27th March 2023

The Netherlands

There is no better time to visit the Netherlands than in Spring. Responsible for 87% of the World's Tulip production, these bright flowers are in full bloom between March and May, and any cruise through the region offers a kaleidoscope of colour.

The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are the most famous place in The Netherlands to see the springtime display of flowers. More than 7 million flower bulbs bloom on 32 hectares every year. You will find hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, lilies and many more. The smell is intoxicating, plus the displays are thoughtfully created. 

Italy

Spring is the perfect time to visit wonderful Italy. Its ancient cities, cosmopolitan coastline and pretty lakes are popular all year round, but in the Spring, there is magic in the air. The crowds have yet to reach the levels found in the summer, meaning sightseeing in cities like Rome and Florence is more pleasant, and the queues for certain attractions are more moderate. 

The temperature is also more amenable, providing a better experience for wandering around the ruins of towns like Pompei. If people-watching is your thing, you'll also find it easier to get a prime spot on a pavement cafe to enjoy a spritz in the sunshine. 

Japan

Think of Japan and the iconic images of Cherry Blossom - 'Sakura' come to mind. For many Japanese, the blossoming cherry blossom tree symbolises human life, transience, and nobleness. As cherry blossoms only bloom for a limited period, the Japanese hold hanami, or flower-watching parties, to honour and celebrate the trees.

As a rule, cherry blossom season in Japan peaks between the end of March and the beginning of April, making this the best time to witness the blooming of the flowers in popular tourist spots such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Trees do not shed their blossoms when they reach "peak bloom", and there is usually a two-week window to enjoy the pretty branches, varying from pretty pastels to vibrant pinks.

Thailand

The dry season in Thailand is from November to April and March is the perfect month to visit as the crowds to thin out, but before the heat of April creeps in. The Southern Islands are delightful for beach worshippers.

April also is the month of the Songkran festival. Expect to get very wet between the 13th and 15th of April if you venture out. The Thai word Songkran means 'move' or 'change place'. The water from Songkran symbolises cleansing you of any bad luck from last year and blessing you with good fortune in the upcoming year. It originated from locals collecting water poured over Buddha statues for cleansing. This was then trickled over the shoulders of village elders and family members as a blessing. Over the years, the emphasis has shifted from the spiritual to fun, becoming a nationwide water fight.

Canada

Spring is one of the best times of year to visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains. During this time of year, the area is stunning as the weather warms up, wildflowers bloom, and waterfalls are at their peak, as the snow begins to melt. 

Taking the Rocky Mountaineer is a fantastic way to see this stunning area in all its glory and it starts in mid-April. The biggest benefit of visiting the Rockies in spring is that the crowds have yet to arrive. The amount of visitors to the area in April and May combined is still half of that of June. This means that you will have a greater opportunity for quiet trails. The spring season is also when most wildlife is giving birth, so you can often see young and their mothers out on hillsides as you pass in your glass-domed cars.