8 of the Best Places in the World to Visit This April
From Thailand to Turks and Caicos, here are the best places to visit this spring.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in April, there are a few things to consider: First, are you searching for somewhere you can comfortably enjoy the cool spring weather, or are you looking for a warm place to travel in April? Then there’s the question of international versus domestic travel, and how long you want to be away from home. Lastly, you should consider the type of activities (or lack thereof) you want to do while you’re on vacation.
If you’re more of an adventure-seeker, you may want to think about destinations that offer activities like zip-lining or hiking. But if you’re looking to sip an umbrella cocktail by the ocean (which totally counts as an activity!), it’s worth looking into some of the best beaches to visit in April. Once you’ve ironed out the answers to these very important questions, you can determine whether you should take a quick weekend trip to Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossoms or get your passport stamped in Costa Rica for an extended beach stay. If you need a little extra help deciding where to head on your next vacation, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel to in April around the world.
Thailand
Thailand is an excellent country to visit in April, since it’s a shoulder season for tourism (peak visiting time is from November to February) so prices will generally be lower. You’ll also get a taste of summer a few months early, as temps hover around 90 degrees throughout the country. Whether you celebrate Sonkran—the Thai New Year, which runs from April 13-15—in Bangkok or relax on the screensaver-worthy beaches in Phuket, you’re sure to fall in love with this incredible destination.
Where to Stay: AmanpuriSedona, Arizona
April is the perfect time to visit this mystical Arizona town, since you’ll enjoy mild weather, clear skies and desert flowers in full bloom. The moderate temperatures are ideal for all the incredible outdoor activities Sedona has to offer, like hiking, biking, Jeep tours, and golf. Check out at least one of the famous energy vortexes while you’re in the area; one of the easiest ones to get to is Airport Mesa, but the others offer beautiful panoramic views that are well worth the hike. Since spring is a popular time for visitors, make sure to book your hotel room and dinner reservations in advance (we highly recommend eating at Mariposa and shopping for local handicraft at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village).
Where to Stay: Enchantment ResortCosta Rica
Looking for a warm place to visit in April? Towards the tail end of the dry season, Costa Rica gets a bit less crowded and temps average in the high 80s, making it a perfect spot to defrost after a cold winter. Whether you choose to stay near a surf town or in the heart of the verdant rainforest, you really can’t go wrong with this gorgeous destination.
Where to Stay: Capitan SuizoAmsterdam, Netherlands
Though Amsterdam’s weather is still pretty cool in April, it’s a beautiful European city to visit in the spring. From the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, there’s no shortage of culture and history here. Don’t miss the Tulip Festival, which runs from March to May each year. There, you’ll see thousands of colorful blooms—and make everyone on your Instagram feed extremely jealous.
Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for one of the best U.S. cities to visit in April, look no further than our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. is an excellent place to visit any time of year, thanks to its rich history, beautiful architecture and excellent food scene—but it really comes to life in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. Visit between March 20 and April 16 to enjoy the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and mild weather that’s perfect for long walks among the pale pink flowered trees.
Turks and Caicos
Crystal-clear water, fresh seafood, and rum punch—need we say more? Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for good reason: The powdery white sand, turquoise ocean, and bright blue skies look like a picture-perfect postcard. It’s definitely worth chartering a boat for a day of swimming and snorkeling in this beautiful water—and April temps average in the high 70s and low 80s, meaning it’s ideal weather for taking a dip. For delicious conch fritters, tropical drinks and panoramic ocean views, head to Da Conch Shack.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Okay, hear us out: Las Vegas has so much more to offer than just casinos, nightclubs, and magic shows (though those are still always an option). Vegas also has an incredible food scene, and artists from Maroon 5 and Rod Stewart to Miranda Lambert and Usher are all performing there this year. Want to take a break from the fast-paced party scene? April is the perfect time for outdoor exploration, and you’re only a quick road trip away from some of the best parks in the country. Rent a car and head to Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, or Joshua Tree for unforgettable hiking.
Kyoto, Japan
Spring is peak cherry blossom season in Japan, so it's well worth the splurge to head there this April. We recommend staying in Kyoto, since it's a convenient central hub for exploration. From visiting the golden temples and vermillion shrines to shopping on Shijo Street and eating some of the best food in the world, you’re bound to have a memorable stay.
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