Why spring is a great time to travel?
Spring is a great time to travel because of its comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Compared to the hot summer season, spring has warm weather and is ideal for exploring with fewer crowds at popular destinations. The beauty of spring is evident, with everything blooming and bursting with colors, making it even more alluring to venture outside. Additionally, spring offers unique experiences such as witnessing cherry blossom trees in Japan, tulip fields in the Netherlands, or whale watching in the Dominican Republic.
Brief overview of the 5 best travel destinations
1. Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom season
Cherry blossom season is a beloved and celebrated event in Japan. The season is typically from late March to April, but it covers around four months due to the country's geographical diversity. Festivals and hanami parties (flower-viewing parties) are held across Japan, from informal gatherings between friends and families to company celebrations in parks near their offices. Cherry blossom festivals are conducted in many places, and as the delicate blossoms shine through the darkness at night, nighttime light-ups create an ethereal ambiance. If you ever get the chance to travel to Japan during the cherry blossom season, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the splendor of the blooms and take part in the customary celebrations.
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Historical sites and temples
Japan boasts a rich culture and history that is reflected in its numerous landmarks and attractions.
Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken's hallowed shrines are located in Meiji Jingu and Yasukuni Shrine, respectively, while the former is dedicated to the nation's war heroes.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial serves as a reminder of the atomic bomb's devastation. Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple is the Sensoji Temple, and the Tokyo National Museum is home to numerous Asian and Japanese national treasures.
The Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto is a UNESCO-listed temple with a renowned Main Hall that hangs over a steep cliff. Lastly, Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan, is a popular site and historical museum that offers a view of the city and its surrounding cherry tree-filled park.
Japanese cuisine
Japan's traditional cuisine, known as washoku, centers around miso soup with rice and a variety of other dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Side dishes commonly feature fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth. Seafood is also a staple, typically grilled, raw as sashimi, or in sushi.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tulip fields and flower markets
The Amsterdam Flower Market is a unique attraction and the only floating flower market in the world, established in 1862. Set on houseboats, it is a fragrant and colorful place to visit throughout the year. The flower stalls sell a variety of blooms, including tulips, narcissus, geraniums, and other flowers, as well as bulbs ready for export. During December, the market also sells Christmas trees of various types and sizes. In addition to flowers, the market offers a range of cute Dutch souvenirs, such as clogs, wooden tulips, and cheese, making it a perfect place to find memorable gifts to take home.
Canal cruises
To see the tulips during mid-April is the best time to travel to The Netherlands. The tulip season runs from the end of March to the middle of May, but the tulips are usually in full bloom by the middle of April. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse showcase over 7 million flower bulbs during spring, offering a fantastic opportunity to view a wide variety of tulips. Nonetheless, during this time of year, you can simply hop on a train or grab a bike to witness the tulips in their full splendor across the rural fields.
Museums and art galleries
Amsterdam is renowned for its world-famous museums, and a visit to the city is lacking without exploring the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Stedelijk Museum. However, the city boasts a plethora of unconventional gems beyond the Museum Quarter. You can discover museums dedicated to felines and exquisite photography galleries, as well as an exceptional collection of self-playing pianos - all sure to provide an inspiring and unique exhibition experience.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Warm weather and beaches
If you're seeking a coastal holiday without the intense heat of summer, Spain is the ideal destination.
The Canary Islands, the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol, and Cabo de Gata in Andalusia all have delightful year-round climates that feel like an unending spring.
Enjoy the refreshing dip in the sea and then soak up the sun without needing to pack heavy winter clothes. Travel light and check out this list of must-visit destinations in Spain between October and May.
Gaudi architecture
Different names may spring to mind while naming the world's best architects. However, if you are familiar with Spanish history, Antoni Gaudi is the first person who comes to mind.
Gaudi's distinctive architecture is prevalent throughout Barcelona, and it's hard to miss his iconic designs as you explore this beautiful city. During the late 19th century, Gaudi was in his prime and produced many impressive architectural buildings and constructions throughout Spain, most notably in Barcelona.
Delicious food and wine
Spanish cuisine is well-known in the world for its flavorful, nutritious, traditional, inventive, and diverse dishes. Its also known for its well-known restaurants and fine dining establishments, whose chefs have received recognition globally. The famous Mediterranean diet places a strong emphasis on natural ingredients and healthful fats like olive oil, which is one of the best examples of how Spanish cuisine has positive health effects. Iberian ham, a symbol of national pride, and Spanish wine, the ideal aperitif, are a couple of the star ingredients of Spanish cuisine. While Rioja is the most famous Spanish wine, you can discover a variety of other options as you explore Spain.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Outdoor activities and hiking
You'll be eager to explore once you've experienced Vancouver's breathtaking natural beauty, which includes its glistening waterways, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountains that are visible even from downtown. A great way to experience this is to go hiking or nature walking to different options that you can go close to downtown.
You can stroll around Vancouver's Seawall or challenge yourself with vertical climbs like the Grouse Grind or the Stawamus Chief. Take a look at these ideas to kickstart your adventure.
Cherry blossom season
When Vancouver becomes blanketed in pink cherry blossoms, there is a palpable sense of renewed energy and joyfulness in the air. These beautiful blossoms are everywhere in the city, covering the parks and the sidewalks. Activities such as led walks, bike tours, photography contests, and cultural performances are held as part of the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival to honor this breathtaking natural phenomenon. The blooming period for cherry blossoms is from the end of March to mid of April, which makes it remarkable to be in Vancouver at this time of the year.
Scenic views of mountains and ocean
Canada is home to breathtaking natural wonders; traveling by train is one of the best and budget-friendly ways to experience this. There are numerous opportunities to relax and take in panoramic views, from the untamed Rockies to the coastal towns of Eastern Canada. Some popular train journeys include The Rocky Mountaineer, The Ocean, The Agawa Canyon Tour Train, The Skeena, and The Churchill. Each trip offers unique features and amenities, but they all promise an unforgettable experience of Canada's natural beauty.
5. Santorini, Greece
Mediterranean climate and beaches
Santorini's beaches may not be the postcard-perfect stretches of sand that come to mind when picturing Greece. However, visitors find them unique and memorable, with their dark volcanic sand and surreal scenery created by the surrounding cliffs. Although the mid-day sun can make the sand scorching hot, the clear and refreshing seawater compensates for it. The beaches are located on the east and southeast sides of the island, except for two. Travelers usually choose between staying along the caldera, which offers incredible views of the volcano, or staying at one of the beaches. Fira, the main town in Santorini, is easily accessible from the beaches. However, Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia are preferred locations to stay in as they provide unique caldera views. Renting a car to explore the island is best, mainly if you're not staying in Fira. Fira is the place to be for those looking for nightlife, with most bars and clubs located there, but the beaches of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos also have busy restaurants/bars.
Unique architecture and stunning sunsets
Apart from the volcano, the sunset in Santorini is arguably the island's most famous attraction and is considered the best in the Aegean Sea. Millions of tourists flock to the steep hill of the caldera to witness the breathtaking view of the houses built one on top of the other, with the towns of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli overlooking the small volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palaia Kameni. Oia, in particular, is overwhelmed with visitors during the late afternoon hours who wait to experience this world-renowned sunset. The sun's beautiful crimson hues as it sets on the blue waters of the Aegean create an unforgettable romantic scenery that stays etched in every guest's memory. Santorini's architecture, featuring unique Cycladic white-painted villages on top of high red-colored cliffs, adds to the island's charm and reputation as one of the top destinations in Greece and the world.
Local food and wine
One of Santorini's most famous traditional dishes is Fava, an iconic meal made using pureed yellow split peas, not fava beans, as the name suggests. It is a simple and comforting dish, often served hot with lemon and olive oil. Alongside its delectable cuisine, Santorini is best known for its native white grape varieties, including Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani. While some wines are made from international grape varieties, the island also produces wines from indigenous red grapes such as Mandilaria and Mavrotragano.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, spring is an excellent time to travel due to its comfortable temperatures, gentle breezes, and colorful landscapes. There are numerous destinations worldwide to explore during spring, such as Kyoto, Japan, famous for its cherry blossom season and rich cultural history. Amsterdam, Netherlands, is also a great destination due to its unique floating flower market and world-renowned museums and galleries. Barcelona, Spain, offers warm weather, beaches, and exceptional cuisine, while Vancouver, Canada, boasts breathtaking natural beauty and stunning cherry blossom views. Santorini, Greece, is another great destination, offering unique architecture, stunning sunsets, and delicious local food and wine. Each of these destinations provides a unique experience during spring, making them great choices for any traveler.