The animal zodiac, which has a 12-year cycle and includes the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Whether you’re a trustworthy pig, a cheeky monkey or a daring dragon, read on to find out where you should travel based on your Chinese zodiac sign.

People claim that a person’s personality is revealed by their year of birth. Those born in the Year of the Pig, for example, are regarded as honest, reliable, sincere, tolerant, shy, affectionate, kind, impulsive, and short-tempered; quite like the animal.

Ireland's Slieve League sea cliffs © MNStudio / Shutterstock

Pig – Ireland

1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Lovely pigs are trustworthy as well as curious and easy-going. You’re superb planners and can feel at home almost anywhere. Being so trusting, you should travel somewhere you’ll receive as warm a welcome as you’d extend, and there’s nowhere more hospitable than Ireland. Your optimistic attitude and ability to have a good time almost anywhere will fit right in with the fun-loving locals in the Emerald Isle. As the Irish say: céad míle fáilte – one hundred thousand welcomes!

The Colorado Rockies are an adventure playground for those born in the year of the dog © Zhukova Valentyna / Shutterstock

Dog – Colorado

1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Like their real-world animal counterparts, people born in the Year of the Dog are loyal, sweet and loveable. They prefer the quiet life and staying in the company of a few good pals rather than going on solo trips. Dogs are creatures of simplicity and enjoy being active and playful outside, so we think a friend-filled getaway in the Colorado Rockies would be perfect for you. Grab a scenic camping spot or cosy rustic cabin and take your paws and pals for a long mountain walk.

Satisfy your wild side in Namibia © Zhukova Valentyna / Shutterstock

Rooster – Namibia

1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Though some may see your sign as being a bit cocky, dear rooster we prefer to recognise you as brave and self-confident. You dream big but are organised enough to see those dreams through to fruition, and you’ve got a carefree streak that makes you crave adventure. We reckon a road trip around Namibia will suit you just fine: sleep under the stars, explore wide deserts, witness wildlife communing around watering holes and awaken like a true cockerel to watch the sunrise over sand dunes.

Let your inner child out in Orlando Florida's Universal Studios theme park © Michael Gordon / Shutterstock

Monkey – Florida

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Like China’s most famous mythical figure, the Monkey King, you have a bit of a mischievous side. You’re witty, curious, love a good laugh and are a fast learner about subjects that intrigue you. We think child-at-heart monkeys should head to Florida, where your inner kid can play in a slew of amusement parks, sporty monkeys can surf and swim, thrill-seeking monkeys can zoom through the Everglades on an airboat tour and limelight-loving monkeys can hit the dance floor in Miami.

Sheep would do well to soak up New Zealand's natural landscapes © gregorioa / Shutterstock

Sheep/Goat/Ram* – New Zealand

1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Sheep are intelligent, social and stylish (we love your woolly jumper). Your natural habitat is being surrounded by greenery and fresh air, and like your ovine counterpart, you are a group-minded creature who prefers travelling with friends and making new ones wherever you go. We think you 'll love New Zealand’s crystalline air, gorgeous mountains and pleasingly tidy cities filled with thoughtful, charming locals to befriend. Plus, New Zealand has 30 million sheep and just 4.5 million people – that’s about six sheep per person – so you’ll feel right at home.

*A word about the sheep: the Chinese word 羊 yáng translates to Caprinae, the family of bovids that includes goats, sheep and ibex, causing some confusion as to exactly which animal represents this sign. Take your pick!

Horse – Novi Sad, Serbia

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Likeable and warm-hearted, horses are herd animals who love to be in social situations. You find energy at big events and love being with other people; you’re also a creature of strength with a sometimes unexpected wild streak. We think you should head to offbeat Novi Sad, which hosts Serbia’s largest festival (and one of Europe’s coolest) – Exit Festival. You can rock out to bands playing on 16 different stages, go zip-lining or just soak up the crowds, then head off to explore the hidden corners of this sweet little Balkan town.

Senegal has an abundance of beautiful (and, crucially, quiet) sandy beaches – perfect for snakes to get some solitary R'n'R © Dereje / Shutterstock

Snake – Senegal

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Snakes are known as wise, intuitive thinkers. You are usually artistic types and are a bit of an enigma, enjoying both peace and quiet as well as fine and expensive things. You also thrive on new ideas and revel in learning about the history, culture and language of any place that you visit. In Senegal, you’ll get a heady mix of historical architecture, boutique hotels and busy local markets as well as a dose of creativity in capital city Dakar – home to one of West Africa’s foremost art scenes and the Dak’Art Biennale of Contemporary African Art. And, most importantly for snakes, there are also vast interior national parks, wildlife reserves and empty sand beaches to escape to when you start to crave solitude.

Dragon – Zhangjiajie, China

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Powerful dragon, you are the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac (oh, but are you really mythical?). Arguably the most important creature in Chinese legend, the dragon is a strong, courageous, idealistic leader who loves to be on the move. You’ll appreciate visiting somewhere with a sense of romance and where you can be active, so we’re sending you to your spiritual homeland: China. You’ll feel right at home amidst the staggering karst peaks of Zhangjiajie in southerly Hunan province – in fact, your dragon’s lair might just be lurking here among the mist-covered mountains.

Rabbit – Iran

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

You may appear soft and furry, gentle rabbit, but you also have a great sense of humour and an eye for detail. Your patience affords you an appreciation for the complexities of art and you are a compassionate soul who likes to dig deep into the history and culture of the places you visit. Iran is a treasure-box of all the things you love most: kind-hearted people and a wealth of architectural wonders. Of all the animals of the zodiac, you will most value the endless, welcoming cups of tea and warm smiles that greet you around every turn in Iran.

Guyana's Kaieteur Falls match the majesty of the tiger sign © Gail Johnson / Shutterstock

Tiger – Guyana

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Restless tiger, you are adventurous and excitable and always follow your passions. Tigers can handle anything but hate preparing for it – they love their travel with a hint of recklessness. Many tigers are adrenaline junkies, but the main point is, you’ll want to visit somewhere rather unconventional. We reckon you should venture to lush Guyana, one of South America’s smallest and least-visited countries. You’ll easily see beyond Guyana’s economic and political struggles and relish getting under the skin of this unsung beauty, whether finding your way through its lush jungles to wild Amazonian waterfalls or scouring the streets of the edgy capital city, Georgetown.

Find your feet and a fresh perspective along the Appalachian Trail © Gail Johnson / Shutterstock

Ox – Appalachian Trail

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Steadfast and an excellent planner, the honest ox has a keen eye for detail. Your resoluteness makes you fit for long trips, and your penchant for the quiet life means that slow travel is your bag. We suggest you take to your travels on your own two feet and hike the Appalachian Trail. Spanning more than 3500km from Maine to Georgia, this is an epic walk that winds through 14 US states. It takes most hikers between five and seven months to complete – plenty of time for your considered pace and observant, contemplative nature.

The colourful Barranco district of Lima, Peru © Christian Vinces / Shutterstock

Rat – Lima, Peru

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

( Megan Eaves (Lonely Planet Writer) )