It’s no surprise why spring is considered one of the best times of the year to travel – In many areas of the world, this time of year has the best weather and some of the prettiest scenery. Below I’ve listed 10 of the best springtime locations around the world, each of which boasts some of the nicest temperatures and some of the prettiest springtime scenery. 🙂
Kyoto, Japan
One of the prettiest and most iconic springtime destinations is Japan. There are a few different Japanese cities that have cherry blossoms blooming in spring, but Kyoto is famed as being one of the best.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes expected bloom dates, and this year the season is predicted to last from March 27 to April 4th, making it a great spring vacation destination. The weather is also very comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celcius) from March to May. They also have plenty of other fun activities, like cultural walking tours and even the chance to experience what it’s like to wear a kimono for the day.
Washington D.C, United States
If Japan is farther than you’d like to go, Washington D.C is a destination with lots of cherry blossoms, and the city even has a National Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade that’s held from March to April. There are also lots of other spring flower varieties planted throughout the city, and the weather is pretty comfortable. Besides the flower-filled streets and parks, the city is also filled with lots of activities and museums to visit. Two that I definitely recommend are the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Library of Congress.
Lisse, Netherlands
If it’s tulips that you’re craving, Holland is a perfect destination. One of the best cities to see these vibrant blooms is in Lisse, which is home to Keukenhof, aka “The Garden of Europe”. This 19th century park opens each year from March through May and showcases over 800 varieties of tulips.
Holland, Michigan, United States
The Netherlands isn’t the only place with plenty of tulips on display! Many people are surprised to find out that Holland is also a city in Michigan – and in fact, it rivals The Netherlands each spring, when the city hosts one of the largest tulip festivals in the United States. The Tulip Time Festival is held in May and displays over 5 million colorful tulips, in addition to the 200,000 that are also planted throughout the city. So if flying to Europe isn’t on your agenda this spring, book a flight to Michigan and enjoy the blooming tulips a little closer to home!
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Charleston was formed in 1670, and it’s the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. It offers lots of old world charm, with quaint cobblestone streets and historic homes filled with southern character. One of the best times to visit is in spring, when the city is filled with lots of blooming flowers and sunshine. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is filled with flowers during this time of year, and if you’re a history buff you’ll also love all of the walking tours, which give you a deeper insight into the history behind this beautiful city.
Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux is a destination you may not hear much about, but it’s a charming resort town on Lake Geneva that’s perfect for a springtime visit. During spring, the snow-capped mountains are accompanied by bright, colorful flowers that surround Lake Geneva, making for a perfect fairytale-like setting. Some of the top things to do include city walking and cuisine tours and guided treks to take in the beautiful scenery of the nearby French Alps. If you’re looking for a unique and scenic European getaway, add Montreux to your list!
Paris, France
The city of love is even more romantic in Spring, when the city is filled with colorful flowers and lots of people outside enjoying the inviting weather. Longer days also means plenty of lively food markets and antique bazaars to wander through and explore. If Paris is on your list, spring is one of the best times to plan your visit!
Caceres, Spain
Caceres is the most unique city on this list, and it’s also one of the prettiest in spring. This medieval walled city is a Unesco World Heritage Site that is often called Spain’s most beautiful city. Walking the ancient streets will have you feeling like you took a step back into medieval times, and during spring the rolling fields are covered in brightly colored lavender and wild flowers.
Happy Spring Travels!