Where to Travel in April: 7 Incredible Places to Visit This Month
April is one of the best months to travel, and not just because of nice weather. It’s a sweet spot—fewer crowds than summer, cheaper flights than peak season, and some of the world’s most epic events.
Whether you’re chasing a once-a-year natural phenomenon, diving into a massive festival, or scoring big on seasonal travel perks, these destinations are absolute must-visits in April.
Table of Contents
- Japan – Cherry Blossoms and Festivals in Full Bloom
- Thailand – Songkran, the Ultimate Water Festival
- The Netherlands – Tulip Season at Its Peak
- Mexico – Whale Sharks & Perfect Beach Weather
- Namibia – The Epic Green Season for Wildlife Viewing
- Spain – Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Springtime Bliss
- Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – The Perfect Shoulder Season
Japan – Cherry Blossoms and Festivals in Full Bloom

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Japan’s famous sakura (cherry blossoms), April is prime time. Parks, temples, and entire cities transform into stunning pink wonderlands, with locals and tourists alike picnicking under the trees. Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka are the top spots for hanami (flower viewing), but smaller towns like Kanazawa and Nara offer a more peaceful experience. Bonus? April is festival season, with events like the Takayama Spring Festival, where elaborate floats parade through historic streets.
Read more of my guides to Japan:
- Kinosaki—Japan’s Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Town
- 13 Things to Do in Shimoda, Japan in 2 Days
- Mount Fuji During Cherry Blossom Season: Best Spots + Tips
- 7 Things to Do at Mount Fuji in 2 Days
- 9 Things to Do in Lake Kawaguchi at Mount Fuji
- Tea Ceremony in Kyoto: A Must-Do Experience!
- What to Do in Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan—In 1 Day!
- Fushimi Inari Hike in Kyoto, Japan—What to Know!
- Kyoto Itinerary—What to Do in 3 Days
- 9 Rainy Day Activities in Kyoto, Japan
Thailand – Songkran, the Ultimate Water Festival

We just covered this one, but it’s so good, it deserves a mention here too. Songkran (April 13-15) is Thailand’s New Year celebration, where the entire country erupts into a massive, multi-day water fight. If you’ve ever wanted to party in the streets while getting drenched with water guns and buckets, this is your chance. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, and it’s one of the best travel experiences in the world.
READ MORE: Songkran in Thailand
The Netherlands – Tulip Season at Its Peak

April is THE month to visit the Netherlands if you want to see millions of tulips in full bloom. Keukenhof Gardens, often called the Garden of Europe, is only open for a few months a year, and April is when the flowers hit their most colorful peak. Fields outside Amsterdam explode in waves of reds, yellows, and purples, making it one of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Bonus: King’s Day (April 27), the Netherlands’ biggest party, where the entire country dresses in orange and goes wild with street festivals and boat parties.
Mexico – Whale Sharks & Perfect Beach Weather

Mexico is always a good idea, but April is next-level awesome. It’s the best time for swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Holbox, Isla Mujeres, and the Yucatán Peninsula before the season ends. On top of that, beach destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Escondido have perfect conditions—not too hot, not too rainy, and just before the summer crowds arrive. Add in Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, and you’ve got the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
READ MORE: Everything about Mexico!
Namibia – The Epic Green Season for Wildlife Viewing

April is THE secret best month to visit Namibia. Why? Because it’s the transition between the wet and dry seasons, meaning lush landscapes, clear skies, and amazing wildlife spotting without the high-season safari prices. Etosha National Park is at its most beautiful, and you’ll have a great chance to see elephants, lions, and rhinos in a setting that’s way greener than usual. Bonus? It’s shoulder season, so you get better deals and fewer tourists.
Spain – Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Springtime Bliss

April in Spain means Semana Santa, one of the most visually stunning and culturally rich celebrations in the world. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga host massive, dramatic parades with candlelit processions, elaborate floats, and traditional music. Beyond that, Spain in April is just perfection—warm but not too hot, fewer tourists than summer, and perfect conditions for exploring cities, beaches, and countryside alike.
READ MORE: All about Spain!
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile – The Perfect Shoulder Season

April is shoulder season in Patagonia, which means you get the best of both worlds—stunning fall foliage, cooler hiking temperatures, and way fewer crowds. This is the absolute best time to explore places like Torres del Paine, El Chaltén, and Perito Moreno Glacier, where the landscapes turn red, gold, and orange. Flights and accommodations are also cheaper than in peak summer, making it a dream destination for adventure lovers looking to avoid the crowds.
