These are the top springtime travel destinations to check out!

As spring overtakes winter, the world’s landscape shifts from snow-covered hills to lush fields of colourful flowers. Cities come alive with outdoor markets and patio restaurants, and it’s the perfect time to take a week off and enjoy what nature has to offer. While places like Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam, Banff, and New Zealand are popular spring destinations, there are plenty of hidden gems around the world. Although tourism is slowly opening up again, each city’s COVID-19 guidelines may differ.

Macon, GA — United States

Nicknamed the “festival capital of Georgia”, Macon’s vibrant city streets are filled with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and more. Spring in Macon means you can take a trip to its strawberry farms, peach orchards, and cherry blossom gardens. It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing week exploring museums, national parks, and even an Italian Renaissance mansion.

Madeira Island — Portugal

The island, although popular with older people, is slowly including younger generations in its tourism incentive. So, Madeira Island’s lava pools, beaches, hiking trails, farmers’ markets, and flower fields remain largely underexplored. The city is also home to aristocratic Quintas, gothic cathedrals, and an art collection from the 1400s. 

Belize — Central America

Belize is home to ancient Mayan ruins, the world’s second-largest coral reef, and crystal clear water – which is perfect for taking part in exciting watersports. The Central American island is only a five-hour flight from New York and is a paradise for lovers of nature and local culture. Try your hand at fly-fishing, crocodile watching, or even enjoy the island’s many springtime festivals, the delicious mangos, and local markets.

Ciénaga de Zapata — Cuba

This Cuban wetland is the perfect place for those who wish to take in nature’s authentic beauty. Filled with hiking trails, kayaking tours, and returning Cuban flamingos, Ciénaga de Zapata is a natural paradise.

St John — Canada

In late spring, St. John’s acts as a gateway to wonderland. The last icebergs from the arctic circle melt just enough to drift towards the city, and boats take tourists across the coast of Newfoundland to watch the icebergs. In late spring, there are also opportunities for adventurous travelers, as watersports like snorkeling are also popular. The city is also home to botanical gardens filled with the year’s first blooms, hiking trails, and one of North America’s largest puffin colonies. 

Springtime is the perfect time to be adventurous. Try taking part in watersports, hiking, or fly-fishing, or relax by enjoying lava pools, watching the sakura trees, or driving through peach orchards. You can even engage with local culture through farmers’ markets, Quintas, museums, and spring festivals. And though there are many popular tourist spots around the world, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be celebrated. 

Published by HOLR Magazine