15Great Paces to Travel This Spring

Nelson Lewis

1. US Virgin Islands

Every April, the island of St. Thomas hosts a carnival that serves as the perfect way to get out of the winter mindset. Complete with festive parades, food fairs and elaborate costumes, the party is one of the best in the Caribbean. And with the peak travel season over, airfare and hotel rates drop significantly.

2. Amsterdam

Despite (or perhaps because of) its reputation for debauchery, Amsterdam really does have something great for everybody. In March, you can view the tulips at the annual Keukenhof flower festival, and in April you can check out a plethora of outdoor parties during King’s Day.

3. Grand CanyonDuring the spring months, travel and hotel rates to check out one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World are surprisingly low, making a visit to the Grand Canyon a great way to usher in the warmer weather.

4. Vancouver

Warm and sunny days bring this traditionally outdoorsy city back to life, with vibrant spring festivals and great deals on hotel rooms.

5. Washington DCWhile DC experiences mild weather in the spring (a rarity in the summer), its main draw at this time of the year is thousands of cherry trees that bloom along the tidal basin.

6. San DiegoNo matter the season, San Diego always stays classy. In the springtime, the city’s blooms are on display at the annual Coronado Flower Show, and the San Diego Zoo hosts several family-friendly festivals in April and May.

7. ParisThere’s a reason that springtime in Paris has become such a cliché. While t-shirt weather has yet to arrive, the city’s got plenty to offer; book-sellers return to their displays along the Seine, and the streets fill with local food markets where you can get some of the best croissants and baguettes in the world.

8. Rio de JaneiroMost Carnival crowds are gone by April, and with the improving weather, strolling through Tijuca National Park and Santa Teresa’s cobblestone streets are fun indeed.

9. Cape Town

Our spring ushers in Cape Town’s autumn, with beautiful fall foliage and few people. History buffs can admire the area’s rich heritage, while the more outdoorsy tourists can explore Table Mountain. And even in the autumn months, the beaches still offer plenty of sun.

10. AthensIn spring, you can expect bright, sunny days before Athens gets swamped by summer tourists. Just make sure that you pack a jacket, since Athens in the spring experiences some aggressive winds.

11. BermudaSpring is the last time that you can snatch up deals in the aftermath of Bermuda’s winter. Lower rates mean that you can take advantage of the beaches and golf courses on the island like never before, even if the waters are still a bit cold.

12. Orlando

Most days, the weather here hovers around a pleasant 70s and 80s. Not only that, but the lines at Universal, Disney and Sea World haven’t yet reached the epic lengths that characterize the summer months.

13. CharlestonAny time of the year, Charleston is a great city to visit. But in the pleasant spring weather, the cobblestone streets and Spanish moss are especially charming.

14. Monaco

No matter what time of the year, Monaco has appeal, but spring, before the principality gets crowded during the Grand Prix, could be the best time.

15. TokyoWarm temperatures and sunny weather, combined with the city’s famous cherry blossoms, help to make spring a great time to visit Tokyo. During the Golden Week, the city comes alive for four national holidays.