Spring Travel Destinations

Spring is one of the best times to travel and explore new destinations. The sun is finally warming up the world, nature is coming to life, and everyone begins to enjoy the newfound warmth and colors by spending time outdoors. Below are a few beautiful spring travel destinations to consider.

KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto, Japan is known for its pink and pretty cherry blossom trees, making it a must-see destination every spring. Maruyama Park, located in the Higashiyama District, is one of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. The park is home to a massive weeping cherry tree, which illuminates itself at night during the peak bloom period. Another walking trail to visit is along a canal, called Philosopher’s Path, also known as Tetsugaku-no-michi. This canal is lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees and is most beautiful around April when they’re all in full bloom. Another iconic Japanese landmark that you must see is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This landmark in Kyoto offers breathtaking views of the entire city against the backdrop of mountains, adorned with dozens of cherry blossom trees. Lastly, visit the Heian Shrine, famous for its huge gardens filled with cherry trees that blossom this season. They even host a cherry blossom festival annually which attracts visitors from all over the world to participate in traditional Japanese cultural activities.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam, Netherlands is another city full of beautiful and colorful gardens where millions of tulips and other flowers come to life, creating a breathtaking display of color and fragrance. The gardens are called Keukenhof Gardens, and it is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. It covers an area of 32 hectares and is famous for its display of not just tulips, but daffodils, hyacinths, and all sorts of other spring flowers. Another great place to visit in the springtime in Amsterdam is Vondelpark. It is a beautiful park that comes to life during the spring with loads of trees, flowers, and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for strolls with your loved ones or springtime picnics. Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus is another spot you don’t want to miss in the springtime. It’s a large botanical garden with a wide variety of plants and many rare/exotic species. Lastly, before leaving, be sure to check out Amsterdam’s numerous canal gardens, which house small but charming gardens that burst into bloom this season.

WASHINGTON, DC, USA

Washington, DC, USA is the capital of the US and is renowned for its National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place sometime during late March – early April (but might vary based on weather conditions/overall blooming period of the trees). It’s an annual celebration of the blooming of the cherry blossom trees that were gifted to the United States by Japan back in 1912. The festival begins with an opening ceremony and performances, as well as speeches and other remarks from dignitaries in the US. Then it features a parade with colorful floats, a marching band, and helium balloons that celebrate and appreciate Japanese culture. During the festival, you’ll see dozens of cultural performances and various street festivals that showcase both Japanese and American culture through food, music, arts and crafts, martial art demonstrations, dance, and more! The festival typically ends with a large fireworks display over the Tidal Basin, which provides a gorgeous backdrop for these cherry blossom trees.

PROVENCE, FRANCE

Forget Paris, France! Visit Provence, France this spring and explore the dozens of lavender fields of Provence, which usually bloom around late spring through early summer. Even though the lavender fields might not entirely bloom until the summer, you can easily catch a few early blooms in the late spring, especially in the lower elevations of Provence. Aside from the lavender fields, you can visit fresh flower markets that you can find scattered throughout towns and villages throughout the region. The countryside of Provence, coupled with the warm and mild temperatures, is a great combination to walk along the hills and visit vineyards, take scenic drives, or do other outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in this area. Spring also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Provence, like music festivals, art exhibitions, and other traditional celebrations, making it a great way for you to immerse yourself in French culture this spring!