While everyone else floods the usual hotspots, you’ll be living it up in places that shine brightest during spring.
We’ve handpicked destinations that nail the sweet spot: perfect temps, killer photo ops, and way fewer tourists. Ready to level up your travel game? Let’s go!
Banff National Park comes alive in spring when the mountains are still snow-capped but temperatures start warming up.
Spring skiing runs through May at three world-class resorts, while lower elevations reveal hiking trails perfect for stretching those winter-weary legs.
Insider Tip: Hit Tunnel Mountain for sunrise – it’s a quick 4km round-trip hike that serves up jaw-dropping views of the Bow Valley without the tourist masses.
Where to Stay: The Sunshine Mountain Lodge is Banff’s only mountaintop hotel, averaging 30 feet of snowfall.
Zion National Park offers perfect hiking temps and stunning contrasts of red rocks against fresh green vegetation.
The Virgin River runs crystal clear from snowmelt, creating gorgeous aqua-blue streams against the canyon walls.
The park’s shuttle system kicks into full gear, making it super easy to hop between epic viewpoints and legendary hikes.
Insider Tip: Take a guided hike to The Narrows – you’ll get incredible views and an amazing picnic at the end.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Zion offers glamping under the stars in their Stargazer Tent with a viewing window above the king bed – talk about next-level stargazing!
Punta Cana brings the heat with over 40 miles of pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Snorkel with stingrays, zip-line through tropical forests, or just chill at one of the gorgeous beach clubs.
The party scene stays lit with endless beach bars and clubs pumping out merengue beats.
Insider Tip: Book a sunrise horseback ride along the stunning coastline – it’s totally worth setting that early alarm.
Where to Stay: Eden Roc Cap Cana blends jungle vibes with beachfront luxury, featuring private plunge pools and personal tanning decks.
Monaco in spring serves up glamour with a side of perfect Mediterranean weather. The principality buzzes with energy as it preps for the legendary Grand Prix.
Spring brings the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament and the Spring Arts Festival, featuring world-class performances against stunning coastal backdrops.
Visit the Japanese Garden for a zen moment – it’s a peaceful escape along Avenue Princesse Grace, home to some of Monaco’s priciest real estate.
Where to Stay: Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo sits steps from Casino Square, offering a blend of classical and modern luxury with a dash of Mediterranean charm.
Maui in spring means smaller crowds, lower prices, and perfect beach weather. March through May brings the end of whale season, blooming jacaranda trees painting the upcountry purple, and the sweet scent of plumeria filling the air.
The island’s laid-back spring vibe means you can score prime spots at popular beaches and snag those coveted restaurant reservations without the usual wait.
Check out Paia town in spring – this funky surf town offers authentic local vibes and amazing food spots within walking distance.
Where to Stay: Hotel Wailea, an adults-only sanctuary with ocean-view suites nestled in tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls.
Nice springs to life with perfect Mediterranean vibes and temps hovering around 61°F in April.
Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, where azure waters meet pebbly shores, or hop on a boat trip to spot millionaire villas along the coast. Take the lift up to Colline du Chateau for those killer panoramic shots of the bay.
Insider Tip: Book a cruise to Villefranche Bay – the lighting is perfect for photos, and you’ll beat the crowds.
Where to Stay: Experience timeless French Riviera glamour at Le Negresco, where opulent rooms and Michelin-starred dining meet breathtaking Mediterranean views.
MoBay serves up spring break perfection with sugary white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and endless good vibes.
The Hip Strip along Gloucester Avenue is where the action happens – think beachfront bars, duty-free shopping, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville with its famous three-story waterslide plunging into the Caribbean.
Insider Tip: Hit Doctor’s Cave Beach early morning for the best spots and clearest waters.
Where to Stay: Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters brings all-inclusive luxury with stunning ocean views and exceptional service.
Vancouver blooms big time in spring with over 40,000 cherry trees painting the city pink. The crowds are thinner, and hotel prices drop in April and May.
Bike the scenic seawall, explore Stanley Park’s gardens, or take a whale watching tour to spot orcas and humpbacks.
The Grouse Grind typically opens in April, offering epic city views after a heart-pumping climb.
Insider Tip: Visit VanDusen Garden when the rhododendrons burst into color.
Where to Stay: The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is where 1920s grandeur meets modern luxury with an art deco pool, spa, and speakeasy-style bar.
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Istanbul in spring means Judas trees blooming purple along the Bosphorus and tulips popping up everywhere.
Don’t miss the Tulip Festival in April when millions of blooms transform city parks into rainbow carpets. Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus to catch the city’s most magical moments.
Insider Tip: Visit Princes’ Islands for mimosa trees and purple Judas blossoms in early spring.
Where to Stay: The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a former Ottoman palace, where opulent rooms, infinity pools, and Bosphorus views transport you to a world of imperial splendor.
Amsterdam turns full bloom in spring. Bike through parks, snap pics of cherry blossoms in Vondelpark, and escape the summer crowds.
The famous Keukenhof Gardens burst with millions of tulips from March to May – go early morning to dodge the tourist rush.
Insider Tip: Check out the Bloesempark (Blossom Park) at sunrise for stunning cherry blossom photos without the crowds.
Where to Stay: The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is a palatial canalside haven where historic luxury meets modern elegance.
Dubrovnik in springtime means mild temps and way fewer tourists crowding those famous marble streets.
April brings perfect sightseeing weather, with crystal-clear waters perfect for boat trips along the Adriatic coast.
The city’s stunning limestone streets and ancient walls are all yours to explore without the summer masses, plus those Game of Thrones filming locations look even better in spring light.
Where to Stay: Hotel Excelsior offers stunning views, combining two restaurants, a spa, and prime location near Dubrovnik’s historic center.
Porto brings its A-game in spring with temps hitting that sweet mid-60s sweet spot and wisteria cascading down ancient walls in dreamy purple waves.
The city’s famous port wine lodges are way less crowded, meaning you’ll actually get to chat with local wine makers during tastings.
Spring also brings the Porto Food Week in May, where top restaurants serve up special menus at wallet-friendly prices.
Insider Tip: Score a free sunset view at the Serra do Pilar Monastery – it’s where locals go for those Instagram-worthy shots of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Where to Stay: The Yeatman Hotel hangs dramatically over the river, offering wine-themed rooms and an infinity pool that seems to float above Porto’s red-tiled roofs.
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Quebec City shakes off winter with maple syrup season in full swing. By May, the city’s parks burst with tulips and spring blooms.
The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec come alive with outdoor cafes, and nearby Montmorency Falls roars with spring melt. Plus, you can score sweet deals on hotels before the summer crowds roll in.
Where to Stay: The Auberge Saint-Antoine is a unique museum-hotel in Old Quebec’s heart, featuring farm-to-fork dining and Michelin-recognized hospitality.
Kyoto turns pink in early April when over 1,500 cherry trees burst into bloom. The city’s ancient temples and gardens look straight out of a fairytale, framed by delicate sakura petals.
Insider Tip: Visit Maruyama Park after dark to see the weeping cherry trees illuminated.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, perched elegantly along the Kamogawa River, offers world-class luxury with breathtaking mountain views and Michelin-starred dining.
Fes hits differently in spring when mild temps make exploring the maze-like medina an absolute joy.
Wander through the world’s largest car-free urban zone, where 9,000 narrow lanes wind past spice markets, bustling souks, and artisan workshops.
The famous tanneries show off their rainbow-colored dye pits without summer’s intense heat and smells.
Insider Tip: Book a local guide for your first medina walk – they’ll show you hidden spots like the secret breakfast market where locals grab warm bread and honey.
Where to Stay: Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa rocks a stunning courtyard with a turquoise pool, plus a rooftop terrace serving up panoramic views of the medina and Atlas Mountains.