Spring in one of my favorite seasons to travel. Everything seems to be coming alive again after a long Winter sleep. I love to see the stunning blossoms that are just perfect for the ‘Gram. There are so many magical spring destinations all over the world that you cannot miss! Here is the bucket list-worthy spring getaways to add to your list!
Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon National Park is a perfect spring destination. The North Rim opens mid-May, but the South Rim is open all year. The best time to go is May and June, when the weather is cool and the summer crowds have yet to arrive. Mornings can be chilly, but days are perfect.
This is the best time for hiking below the South Rim along the Bright Angel Trail. You can hike the whole trail from rim to river if you have a reservation at Phantom Ranch or a campground in the canyon. Otherwise, it’s also possible to hike halfway to Indian Garden and back in a single day.
Spring is also a great time to ride the Colorado River. There are white water rapids, plus opportunities for short hikes into side canyons that can’t be visited in any other way. You can take a regular white-water raft, a larger motorized raft, or even a wooden dory!
Back up on the rim, there are plenty of viewpoints along the South Rim to see the canyon throughout the day. You can also take a mule ride through the woods to a viewpoint and visit the fascinating Yavapai Geology Museum to learn all about the canyon’s layers of rocks.
There are several accommodation options in Grand Canyon Village inside the national park. The most famous is El Tovar, a classic wooden lodge, but there are others. It’s also possible to stay in nearby Tusayan. The Grand Hotel is a good choice.
There are several restaurants and cafes inside the park. The grand dining room at the El Tovar is hard to beat, but there is a cheaper option at Bright Angel Lodge.Spring really is the perfect time to see Grand Canyon.
Recommended by: James Ian at Parks Collecting
London, England
Visiting London is always an amazing experience because there are plenty of things to do – from enjoying incredible views from the London Eye and visiting the British Museum to eating brunch in El&an cafe, one of the most Instagrammable cafes in London, and relaxing at Hyde Park.
Although there is always something going on in London, no matter the season, it is a beautiful city to visit during the spring season. The days are longer which means more time to spend outdoors, the cherry trees start to blossom and the weather is nicer, especially towards May and June.
Some of the activities you must do in London during this time are spotting wisteria in Kynance Mews in late April, visiting Covent Garden which is filled with beautiful spring decorations (perfect for pictures), going on a bus tour to contemplate incredible views of the city, and enjoying a meal outdoors in one of the many food stalls in Camden Town on sunny days.
If it is the first time you visit London, make sure to book your activities in advance to avoid any disappointment, plan your days based on areas, always take an umbrella with you, and travel off-peak times to maximize your time in the city.
Recommended by: Cristina at My Little World of Travelling
Dublin, Ireland
The cobblestone streets of Dublin are lined with friendly locals, delicious pubs, all engulfed in a rich history. Spring is the best time to visit the Emerald Isle as the rolling hills of green are vibrant with color, and the St. Patrick’s Day festivities are beginning!
March is one of the best times to visit Dublin. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a bucket list experience unlike any other celebration around the world. The weather is mild and you’ll only need a light jacket to keep you warm from the wind. Be sure to pack enough green for at least a week. If you’re wearing green, the leprechauns can’t see you – and the locals will pinch if you’re not wearing it!
Even if you’re not visiting for St. Patrick’s Day, there are plenty of things to see in Dublin. From Dublin Castle’s powerful walls to Trinity College’s beautiful campus to the gorgeous River Liffey – there’s no shortage of city beauty. Be sure to cross over the Ha’Penny bridge. Named after the original cost to cross the bridge – a halfpenny – the bridge is free to cost today.
Dublin is known for its pubs, but the food is a hidden gem, often overlooked by larger “foodie cities” like Rome or Paris. You’ll find local ingredients at the heart of the menu in many restaurants. The Church is a 17th-century church-turned-pub with local food with a side of live local musicians!
The Schoolhouse Hotel in Dublin is a great place to explore the city from, but has also seen much of Dublin’s historical events, including the 1916 Rising!
Recommended by: Pamela at The Directionally Challenged
Malta
The island of Malta is the perfect spring destination in Europe. As one of the sunniest places on the continent, the crystal clear waters surrounding the three islands stay a moderate temperature even throughout the winter. Once spring hits and the sun does its magic, with a bit of luck you will be able to swim and sunbath while the rest of Europe is still in winter clothes.
Be sure to spend enough time wandering the little streets of Valetta, learn all about the Knights of Saint John, explore the film set where Robin Williams filmed Popey (Popey village) or take a boat to the neighbouring island of Gozo to enjoy the peace and quiet. The island has a curious mixture of English, Italian and Middle Eastern influences and there are plenty of traditional vegetarian Maltese dishes to try! If you are looking for an authentic experience, catch the market in Marsaxlokk and indulge in some of the delicious local biscuits. A veritable treat for the senses!
As a rule, tourists will stay on the island of Malta more specifically in the city of Valetta. It is well connected to all the tourist hotspots around the island and a stone’s throw away from the beach. This part of the island also has the largest cluster of restaurants and bars and a very vibrant nightlife.
Recommended by: Caroline at Veggieway Farer
Tuscany, Italy
Spring in Tuscany is just pure magic! Endless valleys of colorful flower fields and vineyards dotted with the most charming towns in Tuscany. This is truly the perfect time to experience this part of Italy, not only for the flower fields (Oh! And did I mention strawberries?) but also for the sunny days where you can sit outside and drink local wine. Piazza del Campo in Siena is the perfect spot for this.
The old town is a true delight and as days become longer the streets liven up too. Pass by San Gimignano to climb the Torre Grossa for impressive views of the medieval town and the surrounding vineyards.
If you are looking for a bigger place to stay, Florence is a great destination where you can day trip to the surrounding towns. Stay at Your Florence for the perfect location near the cathedral and Piazza del Duomo de Firenze. They also have a great rooftop with spectacular views. During Easter week, you can enjoy a number of celebrations in Tuscany and in Florence, you can take part in the Scoppio del Carro celebration where they take out the Virgin Mary’s Holy Girdle in front of the Duomo di Firenze.
Recommended by: Linn Haglund at Brainy Backpackers
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley, in central France, is a magical destination to add to your Europe bucket list. Bisected by the Loire River, the longest river in France, the Loire Valley is well known for its fairytale châteaux, picturesque villages, great food, and excellent wines. All the area, Loire Valley castles included, is listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 2000.
There is no bad time to visit the Loire Valley, but the region is best explored during the spring. From April to June, the weather is good, the summer crowds are not there yet, and the gardens surrounding the castles look lovely with the first blossoms.
The best way to explore the Loire Valley is on a multi-day road trip. This allows you to visit the top tourist sights plus go off the beaten path to visit lesser-known castles and smaller towns. Good places to set your base camp are the cities of Orléans, Blois, and Tours. In these cities full of history, you will find a lively atmosphere, good accommodation, and excellent restaurants to taste the regional cuisine.
It is also possible to visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris by train or guided tour. Top tourist sites like Château de Chambord or Château de Chenonceau are connected to train stations by shuttle services. However, to get the most of your day, a small guided tour with transportation is a better option.
Recommended by: Elisa at Travel France Bucket List
Colmar, France
The city of Colmar is one of the most popular destinations in the Alsace North East France. Colmar is 493 kilometres from Paris and 64 Kilometers from Strasbourg. The village of Colmar borrows heavily from both France and Germany, as it was once part of Germany for over 50 years.. Home to fairytale house with their bright and attractive colours stalks nesting on roofs and its little Venice area. Traditionally the area where Merchants live is today the most picturesque neighbourhood in town that draws tourists from all across Europe and beyond. The town wakes up from the cold European winter in Spring with the vineyards springing to life and the flower boxes on the traditional house starting to sprout all types of colors. Comar is well known for its Christmas markets, it also embraces Easter Markets selling local products, handmade jewellery, traditional toys and regional gourmet specialties
It is not surprising that Colmar the surrounding villages were the inspiration for the setting of Beauty and the beast. Wander the cobblestones of the old town, visit the oldest public building in France drink local wine such as wolf burger and try some of the amazing regional cuisines. The indoor market hall provides a great space to try regional foods and drinks. Take a gondola ride through the cities canals, visit a world-famous gallery or explore one of the town’s markets, you can even see the Statue of Liberty
Colmar is one of the most popular destinations in all of France and can be done in a day trip from Paris via Strasbourg. Luxury hotels in Colmar include Les Suites du Cygne and La Maison des Tetes
Recommended by: Mark at Wyld Family Travel
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular national parks in Croatia and a magical destination in spring! It is paradise- untouched, unspoiled and truly enchanting.
Spring is one of the best times to visit the lakes because as the snow melts, trees and greenery are just beginning to grow so you get great unobstructed views of the waterfalls allowing you to enjoy them in full view! The water levels are also much higher from the melting of the snow which makes the waterfalls even more magnificent.
April, May, September and October are some of the best times to visit as the weather is still quite nice but with fewer crowds and cheaper tickets! If you’ve seen pictures in the height of summer, you’ll understand why this is such a bonus. There are hotels within the park that you could stay in, especially if you don’t rent a car. However, if you have a car, you could get better value options in nearby towns and villages such as Rastovaca, Plitvica Selo and Plitvicka Jezera. There are quite a few places to eat in the park itself such as the popular Lička kuća which specialises in slow-cooked lamb, mountain trout, and other traditional dishes. A must visit if you’re in the area.
Besides the park, the Plitvice Lakes area has a lot to offer, especially if you love the outdoors. From cycling, to rafting to horseback riding to ziplining, there’s quite a lot to do in the local area.
Recommended by: Bisola at Bis to the World .
Nanjing, China
Not only do Spring and Nanjing rhyme, but spring is indeed an excellent time to visit the capital city of China’s Jiangsu province.
Any time from early March until the end of April is good when coming to experience spring in Nanjing. March sees the plum trees bloom, and the pleasant spring weather will remain until the end of April when the hot and humid summer weather kicks in.
There are many things to do in Nanjing, so plan to spend at least two days to enjoy the stunning city.
To make the most of a spring day, head out to Purple Mountain, where you can see many of the city’s most popular attractions. Pack a picnic and enjoy the vast park and gardens while visiting the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, Plum Blossom Hill and Sun Yatsen Memorial.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial, Nanjing’s most (in)famous attraction, pays tribute to the more than 300 000 victims who lost their lives when Japan invaded the city during WWII. Visit this memorial during Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day), usually celebrated in early April, to see thousands of people coming to pay their respects.
For the best food in Nanjing, head straight to the riverside Confucious Temple area. This pedestrian area is packed with street food stalls, cafes, teahouses and restaurants. It’s gorgeous when the lanterns light up at night.
Stay at the excellent Holiday Inn Aqua City near the Confucious Temple for its central location, great amenities and friendly service.
Recommended by: De Wet & Jin at Museum of Wander
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga is an idyllic island located in the South Pacific and is a popular holiday destination for Australians and Kiwis. The island itself is mountainous and densely forested, with some signs of civilization lining the edges.
A radiant reef encircles a sapphire blue lagoon, with the island nestled in the centre. This lagoon is home to an abundance of interesting marine life, making Rarotonga an incredible destination for sea activities, especially snorkelling and diving.
The best activities here, unsurprisingly, revolve around the ocean, but you can also enjoy numerous land-based activities including buggy tours and a hike to Te Rua Manga, the highest point on the island.
Beyond activities, Rarotonga is also home to a bustling food scene with numerous restaurants ranging from markets and burgers to high-end dining. However, no matter where you eat things tend to be a little pricey.
Rarotonga is a great place to visit any time of the year thanks to consistently high temperatures. That said, there is a defined wet season that runs through summer, and temperatures in winter can be a bit cooler. This makes spring, around September and October, the perfect time to visit Rarotonga. Plus you get to avoid the Christmas crowds.
The options for accommodation in Rarotonga are fairly impressive. Travellers with money to burn can stay at a luxury, beachfront resort such as Te Manava or Sea Change Villas. For most travellers, however, we recommend Castaway Resort due to its great value, laid-back vibe and beachfront bar.
Recommended by: Delilah at Our Travel Mix
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