If you seek smaller crowds, fantastic festivals, spring blooms, and mild temperatures, spring is the perfect time of year to travel. Here are some great spring destinations, some you are probably familiar with, and some that may surprise you.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Springtime is a wonderful time to visit Amsterdam. The entire country literally blooms. As Holland awakens from winter, fields come alive with color. Tulips, hyacinths, and other spectacular blossoms stretch out into the horizon, which you can explore from a safe distance on foot, car, or by bicycle.
Yakushima, Japan
Yakushima Island is extremely wet, affording it an abundance of natural beauty. This subtropical, mountainous island is located on the southern tip of Japan and can be reached via plane. Hidden hot springs and exotic fauna line wooden paths and canopy bridges. In spring there is an eruption of color, including Yamazakura where cherry blossoms cover one of the island’s valleys in a pink haze.
Crete, Greece
Crete is one of the most distinctive of the Greek islands. It has its own unmistakable culture. If you visit in late spring, you’ll avoid crowds and very hot temperatures. The Samaria Gorge in southwest Crete, a roughly 10-mile hike, takes you to traditional villages like Spili, one of the most beautiful spots.