I find Spring a difficult month to know where to go. We often hit the slopes for some Easter skiing and last year went to Dubai in late May but it was a little on the hot side. You see, it’s tricky to get it right. Some parts of Europe can still be quite cold and there’s nothing worse than going somewhere colder than the UK when you are expecting sunshine and heat. So, how about some inspiration? I have enlisted the help of five fabulous travel bloggers to write about their favourite spring destinations. Read and get inspired for a springtime break.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Contributed by MummyTravels
By Spring, I’m usually craving sunshine and one of my favourite cities to visit is Lisbon – it’s warmer than a lot of the rest of Europe during early Spring and there’s so much to discover at any time of year. I’ve stayed in the Alfama before (pre-daughter), the atmospheric old quarter by the castle, but every time I visit, I love to head to Belem for the original pasteis de nata custard tarts, the intricate architecture of the monastery and the waterfront views. But there’s also the city’s classic yellow trams, the nearby palaces, the castle itself and some great child-friendly options like the Oceanario aquarium, voted the best in the world.
Contributed by Lisa from Travel Loving Family
Having lived in Savannah, Georgia, for three years I can thoroughly recommend it as a great destination for a USA family holiday. The charming Southern city has so much to offer. We used to enjoy strolling around the historic City Market, browsing local artists creations before continuing down to River Street to enjoy a meal overlooking the river whilst watching the large ships pass under the Savannah bridge. The city’s 22 squares and parks are great for people watching, particularly the 30-acre Forsyth Park. Outside the city we regularly visited Fort Pulaski and Tybee Beach.
Spring was our favourite season as the azaleas are blooming and the weather is comfortable and perfect for sightseeing at 70-80 degrees (F). In the summer months, Savannah can reach temperatures of 90 degrees and is extremely humid. Spring is also a great time to enjoy the many events hosted by the party-loving city, including the third largest St Patricks Day parade in the world which over 300,000 people attend. Other popular springtime events include the Savannah Music Festival (March/April), the Spring Fling Art and Music Festival (April) and the Savannah Seafood Festival (May).
Washington D.C.
by Shobha from Just Go Places
Spring is officially welcomed in the U.S. capitol of Washington D.C. with frothy pink blossoms. The whole city is glad that the usually snowy (and brutally cold) winter has finished. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a time to look forward to better weather ahead. Most of the cherry trees line the Potomac River’s tidal basin including the big monuments such as the Lincoln Monument. Washington D.C. has so much grand architecture (think massive white stone), the pink and white of the cherry blossoms really softens the city’s look. The approximately 3000 trees were gifted to D.C. by Tokyo in 1912 as a gesture of friendship.
There are lots of family-friendly activities associated with cherry blossom time, such as a Japanese street festival and a cherry blossom parade. Along with the pretty trees, the events help foster American understanding of Japanese culture. My children really enjoyed joining in with some Taiko drumming and were mesmerised by a display of Kenjutsu, a Japanese martial art using swords.
Other areas have cherry blossom festivals too such as in northern California and the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. though is the biggest of these events.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Keri at BabyGlobetrotters
Whether you’re a sun worshipper or thrill seeker the UAE has something for everyone to break you out of those winter blues and prepare you for summer. Spring is a hive of activity for the UAE as residents and visitors alike cling to the last milder days before the desert heat really hits. Do be warned, the daytime temperatures can still get pretty hot and by the end of Spring, most outdoor activity is best done early or late in the day. The great news is night life thrives in the major cities – and year round there are always plenty of indoor offerings to escape the desert temperatures.
There are some highlights that every visitor shouldn’t miss, like climbing the world’s tallest tower in Dubai (Burj Khalifa), visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and taking a trek into the desert for a taste of traditional Bedouin life.
Those with kids (and big kids at heart!) will really enjoy the numerous water parks, and you can’t miss some of the world’s biggest and best attractions – including the world’s largest flower garden (Miracle Garden) and the biggest indoor theme park and fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World, Yas Island.
If you want a change in pace from the big cities, however, a quiet retreat to the country’s numerous desert and beach resorts might be just what the doctor ordered. Our favourites include Qasr al Sarab in the Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi emirate and Hilton Doubletree in Ras al Khaimah, to the north east of Dubai.
UNITED KINGDOM
by Clare at Suitcases and Sandcastles
There’s nowhere I’d rather be in springtime than in England, when the daffodils are out and the trees are full of apple blossoms and magnolias. It’s a wonderful time of year: you’ll go for a walk in the woods and find a carpet of bluebells.
My family loves spending a week in a cottage in the English countryside over the Easter holidays. We’ve clambered all over the Yorkshire Dales, taken a boat trip in the Lake District and followed in the footsteps of King Charles I at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight.
But my favourite place to go in Spring has to be Cornwall. It’s so much less crowded than it is in Summer and a rental cottage will cost you half as much in April as it would in August. In the summer, I’m miserable if the weather’s bad (which it so often is) but at springtime I’m absurdly grateful for any sunshine and if it rains, there’s nothing quite like huddling up on a British beach, eating fish and chips or a Cornish pasty.
Our perfect family holiday would be on the North Cornish coast, basing ourselves in a pretty fishing village like Port Isaac, close enough to go crabbing in Padstow harbour and visit the magical castle of Tintagel. We’d explore the caves on Constantine Bay and build sandcastles on the gorgeous sweep of sand at Polzeath. We’d visit the Eden Project and have long walks along the South West Coastal Path, stopping for ice-creams along the way.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Nisbah, Five Adventurers
One of the world’s most historic cities is a true treasure trove for family adventures and it is a shame that it is often looked as a destination to travel to with children. Istanbul, the only city in the world to transcend two continents, is a real cultural mix of East meets West and an amazing sensual delight offering some of the best smells, sounds and sights we have experienced during our travels with our children.
We visited with our little adventurers in April and it really shows Istanbul in all its beauty, with flowers blooming, blue skies and a real feel of a new year. The weather will be perfect for children hitting the mid twenties (celsius) without being unbearably hot and allow you to really explore the city all day long without needing to break to avoid the midday sun.
We loved the historical sites of Topkapi Palace, the gorgeous grounds and inside the Blue Mosque and going on a treasure hunt in the Grand Bazaar. Children are welcomed with open arms everywhere in the city and it was an amazing city to share with children. If all else fails, the children will love a boat trip across the Bosphorus and the views of Istanbul from the waters are truly breathtaking. You will be spoilt for things to do to help with planning, we put together 10 things to do with children in Istanbul.
A big thank you to Cathy, Clare, Shoba, Lisa, Nisbah and Keri for sharing their top Spring destinations. Where do you like to travel to in Spring? Would love to know your
favourite destinations at this time of year…just comment below. If you are a blogger and would like to contribute to my summer, autumn or winter destination list then please get in touch!
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This is a lovely article Elizabeth and I am delighted to be included. Clare has completely sold me on a holiday to the North Cornish coast this Spring (you should be in sales Clare!) and I would love to see the cherry blossoms in Washington.
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) recently posted…Easter school holiday events in Gloucestershire (and beyond)
Thank you Lisa – and for contributing! I need to get myself to Savannah! xx
Thanks for including me – Istanbul is perhaps my other favourite city along with Lisbon, so lovely to see that on the list too. And Cornwall! A very tempting list to make me start booking more trips…
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…We’re going to Burma!
It certainly is! I haven’t been to Cornwall in years and have still to visit Lisbon and Washington DC too! Thanks for contributing! X
Some really great choices there! #thelist
Emma recently posted…Lamb Ragu Recipe
Thanks Emma. x
Great choices! Savannah looks stunning and I think Washington DC is a must at some point. We’re going to Colorado next month to mix up skiing and hopefully some warmer sun further down the mountain! #thelist
Rebecca U recently posted…What Being #WomanKind Means To Me
Oh amazing Rebecca! Have a fantastic time! Look forward to reading all about it. I need to do some of America… and Savannah and Washington D.C are on my list now. x
Some lovely looking places in your list! We definitely need to travel more as a family! xx #Thelist
Thank you.
Thanks so much for including me, Elizabeth! It’s such a great idea for a post as some places are definitely better at particular times of the year. We were in Lisbon for the first time last month so I’d definitely agree with Cathy’s choice. I’ve always fancied spending more time in the American South so I’m keen to try Savannah – and Istanbul has long been on my must-visit list. Thanks again!
Clare Thomson (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…A Photo Tour of Sintra
My pleasure! Thank you for your fab write-up. This post has meant my destination list is just growing longer and longer – but at least I now know the best time to visit these places. x
Washington DC is soo beautiful during Cherry Blossom season! It is super crowded as well (especially around the cherry trees), but it’s a city that has a lot to see and offer!
I really want to visit Washington DC – it’s creeping further and further up my list.
Hi Elizabeth, great post! Spring is a really good time for travelling since there are usually a lot of flight deals and the spring break. I haven’t been to Portugal or Istanbul so those would be at the top of my list 🙂
That’s a good point! Lisbon is definitely up there for me too.
Some real inspiration here! Like Clare, we’re spending the Easter break in the UK. Glamping in shepherd’s huts in Wales, a family party in Harrogate and then a woodland break with Forest Holidays in Nottinghamshire. Can’t wait!
Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com recently posted…Could you win the London Museum Dash sweepstake?
Wow! Sounds fabulous!! Have an amazing time! X
What a great tips about some beautiful destinations. Savannah sounds amazing and Cornwall is always a favourite. Lovely series! #MondayEscapes
Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…Bed & breakfast at Warren Mill Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan
Thank you Claire. If you fancy taking back in my summer feature, give me a shout xx
Some fab ideas here and some great ideas from some of my fave travel bloggers! Thanks for sharing the round up #mondayescapes
Ha – mine too. Thanks for stopping by! X
Some great choices and all less crowded I am sure that the likes of Japan at spring time. It is easily my favourite time of year and a stroll in London’s parks or the gardens of Hampton Court is a brilliant free way to welcome the season in.
Wilbur recently posted…Sunday Photo – 17
Definitely Wilbur – I do love London in the spring – and summer!
Great suggestions! We’re big on Spring in the UK too! Even early Summer, as we love seeing all the Daffodils, Rhodamdrums and Bluebells sprouting. We have some beautiful coast line and countryside! #MondayEscapes x
Baby Isabella recently posted…Northern Ireland Beach Day at Portstewart
Thanks. I just love seeing all the new plants and flowers coming up here in spring too
Here another option if you’d like to get to an awesome sight with blooming violet Jacaranda Trees go to Pretoria, South Africa, in the Spring of the Southern Hemisphere. #mondayescapes
Ooh – great tip – thank you!
Great choices! Of course, as it’s my hometown, I think Lisbon is a winner, but I’d also love to go to Istanbul. We went to Savannah last spring and it was beautiful. I loved Texas in Spring too, as they have wildflower blankets everywhere – it’s a gorgeous sight. x
Oooh – Texas – good idea! Savannah really sounds like the place to go!
I loooove flowers and I have always wanted to visit Washington DC in the Spring so I can see the Cherry Blossoms! #MondayEscapes
Lolo recently posted…A Surprise Trip to Vienna, Austria
I really want to as well. They look beautiful!
What a great selection – Normandy is pretty too with all the apple trees in blossom 🙂
Rosie recently posted…My Tomato Varieties
Oh, thanks for the tip Rosie
What a great article Elizabeth and really great suggestions. TBH I wish I could go to them all! Lisbon and Istanbul are high on the list! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Top Things To Do With Kids This Easter (2016)
Thank you Ting! Lisbon is definitely high on my list too. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes
These all sound so wonderful and we love Savannah, but as much as I’m craving sunshine it’s the slopes for us. I just can’t pass up one last chance!
Pitterpattertravelers recently posted…Chinese New Year-Welcome to the year of the monkey!
Haha! That’s where we are at the moment too! Easter skiing is great!
It’s always a wonderful time when spring is in the air! For a different perspective, countries like Japan & China are also incredible during springtime – beautiful floral bursts into colors and lots of festivals!
Andrew Darwitan recently posted…The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Cherry Blossom: When & Where
Oh definitely, hard to beat Japan during the cherry blossom season!