WHERE TO GO IN APRIL | THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS MONTH
April is shoulder season in a lot of my favorite places: spring flowers, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. It's a great month to try a city you've been dreaming about.
Here are my top picks for April, plus a splurge and a save hotel for each one so you can choose what fits your budget.
1. Amsterdam
Tulip season usually runs from late March into May, and the bulb fields outside the city are something everyone should see once. In town, the canals are lined with blooming trees and the café terraces start filling up. Rent bikes, pop into the museums and spend long afternoons wandering the Jordaan.
Splurge: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam — Six 17th-century canal palaces on the Herengracht turned into one elegant hotel, with a beautiful garden and a top-notch spa.
Save: The Hoxton, Amsterdam — Cool, well-priced rooms in a row of canal houses, right in the middle of everything.
Read more: My 3-day Amsterdam itinerary
2. Paris
Paris in the spring is a cliché for a reason: café terraces fill up, the gardens bloom and the light is beautiful. It's the perfect weather for walking from the Louvre to the Seine to Saint-Germain, stopping for pastries along the way. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Splurge: Le Bristol Paris — A true palace hotel on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, with a rooftop pool and some of the best dining in the city.
Save: Hôtel Le Pigalle — A stylish boutique stay in trendy SoPi with a great bar downstairs and a more local feel, at a friendlier price.
Read more: A day in Paris
3. Utah's National Parks
Spring brings comfortable hiking temperatures in Zion, Bryce and Arches before the summer heat sets in. The red rock canyons are even more striking with a little green coming in. Go early in the day for the most popular trails, and check park reservation and shuttle requirements before you go.
Splurge: Amangiri — A desert sanctuary unlike anywhere else, with minimalist suites built into the landscape and a spa that feels like a work of art.
Save: Cable Mountain Lodge — Steps from the Zion National Park entrance and shuttle stop, so you can be on the trail early without a long drive.
4. Hilton Head Island
Warm days, uncrowded beaches and perfect biking weather before the summer rush. Ride the flat beach paths, climb the Harbour Town Lighthouse and finish the day with Lowcountry seafood. It's easy for families and a great long weekend.
Splurge: Montage Palmetto Bluff — Southern luxury on the May River in nearby Bluffton, with cottages, a beautiful spa and a slower, quieter pace.
Save: Beach House Hilton Head Island — Oceanfront with a fun tiki bar, right on the beach in the middle of the island.
Read more: My Hilton Head travel guide
5. Napa & Sonoma
Green hills, new vines and much quieter tasting rooms than harvest season. You can actually get reservations at the top wineries and restaurants, and the weather is perfect for picnics among the vines. It's a relaxed, food-focused trip.
Splurge: Auberge du Soleil — Hillside views over the valley and Michelin-starred dining. It's the classic Napa splurge for a reason.
Save: The Westin Verasa Napa — Walkable to downtown Napa's tasting rooms and restaurants, so you can skip the car for the evening.
Not sure where to go?
Take my Trip Finder quiz. Answer a few quick questions about when you're traveling, your travel style and your budget, and I'll match you with a destination plus three places to stay.
Or skip the research entirely. I plan trips for readers, from long weekends to honeymoons, and I'll build an itinerary around your dates, budget and style. Here's how planning a trip with me works.
Every trip is different, and weather, events and hotel availability can change from year to year, so double-check dates before you book.
More months: Where to go in March · Where to go in May
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