Top 10 Favorite Spring Destinations
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of our all time favorite destinations. We journeyed on a two week road trip and loved every minute of it. It has continued to rank at the top for safest countries in the world which you can definitely feel throughout the regions. New Zealand has two main islands, north and south, that offer much variety. For our Americans, New Zealand is about the size of Colorado and has a total population of roughly 5.3 million people with the majority concentrated in the greater Auckland area on the north island.
New Zealand offers warm weather and less rain from December through April. Visit to experience the Maori culture, chat with the friendly locals, visit wineries, check out the beaches and enjoy the marine life, enjoy great food, and of course take in those iconic mountains and lakes (from Lord of the Rings lore).
The large cosmopolitan city of Auckland has a great central business district (CBD) with good restaurants (check out White + Wongs), shopping and attractions. One of our personal favorites for an afternoon day trip is to the island of Waiheke for a mix of wine and beach. Waiheke is an easy ferry ride from Auckland and offers amazing scenery and food.
To really experience New Zealand, get out into the numerous national parks, beach cities, drink the famous sauvignon blanc, and spend some time at the lakes, and Queenstown in the South Island.
Thailand
Iconic Beaches. Amazing Food. Elephants. Beautiful Temples. Mountains. Thailand is that idyllic tropical oasis you have on your background. Spring time in Thailand is fantastic, it is considered dry season and March brings some of the warmest weather throughout the country, but especially down in the beaches. If your hitting the beaches down near Phuket the water temperature is a balmy 85 degrees Fahrenheit/30 Degrees Celsius. Phuket and the neighboring islands offer everything from nightlife to bars to romantic getaways to friendly family resorts (although if you are looking for family friendly, you probably want to avoid Patong Beach). If you are looking for nightlife then Patong, Kata, or Karon beach all offer great options.
Take a boat ride amongst the islands off of Phuket such as the Phi Phi islands or head to the Gulf of Thailand to visit Ko Samui.
If you are seeking more of a cultural experience you can visit the many Wats (Buddhist Temples) or the floating market. If the hustle bustle of the big city is not your thing then you can head north to Chang Mai and Chang Rai. Chang Mai has amazing cafes, restaurants, and sights within the old walled city. This is also a great place to visit waterfalls, go hiking, and enjoy the mountains. If wildlife is what you are after, Chang Mai has a variety of Elephant sanctuaries. Be sure to do your research before choosing an elephant sanctuary (please know that riding elephants is not good for the elephants so avoid places that offer this). Thailand has a ton to offer for any traveler & is great to check out during the dry, spring season.
Fredericksburg, Texas, USA
Fredericksburg, Texas is a small German inspired town in Texas hill country about an hour west of Austin. With over 75 vineyards spread around the greater Fredericksburg area, spring time is a perfect time to check out the budding grape vines and variety of tasting rooms. With plenty of interesting day trips nearby (such as McKinney Falls State Park) there is plenty to do even if you are not necessarily into the Texas Hill country wine scene. There are some really great tasting rooms with cool missions such as the Rhinory, which uses some of its wine proceeds to fund Rhinoceros conservation efforts.
Hawai’i, USA
We recommend heading to Maui in the Spring, but you really can’t go wrong visiting any of the other Hawaiian islands in the spring time.
Hawaii is one of our favorite destinations in early March. There are (typically) less crowds on the islands, the trade winds and surf are calmer than in winter which makes it great for water activities like snorkeling or if you want to learn how to surf, and the weather is a near perfect 80 degrees Fahrenheit. We absolutely love heading to Maui to see the Humpback Whales (January to March). In some cases you can watch the whales breach while sitting on the beach or from your hotel balcony.
Curacao
Curacao in our opinion is one of the more overlooked islands in the Caribbean. Curacao is a Netherlands owned island part of the ABC island chain outside of the hurricane belt. The island is a little less developed than its neighboring and more popular island, Aruba, but it offers similar charm, beaches, and adventure with less tourists and cheaper prices. The mix of Caribbean and Netherlands vibes make it a fun and unique island. The burgeoning culinary scene is also a huge standout for Curacao. There are so many great restaurants in and around the main city of Willemstad with plenty of cafes offering a great brunch or for a place to work as a digital nomad. Spring is a great time to go to avoid the extremely hot temperatures in summer and to experience the best water visibility while snorkeling or diving. Take a catamaran over to the uninhabited island of Klein Curacao for a pristine white sandy beach and to enjoy the marine life. If you want to join in on some party festivities visit during Kings Day (April 27th) where the whole island turns into one large festival and party to celebrate the birthday of King Willem Alexander. Be sure to rent a car to explore all the amazing things this arid Caribbean island has to offer!
Lyon/Lake Annecy/Le Puy-en-Velay, France
If you are looking for a beautiful French road trip to see the amazing volcanic landscape, this should be on your list. We took a road trip starting in Lyon, driving to Le Puy-en-Velay, then to Lake Annecy before returning back to Lyon. Lyon is France’s second largest city in the country and is absolutely worth a visit. It offers beautiful views, cathedrals (such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière ), culture, amazing Lyonnaise cuisine, and roman era ruins. Lyon is less touristy than Paris and offers many historical and architectural highlights (without the iconic Eiffel tour of course). Driving two hours southwest through the beautiful natural parks area of France you will find the town of Le Puy-en-Velay. The first striking thing you will notice on the drive is the multitude of extinct volcanoes dotting the landscape. The most striking features in the town itself, are the two major cathedrals: Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy and Rocher Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe (sitting atop a large volcanic rock formation - be sure to complete the 268 steps to the chapel!), as well as the Statue de Notre Dame de France. In addition to being a very religious and spiritual area, Le Puy also has amazing hiking trails. One of the pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago starts here in Le Puy. From Le Puy we ventured back across 3 hours north east to Lake Annecy. Lake Annecy is a beautiful medieval lake town south of Lake Geneva (or otherwise know as Lac Leman). The lake water is crystal clear and makes for some iconic views of the Alps as a backdrop. The Medieval town is a gem itself to explore, where you can stay directly in the town of Annecy with its many shops and restaurants, but it is definitely worth venturing around the lake to check out towns like Talloires for more iconic views. Don’t miss the famous Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
We enjoyed visiting in spring when the greenery felt so vibrant and the area wasn’t very crowded. Also, having the snowcapped Alps makes for an amazing backdrop while you are exploring. The weather in spring can be really pleasant with day time highs in the 60s Fahrenheit, but definitely bring warm clothes because at night it can drop down into the 40s Fahrenheit. France and the lake regions really shine in spring and this time of year is great to enjoy the flora and scenery.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
If you want to see tulips in full bloom, Keukenhof is THE place to see. Spring is the best time to go see this botanical garden. They have on average 7 million flowering bulbs each year and also display other flowers such as daffodils, orchids, roses, and lilies. Keukenhof is typically open starting the third week in March through early May. Be sure to check the Keukenhof website for the bloom report and consider waiting until the middle of the bloom season versus going opening weekend to observe the tulips at their peak. Pro tip: Get there first thing in the morning or opt for the late afternoon to have a more leisurely walk through the blossoms and take pictures without the dense crowds. For an even more tranquil experience, you can rent a bike to cycle the surrounding area or take an electric boat ride surrounded by the beautiful flower fields. Keukenhof is also a short hop over to Amsterdam so it’s a great idea to combine this with a trip to the beautiful city filled with great museums and canals.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country surrounded by Germany, France, and Belgium. The capital city of Luxembourg City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of forts, old city gates, and other architectural gems
. For its small size, Luxembourg packs a punch with things to do and picturesque landscapes. Luxembourg City has many cultural icons, including museums, great restaurants and pubs, and a good mix of new city skyline mixed with the old historical city. One of the coolest things to explore in Luxembourg City is the casemates. The intricate walls make for some amazing views of the city and are cool way to explore the city.
Luxembourg really shines outside of its capital city as well. One of our favorite areas was Vianden. The Vianden Castle is impressive and has origins dating back to the 4th century. Taking the cable car up to the castle was an enjoyable experience which offered great views. Luxembourg is home to 50 fortresses and chateaus and has fantastic hiking and biking trails running across the country. After exploring you can also check out some of the Luxembourg wineries and settle in for a great dinner.
For our American friends, Luxembourg also contains the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial which contains the grave of World War II General George S. Patton.
Spring is a great time to check out Luxembourg because it generally has less crowds and boasts pleasant weather for enjoying the forests and waterways. Luxembourg is also one of the safest countries in the world which makes it a great option for female and solo travelers.
Bruges, Belgium
The Venice of the North is one of our favorite places in Belgium. If there was a quintessential European town that you dreamed about, this would be it. Bruges has an old world feel with the medieval buildings and bustling canals. It feels small, but also offers enough for one to explore all the different corners. Make sure to take a ferry or water taxi through the canals and climb to the top of the Belfort (bell tour) for some great sightseeing. Also be sure to get outside of the main downtown area to check out the windmills. Spring in Bruges is full of color and blooming flowers which attracts locals from other areas of Belgium. It makes for a fantastic time to wander through the city streets & take in the beauty. If Belgian beer is your thing, there are no shortage of amazing pubs and restaurants with waterfront seating. Bruges is definitely a place to experience.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Morocco is definitely having a moment. The city of Marrakesh offers a great entry into this amazing country. Spring is a great time to go due to the perfect temperatu
res. This makes walking outside in the narrow city and the souks more enjoyable.
Marrakesh is a large city walled in with souks. The souks are a vast maze of traditional markets where you can purchase (and haggle!) for things from leather shoes to lamps to rugs and anything in between. This makes for some great opportunities to find some really cool trinkets to take home.
One of our favorite experiences in Morocco was haggling for our handmade Moroccan rug. Ash got lifted up for an Aladdin-esque magic carpet ride by the owners who “transported” her from our home to their Moroccan shop. It was such a fun and unique experience and we were served a delicious cup of Moroccan mint tea while we negotiated (we loved the tea so much we had to bring some home with us).
If haggling is not your thing, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to check out - try the traditional tagine dishes! We recommend finding a spot for lunch with a rooftop to watch the hustle and bustle from afar. For lodging, there are a wide array of guest houses and hotels to chose from including riads which feature a beautiful courtyard fountain or garden.
Additionally, there are some great day trips (we would recommend a guided tour) from Marrakesh such as seeing the Atlas Mountain, checking out the Ouzoud waterfalls (the tallest in Morocco), and seeing the Great Atlas monkeys!
Plus 3 bonus favorites…
Sedona, Arizona, USA
The red rocks of Sedona are absolutely majestic. Only a 2 hour drive from Phoenix, Sedona boasts amazing hiking trails, natural beauty, and spiritual experiences. With the average highs in the high 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit in the Spring, this time of year is perfect for hiking and exploring the multitude of trails in the local area, just be sure to bring plenty of water! Sedona offers a vast range of accommodations from luxury resorts and spas to more moderate hotels to cool and eclectic AirBnBs. If hiking is not quite your thing, you can also check out the amazing Native American culture and heritage or experience the energy vortexs around Sedona for a spiritual experience. Lastly, Sedona is designated as a dark sky community making it an amazing place for stargazing on the cool Spring nights.
Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands were easily one of our absolute favorite adventures. Whether you are naturalist, a fan of Charles Darwin (or at least interested in learning more about his observations), or interested in exploring the wonderful flora and fauna these islands have to offer, the Galapagos is something to be experienced.
Spring is a great time to visit the Galapagos as this season is the transition to dry season. The rains from February and March turn the island green and bring minimal rain for the coming months. Although it is hot, the weather and seas are typically calmer which is better for those who get motion and sea sick like Ash. You will mostly be traveling by boat to the different islands so this was an important aspect for us. The ocean water is clearer and warmer this time of year making for better conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving without constantly needing to use a wet suit. On land, the animals are very active during the month of May. Some highlights include penguin nesting, sea turtle hatching, and flamingo and the flightless cormorant sightings.
We recommend booking one of the Eco-friendly cruises to take you to a mix of the inhabited and uninhabited islands. A multi-day cruise will help maximize your time visiting the different islands as you will explore typically a few islands per day and will go to your cabin at night and wake up in your new destination by morning. We took and highly recommend Ecoventura (which came recommended to us)! The crew and other passengers were so great, we all felt like family at the end of the week.
If cruising is not your thing or you are on more of a budget, you can stay and explore the two main islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal while taking day trips (via ferry or fast boat) to the different islands. The entire island chain is a national park focused on conservation and preservation of the entire island ecosystem. Other than the two inhabited islands, most of the other islands are pretty remote. You and your small tour group will typically be the only ones on the island at any given time. This makes for some amazing wildlife and aquatic viewing that you cannot get anywhere else. The diverse landscapes and endemic species likes the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, marine iguana, and giant tortoise will leave you in awe day after day.
Tuscany, Italy (Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, and Pisa)
Beautiful cities, castles, wine, and scenery. Tuscany in the spring time is perfect. The weather is very pleasant for exploring and dining al fresco and the crowds are a little lighter this time of year. Use the cosmopolitan city of Florence as your home base to experience the picturesque Tuscany region. You can explore on your own by taking the train around to the different small towns, take a day tour, or rent a car (just know that the streets in the small towns are VERY narrow and people will be wandering around everywhere). We spent a few nights in Florence and took a day trip to San Gimignano, Siena, and Montereggioni, stopping at winery outside of Montereggioni. Make sure to take some time to wander through these old medieval cities, enjoy the beautiful views of the rolling hills of Tuscany, drink some wine, and most importantly try the gelato! One of the most famous in the Tuscany region is Gelateria Dondoli located within the walled city of San Gimignano. No Tuscany stop is complete without stopping in Pisa. You, of course, have to take your iconic picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but be sure to get out to other areas in Pisa, such as strolling along the Arno River. If you are interested in going up the Leaning Tower, make sure to book your tickets in advance as they can sell out fast!
Not ready for Spring yet, or still want to take in those last winter destinations: check out our Top 10 Favorite Winter Destinations!
We hope these ideas inspire you to find your next great adventure. Happy Traveling!