10 best spring holidays handpicked by our travel experts

Spring is the best-kept secret of long-haul travel. The weather is hitting its stride, the landscapes are at their most beautiful, and in many places the big summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Whether you're after cherry blossom, wildlife, jazz-soaked streets or a beach with nobody on it, there's a corner of the world at its best between March and May.

We've been planning holidays for over two decades, and we've watched spring quietly become one of our favourite seasons to send people away. Easter timing helps too, because you can build a trip around the school holidays or sidestep them entirely by travelling in late April and May. Here are the 10 places we'd book for spring, with honest notes on timing, who each one suits, and the mistakes we see people make.

“From blossom in Japan to safari in South Africa and calm beaches in the Seychelles, spring has something for everyone. My top pick, though, is the Deep South. I went to New Orleans with my family recently and had an amazing time. The food is incredible and the music is even better.” - Mike, MD of Tropical Sky Group

Our top 10:

1    Eastern Canada - Ottawa, Toronto & Niagara Falls
2    The Deep South & Florida
3    Japan
4    East Australia
5    New Zealand
6    Italy's Amalfi Coast
7    South Africa
8    Barbados
9    Costa Rica
10   Seychelles

Spring blossom by Mount Fuji, Japan
 

1. Eastern Canada: Niagara, Ottawa and Toronto

Spring in Eastern Canada is a slow awakening. Early in the season it can still be crisp, with the odd chilly morning, but by May the cities are blooming and outdoor cafes have a lively buzz. Niagara Falls is thunderous in spring thanks to snowmelt, and standing at the railing as the mist hits your face is something photos never quite capture.

“I was lucky enough to visit Ottawa in May when the Canadian Tulip Festival fills the capital with colour. It is a glorious experience strolling through the parks filled with an abundance of tulips in all shades of the rainbow.” - Kathryn, Brand & Partnership Marketing Director

Our advice is to travel from late April into May for the best balance of milder weather and open attractions. Early spring can still be cold, and some seasonal experiences, such as certain boat tours, only start up once the weather improves. Toronto is brilliant year-round, so it’s a safe anchor. Explore more with our wider Ontario holidays.

For Niagara Falls in particular, visiting in spring means a quieter, more relaxed trip, and you’ll often find better value on hotels than in July and August. Just bear in mind that the very start of the season can still be chilly, so pack a waterproof layer for the spray.

Prefer a different style of trip? Our Eastern Journey tour is escorted and hassle-free, the Maple Leaf Route self-drive suits independent travellers, and families might love the Eastern Canada Family Adventure self-drive.

Our pick: Explore Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and the Thousand Islands by Rail. Let the train do the work and watch the landscapes roll by.

Peace Tower Parliament Buildings, Ottawa

2. The Deep South and Florida: Road trips and sunshine

The USA is one of our most requested spring destinations, and it’s worth knowing how the calendar works. Early in spring, the Deep South is the sweet spot: azaleas and magnolias in bloom, mild temperatures and big festival energy. Then, as May arrives, the whole of the USA opens up for travel, from the national parks to the big cities.

The Deep South is best experienced slowly. Think live music on Beale Street in Memphis, barbecue in Nashville, beignets and brass bands in New Orleans. Spring is perfect, because the heat and humidity of high summer haven’t yet arrived. Late April to early May often brings big music events to New Orleans, which are wonderful but mean you should book accommodation well ahead.

“New Orleans is one of my favourites, and I’ve been back a couple of times since. It’s such a fun place. The music is amazing and the food is amazing, with all the Creole influences and dishes like gumbo. It’s a real melting pot, and I love trying new cuisines.” - Holly, North America Specialist

Florida, meanwhile, is reliably warm and drier in spring, with lower humidity than summer and fewer afternoon thunderstorms. It’s brilliant for families, but there’s far more to it than theme parks: the Keys, the Gulf beaches and Miami all have their own character. Browse more of our Deep South holidays and Florida holidays.

If you want to mix and match, we have lots of options. For Florida, try Orlando and Miami, Miami and the Keys, The Best of Florida’s Gulf Beaches, New York and Orlando or Las Vegas and Orlando. Prefer escorted? Take a look at Rhythms of the South or Deep South Discovery. Travelling as a family? The Saddle Up to Texas family road trip is a fun alternative.

Our pick: Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans Road Trip. Three music cities, one unforgettable drive.

The bright lights of Nashville broadway
 

3. Japan: Cherry blossom and spring colour

If you’re wondering where to go for cherry blossom, Japan is the answer, and it lives up to the hype. The blossom (sakura) usually reaches Tokyo and Kyoto between late March and early April, then drifts north, arriving in places like Hokkaido in May. There’s something quietly emotional about it: office workers spreading picnic sheets under the trees at lunchtime, petals settling on canal water, temple gardens turning soft pink.

The honest bit: the bloom is notoriously hard to time. It can shift by a week or more depending on the winter, and a heavy rainstorm can strip the trees in a couple of days. We’d always suggest building in a few days of flexibility and pairing blossom cities with other highlights so the trip works whatever the trees decide. Also, steer clear of Golden Week (roughly 29 April to 5 May) unless you love crowds; trains and attractions get extremely busy. Blossom season is also Japan’s most expensive and most crowded time to visit, so if you’d like better prices, mid-March and late May are well worth a look.

First-timers tend to fall for the classic mix of Tokyo, Kyoto and a taste of rural Japan, while repeat visitors often head to Hokkaido in the north for rural mountain adventures, or to Shikoku and Kyushu in the south for onsen springs and hiking among dramatic scenery. Book early: blossom-season hotels in Kyoto go quickly. You can see more on our Japan holidays page.

Our pick: Essential Japan. A well-planned introduction to Japan’s highlights, with the logistics taken care of.

Himeji Castle, Japan
 

4. Australia: The east coast in autumn

Here’s a trick for spring-planners: when it’s spring in the UK, it’s autumn in Australia, and that’s a lovely time to visit. The fierce summer heat has eased, the humidity in Queensland drops, and the Great Barrier Reef is generally at its best for snorkelling and diving as the wet season fades. Cairns and the tropical north feel less sticky than in the height of summer.

The east coast is where the greatest hits are. Sydney’s harbour sparkles, Brisbane’s riverside is lively, and the reef is a bucket-list moment even for people who thought they’d never get in the water. One thing we always tell first-timers: Australia is huge. Distances look small on a map and aren’t, so resist the temptation to cover too much ground.

Our Australia holidays are built by people who know the country well, so the logistics are sorted before you board.

Our pick: The Pacific Coast: Brisbane to Cairns. Follow the Queensland coast north to Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. If you’d like Sydney too, take a look at Australia’s Greatest Hits.

Koala in Brisbane, Australia

5. New Zealand: Autumn colour and quiet roads

New Zealand in March, April and May is magical, and criminally underrated. Autumn here means settled weather, crisp mornings and golden trees, particularly around Arrowtown and Queenstown in the South Island, usually at their best in late April. Roads are quieter than in summer and the light is gorgeous for photographs.

“New Zealand should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether it`s adrenaline activities, raw nature or an immersive cultural experience you are after, look no further." - Kevin, New Zealand Specialist

Self-driving is the best way to see it. You can stop whenever a view demands it, which in New Zealand is roughly every ten minutes. A tip we give everyone: allow more time than you think for driving days. The roads are winding and scenic, and you’ll want to pull over often. Planning your trip with an expert means we can pace it sensibly. Start exploring our North Island holidays.

Our pick: Grand New Zealand 23 Day Self-Drive. Freedom, big skies and one very good road trip.

Autumn foliage in Arrowtown, New Zealand
 

6. Italy: The Amalfi Coast before the summer crowds

The Amalfi Coast in spring is a different place to the packed, sizzling version you’ll see in August. Lemon groves are in leaf, wisteria spills over terraces, the sea is glittering and you can still get a table at a cliffside restaurant without a battle. Expect days that are warm rather than hot, typically pleasant for walking the Path of the Gods or wandering Positano’s stairways, but with the odd cool evening, so pack a light layer.

One practical note from experience: some hotels and ferry routes open gradually from April, so the very start of the season can feel quiet. Easter week is lovely but busy, so book early. And don’t try to cram everything in; the coastal road is beautiful and slow, and the joy is in taking your time.

If you’d like to pair the coast with something a little different, our Italy holidays cover everything from classic city stays to the southern heel of the country. Our Puglia and Sorrento trip pairs whitewashed Puglian towns with the Sorrento peninsula, perfect if you’ve seen the Amalfi postcards and want more beyond them. If art and rolling hills are more your thing, our Florence, Tuscany and the Coast multicentre is a wonderful first taste of Italy.

Our pick: Naples and Amalfi Coast. Our go-to for seeing the Amalfi Coast at its spring best, with the planning done for you.

Views of Sorrento's coastline

7. South Africa: Safari season begins

Wondering when to go on safari in South Africa? Late spring is a very good answer. As the dry season sets in around April and May, the bush thins out and animals gather around waterholes, which makes sightings easier. Mornings are cool, days are warm and the rains have largely gone. There’s no sound quite like waking up before dawn in the bush, hearing the first calls drift across the camp, then heading out as the light turns amber.

“From breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters to pristine beaches and incredible adventures, South Africa is a destination that truly has it all.” - Sejal, Africa Destination Leader

We love pairing Kruger with the Garden Route, because you get dramatic coastline and wildlife in one trip. The honest advice: if you want the very best game viewing, May is stronger than early April, as the vegetation will be denser earlier in the season. Our South Africa holidays cover many styles of trip, but self-drive is a great way to see the country at your own pace, with the logistics handled for you.

“There are few better places to enjoy a gin and tonic then during sundowner game drive! Highly recommend!” - Roisin, Africa Specialist

Our pick: Garden Route and Kruger Safari Self-Drive Tour. Coast, wildlife and open road.

Driving along the Garden Route, South Africa
 

8. Barbados: Caribbean sunshine at the end of the dry season

Barbados is a spring favourite for good reason: the dry season runs through to around May, so you get warm sunshine, gentle trade winds and calm, clear water. Sunsets on the west coast are as good as you’ve heard, and the Friday-night fish fry at Oistins is a must, with plates of grilled fish and plenty of music and chat.

“I love Barbados in the spring. High season is coming to an end, the temperatures aren’t too high and the end of dry season means rain will usually be sparse and the sea as calm as ever. Travelling towards the end of April or early May also means you benefit from low season hotel rates. Perfect all round.” - Mags, Programme Director

Know your coasts: the west is calm and glamorous, the south is lively and breezy, and the east is wild and Atlantic-pounded, best for scenery rather than swimming. On the west coast, Mango Bay is a lovely all-inclusive with the personal feel of a smaller resort. Down south, The Sands Barbados sits on a fine sandy beach on the fashionable south coast, while O2 Beach Club & Spa suits anyone who likes a stylish, beach-club vibe with their all-inclusive. Choosing the right base matters, and it’s something we help people with every day. You can compare more on our Barbados hotels page. Easter is a busy time, so book early if that’s when you’re travelling.

Our pick: Mango Bay. A west coast all-inclusive with the personal service of a smaller resort.

Bottom Bay, Barbados
 

9. Costa Rica: Wildlife, volcanoes and cloud forest

Costa Rica is spring’s great adventure. Early in the season, you’re in the tail end of the dry season, with the best chance of sunshine on both coasts and wildlife easier to spot. By mid to late spring, the green season begins to creep in, usually bringing short afternoon showers and lush scenery. Don’t be put off: mornings are often glorious, the forests are vivid and prices can be gentler.

The key thing to know is that the best-known tours book up fast in the dry season. From mid-April onwards, our Best of Costa Rica tour is easier to secure, and our Costa Rica Adventure tour from G Adventures has good availability throughout spring. Browse more Costa Rica holidays.

“Costa Rica is a great spot for first-timers to this part of the world. It’s easy to get around, the wildlife is extraordinary and everyone is so welcoming. I absolutely loved my time there, and every day brought something new to see.” - Suzanne, South & Central America Destination Leader

Our pick: Explore Costa Rica. Spoil yourself with our G Adventures National Geographic Journey, an upgraded tour offering meaningful encounters, authentic and immersive cultural experiences and the abundance of wildlife & natural beauty that Costa Rica is renowned for! Pura Vida as the locals say!

Suzanne ziplining in Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
 

10. Seychelles: Island calm between the monsoons

If you want a beach holiday that feels truly special, the Seychelles in April and May is hard to beat. These are the transition months between the monsoon winds, which means calmer seas, warm water, excellent snorkelling and a gentle, unhurried feel. The granite boulders on Anse Source d’Argent, the palm forests of the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, and the turquoise shallows are as extraordinary in person as in photographs.

“Seeing Anse Source d’Argent in person was something else. I couldn’t believe how calm and clear the water was. It’s also the perfect time of year to hop on a bike in La Digue and explore the island at your own pace.” - Hazel, SEO Content Marketing Manager

The honest note: the Seychelles is a premium destination, and it’s best for couples, honeymooners and anyone craving serious relaxation rather than a packed itinerary. Island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue is half the fun, and it’s where an expert plan matters most, to get transfers and ferry timings right. If you’d like to add a little wildlife, our Kenya Porini Cottages Mara Safari and Seychelles multicentre pairs a Maasai Mara safari with beach time, and our Indian Ocean holidays are worth a browse too.

Our pick: Mahé, La Digue and Praslin. Three islands, three very different moods, in one easy-to-follow trip.

Hazel, SEO Content Marketing Manager, in the Seychelles

Why book your spring holiday with Tropical Sky

We’ve spent more than twenty years helping UK travellers get long-haul right, alongside our sister brands American Sky, Canadian Sky, Australian Sky and New Zealand Sky. That means we know which month suits which region, which hotels are worth the splurge, and where the common mistakes hide. Spring itineraries sell quickly, particularly around Easter, so start planning early.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to go on holiday in spring?

It depends on what you want. For blossom, it’s Japan; for sunshine and beaches, Barbados, Florida or the Seychelles; for wildlife, Costa Rica or South Africa; for road trips and music, the American Deep South. Our travel experts can match you to the right one.

When is the best time to see cherry blossom in Japan?

"Typically late March to early April for Tokyo and Kyoto, though it varies year to year. Building in flexibility improves your chances, and booking early is wise. It’s also the busiest and most expensive time to go, so mid-March and late May can offer better prices." (Chris, Programme Director)

Is spring a good time to visit the USA?

"Yes it is! Spring brings mild weather and fewer crowds in many places. I particularly enjoy the Deep South and Florida early in the season, with warm temperatures and low humidity. I also love the stunning cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington DC, where there is an annual festival at the beginning of April." (Anna, USA Product Manager)

When does Easter fall, and should I book early?

Easter moves every year, so check the date for your travel year. It falls on the same date in the UK and Ireland, and Easter Monday is a public holiday in Ireland, so it’s a handy way to stretch a long weekend. Flights, hotels and popular tours around that date sell quickly, so we recommend booking as early as you can.

Is it better to book a spring holiday through a specialist?

For long-haul, we think so. A specialist can advise on timing, match you to the right itinerary and handle the logistics, so you can enjoy the trip without the stress of piecing it together yourself.