The best places to visit in April

“April is the cruellest month,” said TS Eliot in his epic poem, The Waste Land. Maybe that’s true — if you stay at home the whole time! We reckon there’s no need to copy that dreary old poet. Forget April showers and leave your umbrella at home. Instead, come and join us at some of the best holiday destinations in April. Don’t be an April fool — this is one of the best times of year to go travelling and discover some of the most spectacular parts of the globe. Here are six of the best picks for an unforgettable springtime getaway:

Costa Rica

If you’re tired of unpredictable April weather, we’ve got a secret for you: head to the tropics! Costa Rica is one of the best destinations around for warm holidays in April. This lush, rainforest-covered paradise is famous for its pura vida, which literally means pure life. If that slogan means nothing to you, wait until you land in this sun-drenched country. Costa Rica is often called the happiest country in the world, and you’ll soon see why.

For many visitors to Costa Rica, the country’s true highlight is its incredibly diverse wildlife. We just adore the sloths that cling to its tropical trees. They may not be the fastest creatures around, but we think that you can learn a lot from their incredibly laid-back lifestyles. As well as these cuddly creatures, you’ll find colourful frogs, bright toucans and ear-splitting howler monkeys. Yes, there’s the odd crocodile, too — but don’t worry, you don’t have to snuggle up to one of them!

Our two-week trip across Costa Rica is a great way to get to know this Central American country. You’re sure to agree with us that it’s one of the best places to visit in April, particularly if you love nature, adventure, and losing yourself in the tropical wilderness.

Miami

Years ago, Will Smith immortalised the city of Miami in song, calling it ‘the type of town I could spend a few days in’ — and who are we to argue with the Fresh Prince? Miami is a buzzing, pulsating city that comes to life when the sun goes down. For wild holidays in April, it’s a hard destination to beat.

The month of April is when young Americans flock to the state of Florida for spring break — but Miami is a little more sophisticated than simply kids going wild on the beach. As well as some of the best nightlife in the world, it boasts an intriguing melting pot of cultures. Check out the elaborate Art Deco mansions, which were built when this Florida city first became a holiday hotspot, or enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine in the streets of Little Havana. When you’ve had enough of the city life, there’s an all-natural getaway just around the corner. The Florida Everglades make up the United States’ largest wetland system and are full of life. They’re ideal for a boat trip. Arm yourself with binoculars for the colourful birds, reptiles and animals — just make sure you don’t dip your fingers in the water because enormous alligators are lurking just below the surface!

Our Miami getaway is just what you need if you’re tired of spring weather and desperate for some summer sunshine. You’ll salsa the night away in Miami’s finest clubs before escaping to the countryside. From beaches to swamps to some of the world’s best bars, this dizzying April holiday is sure to make you forget all about your problems back home.

Bolivia and Chile

This is one of the best places to visit in April if you’re an adventurous type. In fact, it’s actually two of the best places to visit in April. These stunning South American countries have landscapes that look like something from another planet. Discover the windswept majesty of the Atacama Desert, or marvel at the otherworldly eeriness of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s magical salt desert.

These are April holiday destinations for people who want to see a totally different side of the planet. Yes, you’ll be able to explore cities like the spectacular Santiago de Chile, with its old colonial architecture and superb cuisine, but the true highlight is the natural world. Check out the incredible mountains that surround La Paz, or lose yourself in the endless expanse of South America’s most beautiful deserts.

If you’ve got two weeks to spare, our expedition across Bolivia and Chile is just what you need for an invigorating adventure. Epic landscapes and unbeatable views are waiting for you in this gorgeous part of South America.

Mexico

We’re staying in Latin America for our next destination — and we’re sure you’ll agree that Mexico is one of the best places to travel in April. You might just want to spend your entire holiday lazing on a white sand beach in Cancun, but if you’re up for something more adventurous, you’re in luck. Mexico is a treasure trove of a country, boasting incredible beaches, amazing snorkelling and scuba diving, mysterious ancient ruins — oh, and, of course, some of the best food on the planet!

Many of the most intriguing sights in Mexico were built by the ancient Mayan civilisation, who once ruled the Yucatan Peninsula. You’ve probably seen pictures of their pyramids and temples — but when you see them for yourself, they’re truly jaw-dropping. They’re not the only reason why Mexico is on our list of the best places to visit in April, though. The sea is the perfect temperature for swimming or snorkelling, and the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula are packed with life. Grab your mask and fins, because you’re going to see colourful fish, amazing coral and, if you’re lucky, even some sea turtles.

Hike through the jungles, dive into crystal clear water — and then reward yourself for your effort with a shot of tequila. We won’t blame you! This is all waiting for you as part of our Mexican odyssey. Give yourself two weeks to see the best of what Mexico has to offer — we promise you’ll want to go back!

Philippines

April comes towards the end of the Philippines’ dry season. If you want to experience this Southeast Asian paradise before the rains start to hit, you’d better move fast! In fact, we reckon that April is one of the best times of year to visit the Philippines, full stop. The sun is shining, the sea is warm, and if you do get some rain, it’ll clear up within an hour.

There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, so this is an island-hopper’s dream come true. When it comes to nature, one of our favourites is Palawan. It has lagoons, beaches, coral reefs and even an underground river to explore. But this is definitely not the only hotspot worth visiting in the Philippines, though. True thrill seekers will love the chance to go canyoning at Cebu’s mighty Kawasan Falls or diving in the coral reefs of Black Island, which gets its name from a notorious pirate who once used it as his hideout.

The Philippines comes at the top of our list of best places to visit in April for divers and snorkelers. The seas are nice and calm throughout the country’s dry season, with unbeatable visibility. Off the coast of Cebu, brave adventurers can encounter whale sharks and hammerheads in the water. Scientists insist that neither of these creatures likes the taste of humans — but we’re not going to get too close and test this theory!

A 13-day, island-hopping extravaganza is the best way to explore the Philippines. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you lose yourself in the natural paradise of this Southeast Asian archipelago.

Morocco

If a trip to the other side of the world is just a smidgen out of your budget, here’s our pick for one of the best cheap April holidays. Morocco is just a short-haul flight from Europe, but it allows you to immerse yourself in a totally different culture. From the sensory overload of a bustling medina to the silent, shifting sands of the desert, this is an excellent holiday destination. Coming here is a great way to get away from it all and embrace something totally new.

Morocco is one of the best places to visit in April, thanks to its great weather. This arid country is far too hot when the summer comes along, but in April, it’s warm without being unbearable. Check out the laid-back surfing towns along the country’s Atlantic coast, or discover the ancient Bedouin culture while spending a night out in the desert, accompanied by the nomadic people who have lived here for centuries and their faithful camels. Don’t miss out on the amazing food: you’ve tried couscous before, but there’s nothing quite like eating it under a starry Saharan sky.

Our Moroccan getaway is ideal for travellers who only have a few days to spare but still want to enjoy an adventure this spring. You’ll spend five days exploring the country, staying in charming riads and desert camps and soaking up the true essence of Morocco.

Adventure is calling! Where will you be heading this April? Don’t wait for summer to start your travels. Join us for an action-packed April holiday that you’ll never forget.