The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and you’ve got that urge to peel off those layers and step out into the world. Spring is the perfect time to get out and experience new destinations. Whether you’re an intrepid hiker craving the aroma of forest blossoms or a history buff looking to stroll through the ancient corridors of civilizations past, there’s an ideal spot for you to welcome this season of renewal and growth.
This post is not just your average listicle of places to visit, oh no! We’ve combed the globe to curate an inclusive travel guide that features diverse locations and experiences for all types of adventurists. Ready? Set? Spring! In this neon-lights-of-the-welcome-sign to spring travel, you’ll find the best destination for any traveller’s aspiration, be it for a solo sojourn, a family fling, or a trip with friends.
Lush Oases of Tranquillity
Kyoto, Japan
Welcome spring the Japanese way with a trip to Kyoto. Cherry blossoms, or Sakura, turn the city into a sea of pink, with Ishiyama Bamboo Grove offering breath-taking wanders and the Philosopher’s Path providing a calm retreat. Discover spring in each sip at Zen-like tea ceremonies or enjoy the traditional practices of Kaiseki.
Washington, D.C., USA
If the idea of fitting a trip to Japan into your spring schedule is a tad … ambitious, perhaps the birthplace of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is more your speed. Strolling around the Tidal Basin as cherry blossoms create a soft pink canopy is a bucket-list experience. Plus, you’ve got the city’s incredible museums and rich history to immerse in after you’re done Instagramming the blooms.
Outdoor Adventure Meccas
Banff National Park, Canada
Spring is the shoulder season at Banff, so crowds thin out and you can have the postcard-worthy vistas to yourself. Traversing the trails transitioning from snowy hikes to full-on green is an unforgettable experience. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like elk, grizzlies, and even the odd moose.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is where the adventure junkies go. Paragliding over the renowned Eager, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, boat rides on turquoise Lake Thun, and canyoning are all amped up with the charm of blooming Alpine flowers. It’s not all adrenaline, though. Peaceful strolls along Harder Kulm and Shying Platte offer sweeping views of the region.
Cultural and Culinary Escapes
Lisbon, Portugal
With its pastel-coloured buildings, intricate tile patterns, and vintage trams clanking up its steep hills, Lisbon is a sensory delight. Spring here pairs perfectly with the feast of sardines during the St. Anthony’s Day celebrations and visiting the picturesque town of Sintra, a short train ride away.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca hits the sweet spot of being lively but not overcrowded in the spring. The Day of the Dead’s eerie beauty is swapped for a surge in festivities focusing on food, with marketplaces brimming over with artisanal chocolates, rich moles, and countless mescal varieties. Pair this with a walk through the Herve el Agua rock formations for a truly unique experience.
Family-Friendly Fun
Orlando, Florida, USA
Orlando, with its multitude of theme parks, is a classic for a reason. Spring in Disney World or Universal Studios means milder temperatures and fewer lines, plus you can catch the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival for extra botanic beauty. After the theme park mania, the beaches aren’t far for some much-needed relaxation.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona in the spring offers the magic of Gaudi’s creations without the heatwaves and tourist hordes that summer brings. Kids (and kids-at-heart) will love the city’s beaches, the fantastical Park Güell, and the chance to eat endless tapas. The Magic Fountain of Muntjac puts on a water-and-music extravaganza that will leave the whole family spellbound.
Eco-Conscious Experiences
Bali, Indonesia
Put some ‘Om’ in your sporing — sorry, we mean ‘spring’ — by joining in on the Balinese New Year, Nyein, which falls around March. Before the island goes quiet, witness the boisterous Goo-Goo parades. Once silence settles, reflect on the year ahead, all under the banner of Bali’s verdant jungles and picturesque rice paddies.
The Azores, Portugal
This Portuguese archipelago, situated in the middle of the Atlantic, is an escape into pure, natural beauty. Spring here means whale watching at the end of the migration season, exploring volcanic landscapes, and witnessing a riot of wildflowers. Since it’s increasingly on adventurer radars, now’s the time to go before it becomes the next big thing.
Hidden Gems for the Curious Travellers
Kotor, Montenegro
This lesser-known European gem is perfect for history buff preppers. Medieval architecture, the picturesque fjord, and the tiny islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George pepper the bay. With traffic removed from the town centre in spring, it’s easy to get lost in the streets and find a sense of tranquillity.
Luong Prabang, Laos
Formerly the capital of Laos, Luong Prabang is now a UNESCO World Heritage site beloved for its mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and colonial French architecture. Monks collecting alms in the morning mists are a common sight that’s both humbling and serene. Spring here sees the monsoon-free and warm season, perfect for exploring this historical treasure untainted by crowds.
The Budget-Friendly But Still Awesome
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a haven for budget travellers and offers up thermal baths, a rich history, and a lively ruin bar scene. Visit in the spring to enjoy the warm temperatures as you stroll between Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building, or take a boat cruise down the Danube for a new perspective.
Medellin, Colombia
If you’ve been binging ‘Narcos’ and wondering if there’s a family-friendly version of Colombia, Medellin is your answer. The city of eternal spring has blooming flowers year-round, but it really comes into its own in spring. Foodies will love eating their way through exotic fruits at the San Pedro Market, and a visit to the local coffee farms offers a side of nature with their caffeine kick.
Ready to Spring into Action?
We believe the best way to live life is to explore it. With this diverse list of spring destinations, you’re spoilt for choice. The key is to pick a place that resonates with your traveller’s spirit and to remember that traveling in spring isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the transformation both you and the world undergo with the change of the season.
Wherever you end up, slather that sunscreen, carry a reusable water bottle, and above all, immerse yourself in the experience. Spring waits for no one, and these destinations will be the canvas for your unique adventure. Pack smart, not just light, and spring forth with the zest and zeal that only comes with knowing the world is there for the taking. Safe travels, wanderers!
