Top Ten Spring Spots

Anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere can tell you about the April itch. It’s that feeling that spring is just around the corner.Maybe there’s something about the swelling buds on the trees, the returning bird song or the muddy footprints left on the floor that lifts us out of the drudgery of winter and gives us that rush of excitement.Regardless, we all step a little lighter when we see that little bit of green or feel the warmth of the sun after the cold winter. Here are the top ten spots in the world to get that cabin fever cured.

10. ‪Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia‬‬‬‬

Plitvice Lakes National Park

The largest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes is also the most spectacular. Emerald lakes arranged in cascades create misty waterfalls and shallow pools to feast your eyes on. With the water at its highest level in spring, the waterfalls are magnificent and the pools are ever-changing shades of azure, emerald, grey and blue. The rock formations rising up around the water only emphasize the grandeur of the landscape and contain the interesting mineral deposits that account for the colorful water.

9. Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada

Agassiz, British Columbia

Another tulip-covered oasis, Agassiz, British Columbia also boasts the added beauty of the Rockies in the background. Specializing in Canadian-grown bulbs, the festival has a hometown feel and gives a vibrant boost to anyone suffering from the winter blues. Visitors are allowed to walk around the tulip fields and see the tulip farming in action.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town from the air

Though the Southern Hemisphere is on the brink of winter during April and May, in some ways autumn in Cape Town offers the best weather. With all the summer activities still in full swing and with the crowds dissipating, fall is the ideal time to take advantage of sightseeing, tours and relaxing evenings on cafe terraces.

7. Temps de Flors Festival, Girona, Spain

Temps de Flors Festival

Even if you don’t understand Spanish, you’ll quickly understand what the Temps de Flors Festival is all about when you arrive mid-May. The city of Girona, Spain, seems to blossom overnight as every space available turns into a flower garden. The colors and displays are dazzling, the atmosphere joyous as even the cathedral steps are draped with blooms.

6. Coast Path, Wales, UK

Coast Path

Winding through 870 miles of rugged terrain and encircling an entire country, the Coast Path in Wales is the first of its kind. Full of fun activities for families, relaxation or adventure seekers, the path is a versatile destination regardless of fitness level. Stunning coastal vistas create an epic experience for visitors, and the distance of the path ensures that it never gets too crowded.

5. Paris, France

Paris in spring

Paris in the spring. Cliché, right? But undeniably attractive just the same. Waking up from the winter dreariness, Paris is bright with activity and bursting with lively spring colors. Museum shows begin in May along with festivals and holidays. The weather is relatively warm, the crowds relatively thin. Paris is the place to be!

4. Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite in spring

If you’ve been feeling cooped up through the winter months, Yosemite National Park is the place to be to re-energize. With all the rivers and creeks at their highest, the waterfalls this time of the year are spectacular. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and various other activities are popular in this nature-filled getaway. You might have to wait until May to see the wildflowers in full bloom, but the rugged beauty of the mountain peaks rising out of the evergreens is sure to impress.

3. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

With the symmetrical majesty of Mount Fuji looming in the distance, hundreds of cherry trees unfurl their lacy pink canopy in late March to mid-April, drawing thousands of spectators. With its waterfalls, hot springs, volcanic islands and deep lakes, it’s the most visited park in Japan. Deemed one of the world’s most beautiful national parks by Forbes magazine, it’s easy to see why it made the list.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam in spring

It’s no secret that Amsterdam is a tourist hotspot in the summer as it boasts being the cultural capital of the Netherlands, but in spring the city shows us a different facet. With trees outlined in a halo of green and the bustle of summer just around the corner, it’s like experiencing the thrilling buzz of anticipation. Shops open up their terraces and canal-cruising begins as all the spring bulbs the Dutch are famous for burst into color.

1. Tulpenfestival, Noordoostpolder, Netherlands

Tulpenfestival

From late March to mid-May blooming tulips cut ribbons across the flat Dutch landscape. “During the annual Countus Tulpenfestival, April 18 to May 6, clearly marked routes make it easy to drive, bike, hike, or ride via special horse-drawn carriage and covered wagon tours along the polder’s most vibrant commercial fields,” according to National Geographic.

Spring is a time of revival and after a long winter why not re-energize by exploring one of the listed spots? However, although this list highlights our top spots for spring, make no mistake, it is highly likely you can enjoy the splendors of spring from just about anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

So, round up your family and friends and set out for an adventure. Happy spring!

Article written by Linda Freymond