Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 04:05 am
Some destinations are best explored outside the high season; milder climates, fewer crowds, and nature in full bloom make spring an irresistible time to travel. If you’re wondering where to travel in spring, consider places that offer blooming landscapes, exciting cultural events, and fewer tourists for a relaxed experience. From verdant valleys to vibrant cities, these destinations are prime spots for a spring vacation or spring break adventure. Sound tempting? Read on to learn more about some of the best places to travel to in spring.
The Loire Valley, France
With fewer tourists passing through, the Loire Valley is a peaceful escape in spring months of March, April, and May. The warm weather interspersed with a refreshing spring breeze, makes the days of exploration on foot or by bicycle a real joy. Spring flowers bloom across the countryside, towns are dotted with colourful foliage and trees are lush and green. Stop by the valley’s 17th century L’Etape Gourmande farm to step inside an authentic French farmhouse set amidst sunflower fields, and try some of the regional food including the farm’s own goat’s cheese, best enjoyed alongside a glass of local wine. A trip to the Loire Valley is a bucket list-worthy spring vacation not to be missed.
Travel to the Loire Valley in spring on The Treasures of France including Normandy itinerary.
Vienna, Austria
Another gem on our list that perfectly answers where to travel in spring is Austria! With mild weather and fewer visitors than in high season, spring in Vienna is a delight and an ideal time for sightseeing. Throughout May, Austria is in full bloom and Vienna is no exception with parks and gardens across the city coming to life. Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens has the most impressive displays, with around 360,000 spring flowers. May is also the beginning of Vienna’s festival season, welcoming a whole host of food fairs, fun cultural events, and outdoor concerts across the capital. Wander between the city’s historic sites and soak up local life in a Viennese coffee house. Shoulder season visits like this are ideal for those who want to enjoy sightseeing without the summer rush. With its mix of history, food, and outdoor charm, it’s easy to see why Austria makes the cut as one of the best places to travel to in spring.
Take the time to explore Vienna on the Best of Germany and Austria trip with Trafalgar.
Beijing, China
When looking further east, deciding where to travel in spring can be overwhelming, but Beijing is a delight at this time of year. Hop between Tiananmen Square and the city’s parks and temples to see these sites when the trees are full of cherry blossoms. Explore the 180 acres of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens that the UNESCO World Heritage Forbidden City encompasses, and take a rickshaw ride between neighbourhoods, stopping off at a traditional tea house to experience a revered Chinese art.
Visiting Beijing during the spring months of March, April, or May also offers a shoulder season advantage: fewer crowds and comfortably warm weather for walking and sightseeing. If China wasn’t on your Asian bucket list before, we hope it is now.
Visit Beijing on Trafalgar’s Classic China itinerary.
New Orleans, North America
Springtime is widely regarded as the best time to visit New Orleans, when comfortably cool weather and lively celebrations make it the perfect spring break destination. Whether your trip coincides with a festival or not, delve into the vibrant music scene by catching a live jazz performance, and tuck into the city’s famous Creole and Cajun fare. New Orleans is easily one of the best spring break destinations for families looking for culture, music, and fun.
Discover New Orleans on the Tastes and Sounds of the South itinerary
The Dades Valley, Morocco
By travelling to the Dades Valley in May, visitors will see why this region is also known as the valley of roses. Each spring, these flowers are harvested to produce rose water, rose oil and perfume. The rose season culminates with a Rose Festival when, after the harvest, thousands of people gather to dance, eat and watch a procession. Aside from these annual celebrations, the one of the biggest highlights for many visitors to the valley in spring is walking through the idyllic rose-filled landscape. The spectacular display of springtime roses alone makes Morocco one of the best places to travel to in spring.
Visit The Dades Valley in spring by joining Trafalgar’s Best of Morocco trip.
FAQs
Where should I go in Europe in Spring?
Europe in spring is full of vibrant destinations. The Loire Valley in France and Vienna, Austria are perfect for cool weather and interesting cultural events. Other top spots include Amsterdam for its famous tulip fields, Seville, Spain for colourful Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, and Lisbon, Portugal for mild March–May temperatures and fewer crowds.
Where to go on Spring Break with my family?
Aside from New Orleans, spring break destinations for families include Orlando, Florida for theme parks, Washington D.C. for the cherry blossoms, and Barcelona, Spain for city sightseeing combined with nearby beaches.
What are the best spring festivals in Europe?
There are a wide variety of festivals if you’re visiting Europe in spring, such as Vienna’s food fairs and flower festivals, and the Loire Valley’s local harvest events. Some of the most famous spring festivals in Europe also include the Keukenof Festival in the Netherlands, Primavera Sound Music Festival in Barcelona, and the Festival of Lights show in Zagreb.
What are the best spring festivals in the US?
The US also offers a wide range of spring festivals, with some of the best including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Tulip Time Festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
Do European countries have spring break?
Europe doesn’t have a spring break in the same way that the US does, but Europe does have a spring break period in March or April. For example, springtime in Italy means Easter and school breaks in late March/April, Germany has Osterferien (Easter holidays) for a week or two, and France has vacances de printemps, usually staggered across regions. It’s a very popular time of year for people to book a Europe trip in spring.
Want to see what other destinations come alive during springtime? Check out our 10 most popular spring trips to Europe or explore futher and book a spring tour!
Image credits: cover photo of the Forbidden City in Beijing during springtime © iStock / LiJingwang. The Loire Valley © iStock / Elisa Locci. Vienna in spring © iStock / Free Artist. Beijing in spring © iStock / Vitaly Edush. New Orleans © iStock / Sam Camp. The Dades Valley in Morocco © Flickr / Benh Lieu Song.