If you’ve realised that you’re making the same sort of trips and going back to Thailand year after year, here’s an idea for you: do something different this year and go somewhere where you can experience something refreshing and new. Commit to an adventure instead of a routine holiday and explore new cultures, natural spaces and festivals.
Here’s a list of a few locations that are on our radar – if you’re wondering where you should be holidaying this April, look no further!
Japan
Cherry Blossom season, now well known as Sakura season, is one of those yearly natural phenomena that you must see at least once in your lifetime. And there’s no better time or place to be surrounded by mesmerizing pink than Japan in April. Since the blooms are quick to come and go (their lifespan is only about a week), it’d be best to do your research before you plan the dates for your trip.
The weather will be perfect too, with temperatures that are warm enough to signal the end of winter but just crisp enough to avoid the heatwave that takes over many other parts of Asia this time of the year.
Generally, Sakura trees in Eastern and Western Japan bloom and flourish in early April while those in Northern and higher parts of Japan tend flower in later parts of April – so make sure that you’ve matched up your travel dates and destinations to the Sakura forecast for the year.
Whether you’re taking a long stroll through Ueno Park in Tokyo or seated by the steps of Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo, the experience of having thousands of dewy pink petals wafting along with the wind is incomparable.
India
The best way to experience India is to immerse yourself fully in its rich and colourful culture and there’s no better way to do this than by partaking in their vibrant festivals. One of the best times to visit the country is the month of April as it not only signifies harvest season, but also the Assamese New Year or Rongali Bihu, as it’s called by the locals.
Gaiety abounds during the festival, which pays homage to the livelihood of farming and celebrates the coming of the new year – you won’t see spring being welcomed with such fanfare and enthusiasm anywhere else! In almost every part of Assam, you’ll be able to witness traditional singing and Bihu dancing, with the participants decked out in the most wonderful Assamese outfits.
This year, the 4-day festival begins on the 15th of April, so if you’re heading to India, make sure you head to Assam to witness the intricate rituals and joyous celebrations that mark Rongali Bihu.
Australia
Some of you might say that it’s always a good time to visit Australia and that’s probably true, but if you’re looking for something to do Down Under other than the usual beach-hopping, wining and dining, April is the month for you! Music lovers will be pleased to know that Australia’s biggest blues music festival, which has featured stars like Bob Dylan and Robert Plant in its 30 years of running, is hosted annually in Byron Bay. This year, the Byron Bay Bluesfest is happening from 18th to 22nd April – the perfect weekend get away!
If you’re not so much a music lover as you are a culture connoisseur, you may want to head over to Fremantle instead, a port city that’s just a half hour drive from central Perth. The annual Fremantle Heritage Festival, will be taking place from 18 April to 19 May and performance arts, tours of heritage sites, art and media are just some of the mediums through which locals celebrate their heritage and culture. These events will also take place in culturally and historically significant buildings and landmarks in Fremantle, so you can kill two birds in one stone by sightseeing and enjoying the performances.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is the place to be this spring if you want a trip in which you can both appreciate nature and party to your heart’s content! Every April, the King’s festival draws thousands of tourists to the country’s booming capital, Amsterdam. King’s Day is a national holiday and is celebrated in honour of Dutch King, Willem-Alexander, but what you need to know is that on this day, every street in Amsterdam becomes a venue for a party. The street party to trump all street parties, King’s Day will allow you to experience Dutch music, dance and food all in the same place. And the best part is, the party will follow you wherever you go!
If you’re past the age of partying and want a quieter holiday, don’t worry, because the Tulip Festival in April is just as captivating. In more than 85 spots in Amsterdam, the most vibrant and colourful tulips bloom in April and you’ll have a field day (no pun intended) taking a stroll through the Dutch parks or simply having a picnic by the flowering fields. Keukenhof tulip garden, one of the largest flower gardens in the world, covers 32 hectares so you can walk to your heart’s content’s amidst the beautiful blooms while enjoying the crisp Spring air.
Bolivia
A criminally underappreciated spot in South America, Bolivia is finally getting some of the attention that it deserves because of its beautiful salt flats. April is the last month of the rainy season in the country, so the conditions are milder and better if you’re looking to be outdoors for extended periods. The best part is that the salt flats are also not completely dried out – this means that you can still witness the magnificent reflective surfaces that the salt flats become when they’re wet! Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt flat, is something out of a dream and is one of those surreal places that will knock the breath right out of your chest.
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world, is not to be missed either. After visiting the dreamy salt flats, witnessing the rich culture of the locals in the area and learning about the impressive history of the place will be a refreshing change. There’s no better way to describe the lake and its surrounding floating islands than serene – a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Don’t wait any longer, lest ticket prices start rising! Plan your dates ahead of time and make an appointment with us for travel health advice and any necessary vaccines before you head off for holiday fun!
