Best European and American Spring Destinations

After long and tough winters, spring is the long-waited season for many travelers. Many countries around Europe and the Americas have perfect spring destinations. Flowers blooming, lakes, beaches, and many other landscapes have a fascinating look in spring. Check out these spring destinations, it will give you inspiration for your trip’s planning.

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Riviera Maya, Mexico

Written by Jenn and Ed Coleman from Coleman Concierge. Follow Jenn and Ed on Instagram here.

 

What is the Riviera Maya, and why should you go in the Spring? The term refers to the Mexican coast off the Yucatan Peninsula that includes the cities of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.


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This region has something for everyone, from all-inclusive resorts to glamping and backpacking and everything in between. You can go for the amenities and be pampered at your hotel or on your cruise ship. You can even take an all-inclusive adventure vacation at the Xcaret Adventure Parks. What makes this area special for us is that you can explore the deep jungles, crystal cave, sandy beaches, and Mayan ruins in the relative safety and security of Mexico, which is pretty good on a worldwide standard.

 

You can find Riviera Maya excursions where you get can get away from the crowds and discover authentic Mexico if you know where to look. This is particularly important if your visiting in the Spring when the weather is perfect, and tourism is booming. Look for tours of Chichen Itza during the morning or evening hours without the bus tour crowds. Take the time to discover cenotes off the bus tour that are every bit as beautiful as the headliners like Ik Kil. Most importantly, find ways to embrace the natural beauty of the Yucatan like snorkeling with turtles in Akumal Bay, boating through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, or trekking underground in the crystal caves of Rio Secreto. Of course, after a full day of adventure, you can always come back to your plush beach resort.

 

Paris and Giverny, France

Written by Summer Austin from Traveling Summer. Follow Summer on Instagram here.

Paris, France is lovely in the springtime. When I visited in April I saw the Eiffel Tower perfectly framed by pink cherry blossoms and enjoyed mildly cool days, perfect for exploring the many landmarks. But to really enjoy the season I recommend taking a day trip to the impressionist painter Monet’s countryside house and gardens: Giverny.

It’s easy to book a tour or transport to see the beautiful grounds and spring is the ideal time because the garden has begun blooming and your trip will be more pleasant without the crowds of summer. If you opt to arrive at Giverny’s opening time it’ll be even easier to explore and photograph the estate.

There are many gardens in Paris, but Giverny is unique due to the amazing design and care Monet took in planning his sanctuary. You can spend hours just admiring and relaxing in this countryside gem. Giverny is divided into two sections: around Monet’s picturesque pink house he planted many colorful flowers and across the street, he created an authentic Japanese zen garden. If you’d like unobstructed photos of the iconic Kelly green bridges that Monet features in many of his works I recommend heading to the zen garden first upon arrival. This area is so relaxing it is easy to understand why the artist would enjoy painting al fresco here.

Alter do Chao, Brazil

Written by Mario Migliore from Rest & Recuperation. Follow Mario on Facebook here.

A perfect spring escape destination is Alter do Chao in Brazil. This tiny village has been a hidden gem for decades and only recently tourists started visiting it more regularly. Its position in the middle of the Amazon preserved it for long. Indeed it is only reachable by plane or by boat. I suggest you take the latter from Belém and spend three days sleeping on a hammock on the deck of the ferry with dozen more local people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Once in Alter do Chao you will be amazed by the beauty of the area. Just in front of the main square, there is a sandy peninsula called Ilha do Amor that is one of the best beaches in the whole country. And Brazil has many! Ilha do Amor is fully covered by water in summer due to the heavy rains, but spring is a perfect time to see it as it is not too dry, but at the same time you can enjoy some great time there.

The other reason that makes Alter do Chao one of my favorite places is the possibility of excursions all around it. It is surrounded by the primary Amazon rainforest and you can have wonderful day trips. The most interesting is to the FLONA Natural Park, where you can walk in the forest, see animals and dip into little green-water-streams. Little bonus: you can spot caimans, another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bolivia

Written by Anthony Royer from GreenMochila.com. Follow Green Mochila on Facebook here.

When the winter frost melts with the first rays of spring at home, another phenomenon takes place in tropical places. In the high windy plateaus of the Altiplano, the torrential downpours of the rainy season finally come to a halt. Bolivia, with one side hanging on the dizzying Andes mountains, starts breathing: dirt roads will open again and tourists will come and with them a much-needed flow of cash in a country that lacks the most basic infrastructures.

Bolivia is a land of wonders and adventures, a land to spend time outside. It doesn’t lack cozy towns, like the white Sucre, the colonial Potosí or the beautiful chaos that is La Paz. But nothing compares to the otherworldly feel of its landscapes.

In the Uyuni salt flats, a thin layer of water turns the horizon into a gigantic mirror. Titicaca Lake is at its highest, a sea on top of the land. Roads are open so the Bolivian Amazon is reachable, from Rurrenabaque to the Noel Kempff National Park. The arid landscapes near Tupiza and the Torotoro National Park are best enjoyed in this climate.

The end of the wet season is the absolute perfect time to visit this unique destination. But start planning your Bolivia itinerary now, because in a month or so, travelers will start flocking, and prices inflating.

Ireland

Written by Emer Walker from Let’s Go Ireland. Follow Emer on Pinterest here.

If you look for a great spring holiday destination, then look no further: Ireland has you covered, as April and May might be the best months to travel to Ireland in general. The days are mostly already very mild and the tourist crowds that you see during peak season have not arrived yet. No matter what your preference is, Ireland has a lot to offer. If you like a stroll through a small, but culturally vibrant city, then Galway should be on your radar. The talented street buskers on the little cobbled-stone streets will surely entertain you. Afterward, why not go for a relaxed walk along the waterfront on the Salthill Promenade?

If you want cultural stimulation to the max, then visit Dublin. At Trinity College, you can admire the beautiful medieval manuscript The Book of Kells, explore the history of Guinness in the Guinness Storehouse, or just visit many quirky pubs and bars. Believe it or not: Dublin is one of the greenest capitals of Europe. So spring is a fabulous time to visit its many beautiful parks. Make sure to take a stroll in St. Stephen’s Green and the National Botanic Gardens where you will find many cherry trees and magnolias, which bloom magnificently during springtime. Try also to explore Phoenix Park, where you will even be able to marvel at wild deer.

 

Barcelona, Spain

Written by Laura Otero from Laura No Está. Follow Laura on Instagram here.

Barcelona, Spain may be a perfect destination for your spring holiday for a lot of reasons. First of all, it’s not crowded! If you have been to Barcelona during the summer you already know how crowded it gets. Crowded enough to transform an amazing and laidback city into a chaotic mess.

Also, as you can imagine, the prices rise in summer due to demand. So, all in all, spring is the best season to explore Barcelona.

If you compare the spring in Barcelona to the spring in other European cities you will discover that the temperature in Barna varies between 13 and 20 degrees. The bad side of all this is that April is the rainy month in Barcelona but, rainy in Barcelona means 8 days a month, which doesn’t sound terrible.

Also, in springtime, some of the coolest events take place in Barcelona. For example, at the beginning of June, you can enjoy Primavera Sound, the most popular music festival in the city. If you’re not into live music and more into cultural events, the third Sunday of May is the Night of the Museums. During that night you can visit any museum in Barcelona for free.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona during springtime so book your ticket and enjoy your stay!

Madrid, Spain

Written by Or Amir from My Path in the World. Follow Or on Instagram here.

Madrid is a vibrant European capital city that’s impossible not to love. From remarkable historical landmarks and iconic museums to exquisite food and buzzing nightlife to the most beautiful neighborhoods and parks, these are just the tip of the iceberg of what this city has to offer.

I see the true magic of Madrid in its streets and people, so I believe that wandering around freely is the best way to soak up the local atmosphere, but there are also quite a lot of must-see places in Madrid you can’t miss.

Start with visiting the Palacio Real, which is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. Soak in some culture in one of Madrid’s internationally famous art museums like the Prado or Reina Sofia. Relax at the beautiful Retiro Park. Head to La Latina neighborhood to have the most amazing tapas. Have a glass of wine at one of Madrid’s rooftop bars.

As for spring in Madrid, not only is the weather ideal but you also get the chance to see some gorgeous blooming. Quinta de Los Molinos park might not be a famous touristic place in the city, but it’s a must-visit spot in early spring when it becomes a giant carpet of blossoming almond trees. You can read more about Spain at Loving Life In Spain.

New Orleans, USA

Written by Rachel Pedranti from Rachel’s Crafted Life. Follow Rachel on Instagram here.

New Orleans is the perfect location to visit anytime but especially for spring break. We visited in the spring of 2019 and there weren’t many crowds and the weather was perfect for sightseeing. New Orleans is full of colonial history and a unique blend of cultures.

Start your trip by visiting Jackson Square, eat at any one of hundreds of restaurants then head out to the countryside to tour old colonial mansions. This is a vacation my husband and I talk about constantly and I recommend everyone visits New Orleans at least once. I know we plan on visiting again someday.

Food was one of the most fun things to try all across New Orleans. Be sure to try french beignets and cajun gumbo. The alligator sausage po’boy sounds intimidating but is delicious and worth a try. The food scene goes hand in hand with Bourbon Street, famous for the open-air drinking and partying. Another aspect that New Orleans is known for is the voodoo, witches, etc. scene. Add a little mystery to your spring break. You can visit shops or graveyards to get a feeling of it or take a tour to hear the stories and history behind this side of New Orleans.

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Cartagena, Colombia

Written by Christin from Christin Theilig. Follow Christin on Instagram here.

Paradise-like beaches, cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, smiling people selling exotic fruits on the street – Cartagena is one of South America’s most romantic cities. Nestled on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena offers the ideal mix for somebody looking for beach and city vacations.

Cartagena’s city center and fortifications are a UNESCO world heritage site that awaits to be explored. The historic center, surrounded by the city walls, possesses the majority of cafés and restaurants. The whole area is easily walkable; every cobbled street and Colonial building being a new fantastic photo opportunity. Ideal to get lost in!

A must-visit is the cities main landmarks is the imposing Clock Tower above the Old City Gate. From there, stroll through the battlements within the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas – the greatest fortress ever built in a Spanish colony!

To experience a more artsy and hip vibe, head south to the neighborhood of Getsemani. You will find wonderfully inexpensive restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to a drink on the street, whilst listening to the Latin street musicians.

To experience the real Colombian beach culture, head to nearby Isla Grande. It has stunning white-sandy beaches, pure sand, a lack of tourists and offers the rare chance of seeing bioluminescent plankton, within the Laguna Encantada! For another post-card like beach visit Playa Blanca. Having the reputation of Cartagena’s most beautiful beach, it combines luxurious beach resorts, palm trees, and delicious fresh seafood.

Make sure to stop by the famous Café del Mar for unbeatable sunset views! Another must-do when in the Old Town is sampling some typical cheese-filled Arepas, exotic fruits, and other delicacies from the street vendors!

For an unusual experience – head out of town to El Totumo. It’s a small volcano, filled with bubbling mud in which you can bathe in! A fun endeavor that soothes your skin and might include a quick massage!

Utah’s Wonderful National Parks, USA

Written by Julie Ruhl from Ruhls of the Road. Follow Julie on Instagram and YouTube.

Utah is home to some of the most unique and beautiful National Parks in the entire world. From Zion to Arches, Bryce Canyon to Canyonlands, Utah’s National Parks each bring something new to the table and make for an epic Spring Break adventure.

The best way to experience Utah’s awesome National Parks is on a road trip. Zion National Park is the perfect start, with epic hikes like The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and Observation Point. From there, take a scenic drive up to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you can see the incredibly unique hoodoos that are EVERYWHERE in Bryce Canyon. The first two parks on this adventure are wonderful by themselves. If you have extra time, before heading to Canyonlands, there are a few slot canyons (Zebra Canyon and Peek-a-boo Canyon) in Grand Staircase-Escalante that make for a beautiful experience.

Canyonlands is the third National Park on this road trip, and you’ll want to bring your camera here. The landscape is absolutely insane, with layered canyons spreading out in 360 degrees incomprehensibly. The viewpoints in Canyonlands are so great, almost as good as at the final stop: Arches. Arches National Park is one of the most well-known and most stunning National Parks in the world. The arches at Arches are what makes this place stand out, and rightfully so. Some of these inexplicable rock formations are so jaw-dropping that you’ll have to see it to believe it. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are two must-sees, as well as Balanced Rock and Double Arch.

A Utah National Park road trip will make for a Spring Break adventure you’ll never forget. You’ll have wonderful memories and insane photos from Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Arches. Enjoy the adventure!

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Written by Carla Vianna from Travel By Carla Vianna. Follow Carla on Instagram here.

There are three things I look for in a spring holiday destination: sunshine, beaches, and good food. That puts San Juan, Puerto Rico at the top of my list. Aside from optimal beach weather—temperatures hover between the mid-70s and 80s—this sunny destination also has a historical center with delicious restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, fantastic cafe culture, and lively nightlife.

The best things to do in San Juan include hopping between long stretches of urban beaches, from the resort-lined Isla Verde to snorkeling haven El Escambron. The city’s historical center, known as Old San Juan, ranks among the most colorful neighborhoods in the world. Hours can be spent wandering through its cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings on both sides. The neighborhood boasts some of the best restaurants and cafes on the island, as well as two massive historic forts that are open to visitors.

When done exploring in and around San Juan, there are several day trips to take outside the city, especially for more adventurous visitors. Some of the most popular trips include exploring the waterfalls of El Yunque, the only rainforest in the U.S.; kayaking through one of the island’s three bioluminescent bays; and hiking Cueva Ventana, a large cave with a picturesque view of the Rio Grande de Arecibo valley. There are also boat tours available to nearby islands, whose paradisiacal white sandy beaches are considered some of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful.

Mobile, Alabama

Written by Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan. Follow Wendy on Instagram here.

Mobile, Alabama is a delightful city on the central Gulf Coast, and spring is without a doubt the best time to visit. Early spring, by which I mean March or even late February, is optimal. Not only will you avoid the humid, sweltering weather that makes the city feel like a sauna later in the year, you’ll also catch one or both of Mobile’s biggest festivals.

The first is Mardi Gras, which the locals will be quick to tell you is the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in all of the United States! While Mobile is now part of Alabama, in the early 18th century it was the original capital of the French Louisiana Territory and still retains some French influence. If you’ve been to New Orleans, the brick buildings with wrought-iron balconies in the downtown area may give you a feeling of déjà vu. And while the two cities share many Mardi Gras traditions, like eating King Cake and throwing beaded necklaces and moon pies from floats during parades, the Mobile version of this raucous celebration is a bit more wholesome and family-friendly.

And then in mid-March, there’s the Azalea Trail Festival when the city becomes a riot of pink and white as azaleas bloom from seemingly every bush. High school senior girls from local schools are chosen to represent the city as Azalea Trail Maids. They dress up in frilly, pastel-colored hoop skirts and play the part of the quintessential Southern belle, daintily twirling their parasols as they welcome visitors to Mobile.

Porto, Portugal

Written by Stephanie Montague from Poppin’ Smoke. Follow Stephanie on Facebook here.

Porto, Portugal is the perfect spring holiday destination for anyone seeking the charm and bustle of a world-class European city at an affordable price. Located on the northern coast of Portugal along the beautiful Duoro River, Porto has something for everyone.

The Ribeira (riverside) and Baixa neighborhoods, with their ancient cobblestone streets, are rich with history and culture along with scores of cafes, bars, and traditional Portuguese restaurants. If you’re looking for access to the ocean and rugged beaches, you will love Foz do Douro, which also provides a window into local life in Porto.

Of course, Porto is famous for its delicious port wine, and most of the wine cellars are located on the south side of the river in the Vila Nova (New City) of Gaia. The wineries offer daily tours with tastings, and they are a great way to learn about port wine. During a visit to Porto, you should also do a full-day excursion to the vineyards in the Duoro Valley. It’s a lovely way to see the entire wine-making process and enjoy lunch in a stunning region of Portugal.

With as much as Porto has to offer, it’s amazingly inexpensive. Your money will go much further than in most other major European cities, so you can indulge in the delicious food, port wine, and pastries without breaking the bank!

Freiburg, Germany

Written by Hannah Golton from Hannah’s Happy Adventures. Follow Hannah on Instagram here.

I spent one year living in Freiburg, Germany and I would like to share with you why it’s one of my favorite places on the planet – even after traveling through most of the world. The city has a lot to offer from beautiful mountains to stunning lakes and parks. Many activities are located outside, and so it is a great option for your spring holiday.

First, explore the traditional German buildings in the city center. These include the unique cathedral and old city gates. Afterward, take the funicular up Schlossberg – the hill overlooking the city. The beautiful views and the beer garden can keep you entertained for a few hours. After finishing here, head to Seepark to wander around the beautiful lake. You can even take a dip – if it’s warm enough, or a jump from the bridge – if you’re brave enough! See more things to do in Freiburg here.

Once you’re finished in the city, you can spend days exploring the black forest. Schauinsland is the closest mountain – accessible by tram from the city center. Either take a hike up or choose to take the cable car. The black forest also has some beautiful lakes – Schluchsee and Titisee. And don’t miss the alpine coaster – take a ski-lift to the top and the coaster down. Great fun whatever your age!

The city is also home to some of the best German food I’ve tasted. Visit Martins Brau for a traditional schnitzel dinner and German beer. As for accommodation, I recommend renting an apartment in the city.


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2 Comments

  1. Scarlett Bella says:

    Really great article. Thanks for sharing these places.

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