Spring is the sweet spot for travel. The weather starts warming up, landscapes burst back to life, and you can still wander without weaving through mobs of tourists or paying peak-season prices. It’s the calm before the chaos — and if you time it right, it’s one of the most rewarding windows for seeing the world.
While summer gets all the hype, spring is for smart travelers. It’s when destinations feel more local, more breathable, and more affordable. Flowers bloom. Trails reopen. Cafés spill onto sidewalks. And places that feel rushed in July feel just right in April or May.
Here are the best places to travel in spring — before the heat, the crowds, and the Instagram fatigue roll in.
1. Seville, Spain
If you’re looking for Europe with a pulse, Seville in spring is pure gold. Before the blistering Andalusian heat kicks in, the city blooms with orange blossoms and bursts to life with festivals. The two big ones: Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril (April Fair), both a full-on sensory experience of music, parades, flamenco, and food.
Wander the Alcázar gardens, sip sherry in a sun-drenched plaza, or just get lost in the narrow, moody lanes of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Spring is when Seville breathes easiest — and feels most alive.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom season isn’t a hidden secret — but if you aim for the earlier part of spring (late March to early April), you’ll catch Kyoto at its most iconic, just before it’s overwhelmed. The temples, canals, and old wooden teahouses look like set pieces from another era when framed by blooming sakura trees.
It’s a photographer’s dream, yes, but it’s also genuinely moving. Whether you’re walking the Philosopher’s Path or sitting quietly at Nanzen-ji, Kyoto in spring is an immersive blend of beauty and ritual that feels deeply personal, even when shared with others.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Summer in New Orleans is sticky, stormy, and a little intense. Spring, though? That’s the sweet spot. The weather is pleasant, the music is everywhere, and festival season is in full swing. French Quarter Fest in April is one of the best live music events in the country — and far less tourist-packed than Mardi Gras.
The azaleas are blooming, the beignets are fresh, and the city feels celebratory without being chaotic. Whether you’re exploring the Garden District or catching brass bands on Frenchmen Street, spring brings out the soul of the city.
4. The Netherlands (outside Amsterdam)
Tulip season is real — and it’s worth it. Head to the Dutch countryside in April or early May and you’ll find vast rainbow fields stretching to the horizon. Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse is the headliner, but renting a bike and weaving through the smaller, lesser-known fields offers a quieter, more local experience.
Base yourself in Haarlem, Leiden, or Utrecht — all charming cities with half the crowds of Amsterdam and just as much character. Spring is when the Netherlands comes into its own: bright, structured, and unexpectedly serene.
5. Morocco (Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains)
Spring is hands-down the best time to explore Morocco. The winter chill has passed, the desert heat hasn’t arrived, and the landscapes are at their greenest — yes, green. The Atlas Mountains are blooming, the souks of Marrakech are buzzing, and the coastal towns are still calm.
You can sip mint tea on a rooftop, hike through Berber villages, and sleep under the stars in the Sahara — all without overheating or elbowing your way through tourist mobs. It’s Morocco in balance: warm, colorful, and just chaotic enough to keep it interesting.
6. South Island, New Zealand
Remember — it’s autumn down south. And that makes April and May an incredible time to explore New Zealand’s South Island. The weather is cool but stable, the leaves are turning gold, and the hiking trails are (finally) less crowded.
Arrowtown near Queenstown is especially beautiful during its short but dramatic fall season. Vineyards in Marlborough are wrapping up harvest. And the Fiordland landscapes — Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound — are just as cinematic without the peak-season traffic.
7. Savannah, Georgia, USA
There’s something about spring in Savannah that feels like a Southern novel brought to life. The oaks drip with Spanish moss, azaleas light up every corner, and the air is warm without being oppressive.
It’s a town made for slow walks, deep conversations, and front-porch cocktails. You can explore historic squares, visit Bonaventure Cemetery (haunting in the best way), or just drift along the riverfront. Summer here gets humid fast, but spring is breezy and charming — like the city itself.
8. Lago di Como, Italy
By July, Lake Como becomes a playground for yacht-hoppers and celebrity-watchers. But in April and early May, it’s still quiet — and still stunning. The lakeside villages like Varenna and Bellagio are just beginning to wake up, and the hiking trails around them are green, fresh, and crowd-free.
This is when you can actually hear the lapping of the lake, enjoy a cappuccino without a waitlist, and catch the alpine wildflowers before the summer haze settles in. It’s not just beautiful — it’s peaceful, which is rarer than you’d think.
9. The Douro Valley, Portugal
If you want wine country without the chaos of Napa or Tuscany, Portugal’s Douro Valley is a dream in spring. The vineyards are green and leafy, the river is calm, and the crowds are still weeks away from arriving in force.
Base yourself in Peso da Régua or Pinhão and explore by boat, train, or winding road. Sip port, eat rustic Portuguese fare, and let the steep, terraced hills do their thing. It’s one of Europe’s most scenic regions — and in spring, it’s still yours to roam.
10. Ljubljana & Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia has a habit of surprising people — and spring is the time to visit if you want to beat the European summer wave. Ljubljana, the capital, is small but vibrant, with café culture, river views, and castles galore. And nearby Lake Bled is just beginning to thaw into its postcard-perfect self.
The trails around the Julian Alps are greening up, and wildflowers start popping in every direction. You’ll get the Alpine charm of Austria or Switzerland — without the Alpine prices or packed tour buses.
Why Spring Travel Hits Different
Spring isn’t just a “shoulder season.” It’s a moment. These places hit especially well in spring because:
- Nature is waking up: Wildflowers, greener trails, lighter air.
- Prices are still reasonable: Flights, hotels, and experiences are usually more accessible than in peak months.
- Locals aren’t exhausted yet: Tourist fatigue hasn’t set in — people are often more open and energized.
- The light is better: Let’s be honest, soft spring light makes everything — and everyone — look good.
- You have room to breathe: No shoving through crowds, no long lines. Just space.
Spring Travel Tips
- Book early: Especially if your destination overlaps with spring break or a major local holiday.
- Layer up: Spring weather can shift fast — pack smart with versatile layers.
- Look for local festivals: From cherry blossoms to wine harvests, many of these towns celebrate spring in style.
- Avoid Easter weekend if crowds bother you: It’s a big travel time in many countries.
- Go for mornings and mid-week: Even in popular spots, you’ll find space if you time it right.
If summer is the loud blockbuster, spring is the slow-burn indie film — and often, it leaves the deeper impression. It’s when places are still themselves, before they get dressed up for peak season. And that makes spring travel not just smart — but meaningful.
So before everyone else starts booking flights in June, go in April. Catch these destinations at their freshest. You’ll get better weather, better prices, and maybe even a better version of the place itself.
