Spring break isn’t just for American college students! The period from March to May is a great time for a getaway. Choose your destination carefully, and you’ll enjoy good weather, interesting cultural events and — best of all — no crowds. If you’re tired of elbowing families out of the way for a spot on the beach in summer, then you should travel in spring. Here are some of our top picks for the best spring holiday destinations.
Sorry, when we said spring break, did you picture wild parties and kegs of beer on the beach? Well, our first destination couldn’t be more different. The Amalfi Coast in the south of Italy seduces sophisticated travellers and culture vultures with its picturesque beaches, charming little villages and world-renowned cuisine. The water may still be too cold for swimming in the spring, but the scenery is picture-perfect, so make sure to charge up your camera.
The Amalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most popular summer holiday destinations, but it’s nice and quiet in the spring months. Shops and bars tend to close over winter, opening up again at Easter, which is when the tourist industry slowly wakes up. Why not take a boat trip out to Capri Island or sit and watch the sunset in Ravello? Of course, if you’d rather just relax at a restaurant, we don’t blame you. After all, southern Italy is the birthplace of pizza!
In terms of culture, the big springtime event in southern Italy is Easter. Don’t expect chocolate eggs and oversized bunnies, though. Easter in Naples is serious business, with solemn-faced worshippers walking in slow processions through the city streets. You may not share their beliefs, but it’s a fascinating display that is well worth watching. Be warned, though: Easter is the only time in the spring you’re likely to see crowds on the Amalfi Coast.
This is one of our favourite European spring holiday destinations, and we reckon you’ll feel the same way. Join us on a five-day tour of the Amalfi Coast, a holiday that’s just long enough to recharge your batteries and keep you buzzing and energised until the summer!
The seductive Latin-American island of Cuba
Spring in Cuba means the dry season — the perfect time to see this island nation at its best. You’ll avoid the oppressive summer heat, but you’ll still enjoy pleasant, warm weather as you explore one of the world’s most distinctive countries.
Who should choose Cuba to travel to in spring? We reckon this Caribbean island has something for everyone. If you’re interested in history, there are some great museums and intriguing old plantations, as well as monuments like Che Guevara’s mausoleum. For nature lovers, Cuba boasts crystal-clear water and lush green scenery inland. With brightly coloured fish and incredible coral formations all around the island, snorkelers and scuba divers will find themselves in paradise. Oh, and if you want to party, you’ll find infectious salsa rhythms all night long in Old Havana!
From cigar-rolling factories to white-sand beaches, Cuba is a destination full of surprises. We think you’ll need plenty of time to see it all — that’s why we’ve organised this twelve-day Cuban adventure. Slip on your dancing shoes and come with us!
The dizzying heights of Nepal
Now for something completely different! The landlocked Asian nation of Nepal is best known for its rugged, snow-capped mountains — but don’t worry, we don’t expect you to tackle Everest. Instead, it makes our list of the top spring holiday destinations because of its gorgeous, blossoming landscapes that are ideal for hiking and trekking.
Spring is the perfect time to explore Nepal. The weather is ideal for long days spent outdoors — nights are cool, but days are bright and sunny. It’s not so hot that you’ll build up a sweat while you hike, and you’ll have plenty of things to look at. The Nepalese scenery is at its best in these months, as colourful flowers burst into bloom, and the woods and fields are green. Bring your binoculars, as it’s not just humans who appreciate the Nepalese springtime. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an elusive Bengal tiger lurking in the woods!
Nepal’s cities and towns are just as colourful. You’ll marvel at the stunning temples of Kathmandu, and you might even stop to take in a religious procession or celebration. All this, with the peaks of the Himalayas providing the most dramatic background in the world. Sounds like a plan, right?
We’ll be off to Nepal for a ten-day trekking holiday this spring, the perfect way to shake off the last of the winter blues. Will you be joining us?
Japan’s cherry blossom season
Okay, we told you that spring is a good time for travelling without the crowds. Well, that’s not true for Japan — but how could we make a list of the best spring holiday destinations without mentioning the cherry blossoms? Yes, Japan is pretty busy during the Sakura season. It’s still worth visiting, though. You’ve probably seen photos of the famous soft, pink blossoms covering the trees across the country, right? We promise that it’s even better in person.
If you want to see the sakura in bloom, you’ll have to time your visit carefully. Japan is a surprisingly big country, and as the spring weather moves from south to north, the cherry blossoms flower on slightly different dates. Many seasoned Sakura spotters will say that the cherry blossom season is at its best in Japan’s most historic cities, where the pink flowers create the best landscapes of all. Top of the list are the beautiful towns of Kyoto and Osaka, with their ancient buildings, castles and pagodas, but you’ll find cherry blossoms all across the nation.
It’s not all about the flowers, though. Japan is also on our list for great spring trips because, well, it’s Japan! From the neon signs of Tokyo to the peaceful tea houses of the countryside, this is a country with something to excite you at every turn. History buffs will also have a chance to see one of the darkest chapters of humanity with a trip to Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial stands as a solemn commemoration of the 140,000 people killed by nuclear bombs.
You’ll find Sakura, sushi, and so much more waiting for you in the Land of the Rising Sun. Our epic trip to Japan involves nature, culture and history. We might be a little biased, but we reckon it’s one of the best trips you can take this spring!
The mysterious island of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has emerged from its war-torn past to become one of Asia’s hottest holiday spots. We’ve fallen in love with this teardrop-shaped island, which has so much to offer. If you’re into nature, this is one of the best spring holiday destinations in the world. It’s easier to see a leopard here than anywhere else in Asia, and if you don’t spot at least twenty elephants on your trip, then you really ought to book an appointment with the optician when you get back!
As well as its glorious natural sights, Sri Lanka is the cradle of Buddhism. The ancient religion didn’t originate here — it started in nearby India — but many of the Buddha’s earliest students came to Sri Lanka, and the country is dotted with ancient religious sites and pilgrimage destinations. Many of them can be found in suitably dramatic locations, perched high on mountains or inside caves.
If you love adventure, then Sri Lanka is a great choice. Hiking, white water rafting, ziplining and more are all on the agenda here. Adrenaline junkies will have a great time! Anyway, if you just want to sit back and snap a few pics of those elephants, that’s also a great choice.
Spend twelve days in Sri Lanka, discovering the best sights of this fascinating island nation. You’ll fall in love with it just like we did!
The splendid architecture of Barcelona
A century after construction started, Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is still unfinished — but does it really matter? When you step inside this stunning church, you’ll be dazzled by the colourful lights, incredibly detailed carvings and whimsical turrets. It’s no wonder that Barcelona’s basilica has become one of the most-loved monuments in Europe.
The temperatures in Barcelona and the surrounding Catalonia region are perfect in spring. It’s not too hot, and the days are long and warm. Only the bravest travellers will want to go swimming at this time of year, but the tiny coves of the Costa Brava are still worth exploring. The locals love to follow coastal routes known as Camí de Ronda, which will take you to some of Costa Brava’s most charming little beaches. The chance to join them is just one of the reasons why Barcelona makes our list of spring holiday destinations.
For a taste of something cultural, visit Barcelona on the 23rd of April, the day of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia. Catalans traditionally give each other roses and books to celebrate the day, and you’ll also be able to see some of the famous human towers in action. Don’t be tempted to join in — it’s not as easy as it looks!
It’s every road-tripper’s dream. No list of spring holiday destinations would be complete without Route 66, the highway that links Chicago and Los Angeles. If you’ve always fancied yourself as an Easy Rider, this is your chance!
Road 66 passes through some of the best landscapes in the United States. This famous road lets you realise just how big the country is. You’ll see arid deserts, endless green farmlands and mighty prairies. Along the way, you’ll be able to really experience the USA’s cultural melting pot, from the whitewashed fences of the Midwest to the Latino-inspired flair of New Mexico.
We’ll be spending fifteen days conquering Route 66 this spring. Why not join us for the road trip of a lifetime.
