Where to go in spring 2027: 10 expert-picked holidays

Spring is the best-kept secret of long-haul travel. The crowds haven't arrived, the weather is hitting its stride, and flights and hotels often feel a little kinder on the wallet than in summer. 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 UK travellers for over two decades, and we've watched spring quietly become one of our favourite seasons to send people away. Spring 2027 has a helpful quirk too: Easter falls on 28 March, so 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 2027, with honest notes on timing, who each one suits, and the mistakes we see people make.

Our top 10:

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

1. Japan: Cherry blossom and spring colour

If you're wondering where to go for cherry blossom in 2027, 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.

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.

2. 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.

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.

3. 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 patios are filling up. Ottawa is the star: the Canadian Tulip Festival fills the capital with colour each May, and it's one of the loveliest sights in the country. 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.

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.

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.

4. 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.

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, 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.

5. 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.

6. New Zealand: Autumn colour and quiet roads

New Zealand in March, April and May is magical, and truly 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 2027. Browse more Costa Rica holidays.

Our pick: Explore Costa Rica. This is a G Adventures National Geographic Journey, an upgraded take on the Adventure tour with a real focus on wildlife and immersive cultural experiences.

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.

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.

Why book your spring 2027 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 2027?

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 in 2027?

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.

Is spring a good time to visit the USA?

Yes. Spring brings mild weather and fewer crowds in many places. The Deep South and Florida are especially appealing early in the season, and from May the whole of the USA opens up.

When does Easter fall in 2027, and should I book early?

Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027. 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?

We certainly 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.