking depending on the season you visit.

Dragon

Born in the Year: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

The dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac and this celestial element lends itself to bold ventures and places. Leaning into the fabled tables of the Incan Empire and up-close encounters with Galápagos wildlife with a trip by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

• Best time to visit Peru and the Galápagos: From May to September travelers will be visiting during the dry season in both destinations, ensuring ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, hiking, and outdoor pursuits.
• Properties we love: It’s no secret that we’re hotel snobs, but for this adventure, we recommend hitting the ship deck of one of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ with various departures on two different vessels, each of which ensures an intimate onboard experience. During the time on land in Peru, this itinerary also includes a stay at Sol y Luna, a Relais & Châteaux property that’s family-owned and gives back to the community.
• Can’t miss: Close-up encounters with rare wildlife, exploring fabled Machu Picchu and Cusco’s vibrant culture are all highlights on this bucket list trip.

Snake

Born in the Year: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

People born in the Year of the Snake are creative, intuitive, and tend to have a bit of a wild soul. Safari is the ideal match for The Snake, and while those can come in numerous forms, it’s Namibia we have our sights set on for its out-of-this-world variety.

Here’s an itinerary to inspire your trip to Namibia.

• Best time to visit Namibia: The dry season from May to October is considered to be one of the most optimal times to visit Nambia for wildlife viewing across its dramatic landscapes.
• Properties we love: Our friends at Natural Selection have a smattering of exceptional lodges across Namibia including Kwessi Dunes, Hoanib Valley Camp, and Swipwreck Lodge, in addition to Zannier’s two incredible properties, Zannier Hotels Omaanda and Zannier Hotels Sonop.
• Can’t miss: Hiking to the top of Big Daddy dune makes for a core memory, as do the desert-adapted elephants and giraffes, along with spotting thousands of flamingos on a bush plane transfer and combing the beach for whale bones.

Horse

Born in the Year: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, independent, and self-reliant. Aside from the fact that you can quite literally ride wild horses, when it comes to where to go based on your Chinese Zodiac sign, the untamed Patagonian paradise of Chile’s Magallanes region is a perfect pairing for The Horse.

• Best time to visit Chilean Patagonia: Peak season for Patagonia is its summer from December to February when temperatures are at their warmest and there is ample daylight. It’s also a great time for wildlife viewings, though, if you prefer fewer fellow visitors, shoulder season runs from November to March when conditions are still favorable for outdoor activities.
• Properties we love: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa in Torres del Paine National Park is a client favorite for its striking design and flexible approach to designing itineraries based on how travelers are feeling day by day. Explora Patagonia is another favorite.
• Can’t miss: Guided hikes, kayaking, and enjoying seasonal cuisine paired with fine Chilean wines.

Sheep

Born in the Year: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

People born in the Year of the Sheep are typically artistic, kind, and seekers of tranquility. Few backdrops are as idyllic as the U.K. countryside, and for The Sheep, these landscapes will feel like home.

• Best time to visit the U.K. countryside: Spring and autumn escapes to the UK countryside are some of the most sought-after for the mild (sometimes moody!) weather. From March to May, travelers can expect blossoming flowers, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes as the backdrop to peaceful walks. From September to November, autumnal foliage and seasonal produce offer a cozy addition to this already charming destination.
  Properties we love: Lately, we’ve been loving Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire and Beaverbrook in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
• Can’t miss: Hiking and walking trails cover the U.K. countryside with charming villages also dotting the gentle hills for the perfect pint in between soaking up the landscape. The U.K. is also known for its gardens and some favorites in the region include Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Hidcote Manor Garden.

Monkey

Born in the Year: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

People born in the Year of the Monkey are curious, imaginative, and witty. While The Monkey could thrive in nearly any setting, an active bike tour is especially appealing to meet their need for thrilling experiences. Our friends at Duvine lead bike tours all over the world so it’s difficult to pinpoint just one itinerary—though, their Mallorca Eclipse Bike Tour happening in August 2026 promises to be especially memorable.

Here’s an island guide to inspire your trip to Mallorca.

• Best time to visit Mallorca: This Spanish island is a beloved summer destination; to time up your visit with the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, you’ll be looking at peak season from August 9th-14th.
• Properties we love: This particular itinerary includes stays at Son Brull, La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, and Kimpton Aysla Mallorca.
• Can’t miss: Aside from the obvious highlight of seeing the 2026 total solar eclipse in one of the few destinations where it will be observable as you mark the occasion with a celestial celebration while the moon passes between Earth and the sun, this tour will have you seeing so much of Mallorca’s winding terrain.

Rooster

Born in the Year: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

People born in the Year of the Rooster are dependable, confident, and have a strong sense of self. When it comes to where to go based on your Chinese Zodiac, a solo trip is well suited for The Rooster. Western Australia beckons for its lack of a language barrier and the chance to travel slowly on your own terms.

• Best time to visit Western Australia: For a trip down under during Aussie summer, December to February is ideal for a hot and dry heat. Swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef begins in late February.
• Properties we love: When it comes to luxury lodges, Sal Salis Nigaloo Reef, Cape Lodge, and El Questro Homestead are some of the region’s finest.
• Can’t miss: For the outdoor enthusiast, soaking up the sunshine on Western Australia’s 12,000 kilometers of coastline is sure to be a highlight. From flamingo-pink lakes to pristine islands and the white sands and turquoise waters of Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, the beach beacons.

Dog

Born in the Year: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

People born in the Year of the Dog are caring, compassionate, and enjoy good health. For the ultimate lean into longevity, a science-backed detox. While there are a number of esteemed reset programs around the world, we especially love the ability to do a wellness-focused stay on the beaches of Riviera Maya.

• Best time to do a wellness retreat: The best time of year to do a wellness retreat is whenever you are truly committed to making changes in your lifestyle! But in terms of seasonality, we love Riviera Maya best between November and April.
• Properties we love: For many years, we’ve been sending clients to Southern Spain to recalibrate at SHA Wellness Clinic Spain, so the opening of SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico closer to our North American clients has only further opened up the opportunity for more travelers to experience their groundbreaking methods.
• Can’t miss: There are a number of programs that guests can choose from depending on their goals, but for the busy executive, the ‘Leader’s Performance’ seven-day program combines the biological data that comes from your diagnostic scan with holistic health treatments like acupuncture, infrared heat, and osteopathy in addition to personal training.

Pig

Born in the Year: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

People born in the Year of the Pig are laid-back, sincere, and love entertainment. When it comes to where to stay based on your Chinese Zodiac, for a stateside escape that will have you chilled out, Austin is an oasis of Texas cool.

• Best time to visit Austin: Spring and fall are favorites across Texas, with March to May and September to November offering mild weather for outdoor activities. If you’re looking to hit South by Southwest, the festival typically happens in early March.
• Properties we love: In the center of town, few locales are as trendy as the Kelly Wearstler-designed Austin Proper. Alternatively, The Loren Hotel offers stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline while being within waking distance of the central business district.
• Can’t miss: Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, hiking at Barton Creek Greenbelt, and exploring Zilker Park are all fun ways to get out of downtown Austin.