the best places to travel in april
Put That Tax Refund to Good Use!
April is a time when many folks are feeling flush. So why not spend that much-deserved tax refund on a trip somewhere new? As spring begins to emerge and temperatures climb, it’s the ideal season for a long-haul splurge to Europe before the crowds take over. Closer to home, National Park Week provides the perfect excuse to appreciate the great outdoors. These are the best places to travel in April, including a book festival in Barcelona, luxury hotels in the Middle East, and flower festivals that will really put you in the springtime spirit.
barcelona
Temperatures reach the mid-60s in Barcelona come spring, making it one of the best places to travel in April. You'll be there in time for a shoulder season trip without the crowds that flood La Rambla or La Sagrada Familia in the summer. Even better, April 23 marks the Festival of Sant Jordi, when locals receive roses from their lovers—a tradition that began in the 1500s. Since 1926, though, it’s also doubled up as a celebration of writers Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare (who both died on April 23), and become known as Book Day.
Make your way to the Passeig de Gràcia, which will be lined with stalls selling books, roses, or both, and look out for the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló—the façade tells the story of Saint Jordi and the dragon he slayed. Stay in the nearby Example neighbourhood at the Almanac Barcelona for its rooftop bar with 360-degree views across the city and a guest-only pool.
Make your way to the Passeig de Gràcia, which will be lined with stalls selling books, roses, or both, and look out for the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló—the façade tells the story of Saint Jordi and the dragon he slayed. Stay in the nearby Example neighbourhood at the Almanac Barcelona for its rooftop bar with 360-degree views across the city and a guest-only pool.
Olympic National Park, Washington
One of the best stretches of April is National Park Week, when the National Parks Foundation helps operate a week-long series of programs and events aimed at drawing attention to America’s most impressive natural wonders. It kicks off on April 18 with a day of free entry to parks nationwide, so there’s really no better way to celebrate than by planning a trip to Olympic National Park—a site that truly comes alive in April.
Springtime is the best season for wildlife viewing in the park, too, when you can spot bobcats, deer, and elk from the many hiking trails. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear fresh out of hibernation. Grey whales also migrate past Olympic’s coastline in May and April—if you book a stay at the oceanfront Kalaloch Lodge, you might be able to see them directly from the hotel’s beach.
Springtime is the best season for wildlife viewing in the park, too, when you can spot bobcats, deer, and elk from the many hiking trails. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear fresh out of hibernation. Grey whales also migrate past Olympic’s coastline in May and April—if you book a stay at the oceanfront Kalaloch Lodge, you might be able to see them directly from the hotel’s beach.
jordan
Jordan has all the colourful history, layered archeology, and warm hospitality of its neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, yet is one of the easier destinations for first-time visitors to the region to naviagate. And spring happens to be the best season to visit, as temperatures aren’t as extreme as during the summer and winter months—something you should definitely keep in mind if you want to spend a few days exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert.
Instead of planning every detail of a trip to a country that's new to you, consider booking a tour with a reputable travel company. G Adventures has an 8-day “Highlights of Jordan” trip that covers Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea, and many other natural and historic sites. Flash Pack’s “Untold Jordan” trip offers a similar itinerary, but specifically caters to solo travellers in their 30s and 40s.
Instead of planning every detail of a trip to a country that's new to you, consider booking a tour with a reputable travel company. G Adventures has an 8-day “Highlights of Jordan” trip that covers Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea, and many other natural and historic sites. Flash Pack’s “Untold Jordan” trip offers a similar itinerary, but specifically caters to solo travellers in their 30s and 40s.
Marrakech, Morocco
Many of the benefits of visiting Jordan in the spring also apply to Morocco: milder temperatures, thinner crowds, and a mix of ancient and modern wonders that make it an excellent introduction to the Arab world. Marrakech is an especially accessible city, thanks to relatively inexpensive flights and friendly locals—not to mention a wealth of cultural attractions. Check out the city’s Old World spice markets before touring the Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden.
Another reason to visit Marrakech? La Mamounia, one of the best hotels in the entire world. Every inch of the palatial property drips with luxury, from the liveried guards at the entrance to the Olympic-sized pool with champagne service. It’s the ultimate representation of Marrakech’s old-meets-new aesthetic, with modern cuisine and amenities offered just steps away from the ancient medina.
Another reason to visit Marrakech? La Mamounia, one of the best hotels in the entire world. Every inch of the palatial property drips with luxury, from the liveried guards at the entrance to the Olympic-sized pool with champagne service. It’s the ultimate representation of Marrakech’s old-meets-new aesthetic, with modern cuisine and amenities offered just steps away from the ancient medina.
Bolivia
Bolivia tends to get overshadowed by neighbors Brazil and Peru, but this South American nation deserves its own spotlight The country’s top destination is undoubtedly Salar de Uyuni, the otherworldly salt flats favored by adventurers and shutterbugs. While the infinite white plains are gorgeous any time of year, the rainy season (December to April) is when you'll get to experience that famous mirror effect captured in so many photos.
Even better? Luxury property Kachi Lodge reopens on April 1, meaning you can extend your Salar de Uyuni visit into a multi-day getaway. Kachi Lodge (an hour-long flight from La Paz) became the first property to land a location right on the flats when it opened in 2019, featuring six geodesic domes with panoramic views of the landmark. Each dome comes outfitted with handmade blankets and lamps, sheepskin rugs, and a private bathroom with running hot water—the perfect place to rest up between photo sessions and canoeing trips.
Even better? Luxury property Kachi Lodge reopens on April 1, meaning you can extend your Salar de Uyuni visit into a multi-day getaway. Kachi Lodge (an hour-long flight from La Paz) became the first property to land a location right on the flats when it opened in 2019, featuring six geodesic domes with panoramic views of the landmark. Each dome comes outfitted with handmade blankets and lamps, sheepskin rugs, and a private bathroom with running hot water—the perfect place to rest up between photo sessions and canoeing trips.
Carlsbad, California
Every year from March to May, ranunculus flowers take over 50 acres of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, with peak bloom occurring in April. This year, the sleepy surf city is launching a new visitor program called “Pedal 2 Petal,” a sort of scavenger hunt that provides cyclists with a list of floral-themed specials at local attractions—think flowery cocktails at bars, lavender scrubs at spas, and ranunculus shortbread cookies at bakeries.
When you’re not busy filling your body (and Instagram feed) with florals, rest up in peak luxury at the Park Hyatt Aviara, a Hot List and Readers’ Choice Award winner. The 200-acre coastal resort attracts visitors with an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, and both family-friendly and adults-only pool areas. The 327 spacious guest rooms recently underwent a massive redesign (book a coastal view room for balconies overlooking the Pacific), and the new Ember & Rye restaurant is already the hottest spot in town for steak and seafood.
When you’re not busy filling your body (and Instagram feed) with florals, rest up in peak luxury at the Park Hyatt Aviara, a Hot List and Readers’ Choice Award winner. The 200-acre coastal resort attracts visitors with an 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, and both family-friendly and adults-only pool areas. The 327 spacious guest rooms recently underwent a massive redesign (book a coastal view room for balconies overlooking the Pacific), and the new Ember & Rye restaurant is already the hottest spot in town for steak and seafood.
St. Lucia
The winter doldrums may be gone by the time April rolls around, but that doesn’t make the thought of a tropical escape any less appealing—especially one in the Caribbean. There are places in the region to suit every type of traveler, but we generally love St. Lucia this time of year. Not only does the island welcome perfect weather in April (i.e. warm and dry), but it also sees a dip in tourist numbers between the winter and summer holidays.
That weather will come in handy if you want to take advantage of St. Lucia’s outdoor activities, like hiking the Pitons, boating on Marigot Bay, and snorkeling off Anse Chastanet. But depending on where you stay, you might find it hard to leave your home base. St. Lucia has some of the best resorts in the Caribbean: Book a stay at Ladera Resort for rustic suites and private plunge pools, Sugar Beach for next-level spa treatments, or Jade Mountain for the best views on the island.
That weather will come in handy if you want to take advantage of St. Lucia’s outdoor activities, like hiking the Pitons, boating on Marigot Bay, and snorkeling off Anse Chastanet. But depending on where you stay, you might find it hard to leave your home base. St. Lucia has some of the best resorts in the Caribbean: Book a stay at Ladera Resort for rustic suites and private plunge pools, Sugar Beach for next-level spa treatments, or Jade Mountain for the best views on the island.
Portugal
If you have yet to experience the magic that is Portugal, April would be the perfect time to finally book that trip. Aside from escaping the huge summer crowds, you’ll typically find milder weather (around the mid-60s) and less expensive hotel rates during this time than in the impending high season. The relative lack of tourists in Lisbon will be particularly lovely, letting you fully appreciate the city’s iconic pastries and tiled architecture.
You can choose your own adventure from there, but we highly suggest renting a car and venturing northeast into the Douro Valley—one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful wine regions. Make Six Senses your home base, a wellness retreat that has been impressing visitors with sleek decor and holistic spa treatments since it opened in 2015. The resort offers tastings in the wine library, but you should definitely make day trips to some of the region’s local wineries. The Portuguese hospitality titans known as the Douro Boys have several outposts, with Quinta do Vallado and Quinta do Crasto standing out.
You can choose your own adventure from there, but we highly suggest renting a car and venturing northeast into the Douro Valley—one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful wine regions. Make Six Senses your home base, a wellness retreat that has been impressing visitors with sleek decor and holistic spa treatments since it opened in 2015. The resort offers tastings in the wine library, but you should definitely make day trips to some of the region’s local wineries. The Portuguese hospitality titans known as the Douro Boys have several outposts, with Quinta do Vallado and Quinta do Crasto standing out.
Istanbul
Think Holland is the best place to see tulips in the spring? Think again. Istanbul has held its international tulip festival every April since 2006, a celebration in which up to 30 million flowers bloom in the city’s parks, gardens, and even traffic roundabouts. Over 500,000 tulips are planted in Sultanahmet Square alone, creating a stunning, colorful carpet below the Blue Mosque. You can also catch special concerts and photography exhibitions during the festival.
Even if you don’t make tulips the focus of your trip, Istanbul has a slew of new hotels and cultural attractions that make it an incredibly exciting destination to visit right now (we even named the city one of the best places to travel in 2022). Tour many of Istanbul’s new and restored attractions along the Beyoglu Culture Road, a two-hour walking trail that goes past the Taksim Mosque, Istanbul Cinema Museum, and Galata Tower—just to name a few. Then bed down in the Bosphorus-facing Mandarin Oriental in Kurucesme, which opened in mid-2021 with hammams, riverfront restaurants, and a water ferry that will take you anywhere in the city.
Even if you don’t make tulips the focus of your trip, Istanbul has a slew of new hotels and cultural attractions that make it an incredibly exciting destination to visit right now (we even named the city one of the best places to travel in 2022). Tour many of Istanbul’s new and restored attractions along the Beyoglu Culture Road, a two-hour walking trail that goes past the Taksim Mosque, Istanbul Cinema Museum, and Galata Tower—just to name a few. Then bed down in the Bosphorus-facing Mandarin Oriental in Kurucesme, which opened in mid-2021 with hammams, riverfront restaurants, and a water ferry that will take you anywhere in the city.
