The Best Places to Travel in April

We’ll start a little further afield, but there is an obvious reason why visitors flock to Japan in April. Cherry blossom season is a global phenomenon now, although you can experience it throughout the country so there is no need to head straight for the obvious cities. The whole country bursts in colour in April and its generally a great time to travel around at your own pace. We recommend planning well in advance here so you can make the most of your trip, but there are great options if you’re willing to let someone else take care of the logistics. You don’t have to spend a fortune either, so budget options that still include the likes of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are also available.

Italy is my favourite destination to visit and I’m obviously not alone. Florence, Rome, Milan, Lake Como… the list of places to explore here is seemingly endless. As someone who regularly returns to the country, its hard to pick a favourite but at the risk of infuriating the north – I’m opting for Naples. The vibrant city can be overwhelming in the summer, so why not try an April trip? Looking at prices of both flights and hotels, you’re going to get a bargain if you shop around, even if you’ve left it last minute. From the best pizzas in Italy – and therefore the world – to fresh seafood of the highest order, I reckon this is the time to tackle the mean streets of Naples and treat yourself.

Yes, we know Iceland is another popular choice… but how about heading away from Reykjavik and going to the far quieter northern part of the island? Many people opt to drive here, and that’s not a bad shout at all, but you can also fly directly to Akureyri from a number of countries. On a recent visit I was surprised to find the small airport being expanded to accommodate even more arrivals… but don’t worry about overcrowding just yet. There are a number of geothermal pools here, and I actually suggest the Forest Lagoon over the better-known Blue Lagoon. I can’t guarantee you’ll catch a glimpse of the fabled Northern Lights but you have a better chance in these darker skies away from other travellers.

If you’ve really left it late and are desperate for a quick, sunny break then Morocco is the place for you. Yes Marrakech and Casablanca will always be popular, but if you’re pressed for time and still want an authentic experience then head to this spectacular city on the coast. You can see the best of Tangier in a weekend but if you have a few days extra then day trips to Chefchaouen (the famous Blue City) and Essaouira are fantastic additions. What’s great about an April trip is the moderate climate which is ideal for taking on such excursions.

From tropical beaches and colourful old cities to spectacular ancient ruins, the Yucatan Peninsula’s attractions are many and varied. Mayan ruins are a great introduction to the history of Mexico, and you’ll find some of the best examples here, whereas the chilled vibes of Tulum are actually relaxed before the annual spring break stampede arrives a month or so later. You can pick up reasonably priced flights for April and hotels at their cheapest too so what’s not to like? It might be a little early to get that one big trip of the year in, but to be honest with the money you potentially save you can plan a second holiday with the change.