With the weather warming up and spring officially beginning, April is one of the best months to travel, especially for budget travelers. The summer crowds have yet to arrive at some of the world’s most popular destinations, there are festivals around the world, and you’ll be in time for the cherry blossoms in Japan or the tulips in the Netherlands.
Here are the best destinations to visit in April!
Marrakech
Since my first trip to Marrakech, I’ve been dreaming about going to back and exploring more of the city. Marrakech is easily one of the most fascinating destinations in Northern Africa.
The city is over 1,000 years old, and while it’s known for its luxury riads, it’s also one of the best budget destinations in Africa. April is the perfect time to visit Marrakech because the weather is mild, making it more comfortable to spend hours exploring the bustling medina, dining on the rooftops, and wandering around the beautiful Ben Youssef Mosque.
Read More: The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide
Porto
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and April is the perfect time to explore the city of Porto. It’s won the title of Best European Destination three times and is the ultimate vacation spot for wine lovers.
Don’t leave without trying their famous port wine. Porto is considered one of the world’s best wine regions for a reason!
The best part about visiting Porto in April is that you’ll miss the summer crowds. It’s a quiet month for the city, and you’ll be able to scoop up excellent deals on cheap flights and accommodation.
Crete, Greece
Crete
Greece is one of the best destinations to visit in the summer months – but it’s also the busiest time of year for the country. If you want to avoid the crowds of people flocking to Mykonos and Santorini for their summer vacation, book your flights to Crete for the end of April.
Temperatures start to rise, hotel rates are still affordable, and you won’t have to fight for a spot on the beach. Just avoid the busy Easter weekend period if you’re on a budget!
With plenty of chic-boutique hotels, pink-hued villages, rugged mountains, and white sand beaches, Crete is the perfect island to soak up Greek culture!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Greek Islands
California
As a native Californian, I am a bit biased when it comes to my state. With perfect 70-degree weather, incredible natural scenery and so much to see, it’s the perfect destination to explore in April if you don’t want to hop on a transatlantic flight.
Whether you want to go to Big Sur and see Bixby Bridge, visit Malibu and lounge on the beaches, or plan a family trip to Disneyland – there’s something for everyone in California!
April also plays host to some of the state’s biggest annual events. Coachella is one of the biggest festivals in the world and takes place over two weekends in April. There’s also the Newport Beach Film Festival. It features the best of classic and contemporary films from all over the world!
Read More: The Ultimate California Travel Guide
Aomori
Located on the northern tip of Honshu Island, Aomori is one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Japan from late April to early May. Framed by tall jagged mountains, beautiful castles and relaxing hot springs, Aomori is the perfect getaway for travelers who love nature and are intrigued by Japan’s history and culture.
If possible, plan your trip around the Hirosaki Sakura-Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival. You can hire a boat that will sail through the tunnels of cherry blossoms across the city!
Venice
April in Venice means smaller crowds, less humidity, and slightly cheaper hotel prices. As one of the most expensive cities to travel in Italy, visiting in April is the perfect time for a romantic getaway on a budget.
Stroll down the canals and explore St. Mark’s Square for the Festa di San Marco which celebrates St. Mark’s feast day. There are also plenty of museums to explore and no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride down the canals!
Read More: The Ultimate Venice Travel Guide
Railay Beach
Thailand
April is one of the best month’s to visit the Land of Smiles. It’s still dry season so the weather is perfect for island hopping in Thailand and you’ll be in time for one of the country’s biggest cultural celebrations – Songkran!
It’s a five-day event that celebrates Thai New Year and is marked by giant water fights across the country! Some of the best destinations to experience Songkran are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping in Thailand
Bolivia
Bolivia is one of my favorite destinations in South America and April is the best time to visit—whether you’re backpacking or interested in luxury travel. The month marks the end of the rainy season in the country, and the conditions are perfect for visiting the famous Uyuni Salt Flats.
Take a 4×4 tour to see smoking volcanoes, a flamingo-flocked red lagoon, and deserts scattered with “rock trees.”
Read More: The Ultimate Bolivia Travel Guide
Amsterdam
There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam in April. One of the city’s biggest events is King’s Day on the 27th of April. The entire city turns into shades of orange as people take to the streets, parks, and canals to celebrate the King’s birthday.
April is also the best time to see the Netherland’s famous tulips!
Base yourself in Amsterdam and go on a day trip to the small town of Keukenhof. Here you’ll find one of the world’s largest flower gardens that paint the ground in rainbow hues!
Read More: The Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide
Tongabezi Lodge
Zambia
If you’re a budget traveler looking for incredible wildlife viewings, plan a trip to Zambia. It’s one of the top safari destinations in Africa, but it’s not as popular as Botswana or Kenya so you can expect fewer people inside the national parks and better deals on accommodation.
I highly recommend staying at Tongabezi Lodge if you’re looking for a unique experience! It’s right on the Zambezi River and is a great place to base yourself if you want to visit Victoria Falls!
Read More: Guide to Visiting Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe and Zambia
Paris
The weather in Paris is unpredictable, even during the busy summer months. If you want to visit the City of Lights in April, pack a few warm layers and rain gear in case the weather turns for the worst.
But if you’re okay with less than ideal weather, April is one of the best months to travel to Paris on a budget. There are loads of flight deals, and you won’t have to fight your way through crowds of other tourists at the city’s top attractions.
Read More: The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide
Havana, Cuba
Cuba
Cuba is one of the best April getaways for U.S. travelers. With a flight time of three hours from Texas and one hour from Miami, it’s close enough for a weekend getaway to Havana!
The weather in April is warm (but not uncomfortable) and you can bank on days full of sunshine. With low prices and unspoiled beaches, you can kick back and relax without having to watch your bank balance too much.
Read More: How to Spend 48 Hours in Havana
Overall
April is one of the best months to travel—it’s a shoulder season for most destinations around the world and a great time for budget travelers to take advantage of cheap flights and low hotel rates.
Which destinations do you think are the best to visit in April? Let me know in the comments below!
Ah, Bolivia looks so beautiful!
Mariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com/