Where To Go In April
With the warmer days and longer nights, there’ll be a skip in your step in April whether home or away – and there’s so much on to tempt you away. Whether the glow of sun gives you a taste for swimsuit weather, or you fancy seeing how they do Easter abroad, or the spring blooms are a-calling, you’re not short of incredible places to jet off to.
As Europe opens up to holidaymakers, travels needn’t break the bank too – a cheap weekend getaway during school holidays is doable, as is a once-in-a-lifetime long-haul trip. Here’s our pick of the places to go.
Kyoto, Japan
There’s a reason the cherry blossom season attracts people over to Japan. In parks and by lakes, on streets and mountains, the elegant trees turn a beautiful shade of pastel pink, offering bursts of colour and elegance to every scene. The only catch is the bloom only lasts a couple of weeks, so it’s difficult to know when “sakura” will happen much in advance.
Happily, the forecast for this year is out, and it looks like Kyoto will enjoy cherry blossoms for at least the first half of April. Flowers will begin to peep open on March 29th, and you’ll find this ancient city in full bloom on April 7th. It will be hard to miss them anywhere you go, but for a carpet of baby pink and white trees, head to Maruyama Park next to the Yasaka Shrine – the centrepiece cherry blossom tree is lit up at night, making for an all-day spectacle.
Florence, Italy
Not only does the arty city of Florence reach up to 25C by the end of April, but it’s also a fascinating place to head for Easter. It’s known for ‘The Explosion of the Cart’, based on a tradition that’s over 300 years old.
On Easter Sunday, a giant cart (named Brindellone) carrying fireworks is pulled by oxen across Florence. At 11am, as part of Easter Mass at Florence Cathedral, the Archbishop of Florence lights a rocket shaped like a dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit. In front of a busy square lined with people at a safe distance, a cable runs between the rocket and the cart, so when the sparks hit the cart, it sets off all the fireworks as the cathedral bells ring out. It’s a celebration worth visiting for – if the idea of seeing important works of art by the likes of Michelangelo and Caravaggio isn’t enough.
Ibiza, Spain
After a cool winter, April is the time that the party island of Ibiza rubs the sleep from its eyes and puts on its Ray Bans for another season of good times. The opening parties are when the clubs throw open their doors, tempting people over by a cast of stellar DJs, and ready to show off any improvements they’ve made in the off season.
Pacha’s opening party is 25th April, Ushuaïa’s takes place on 26th April, Ibiza Rock’s is on 30th April, and others carry on into May. To catch good (if not toasty) weather in the Balearics, a quieter island and some of the strongest party nights, April is the best month of the year.
Hill County, Texas
In the environs of Dallas, on the way to Austin, Hill County is a Texan area that shows off nature at its best. Grab your cowboy hat and take a drive through its winding roads: you’ll see a speckle of wildflowers everywhere you look in April, when temps are a pleasing 25C. Stop off for hikes around its gentle rolling hills for a closer look. Carpeted on the floor, you’ll spot Texas’s state flower, the bluebonnet, as well as primroses and Indian paintbrushes.
The area is also known for its wine produce – enough that the Wine and Wildflower Journey, which takes place March 24th to April 18th, pairs the county’s most famous offerings in one route. Absorb nature’s beauty before sampling its bounty: wineries open up their doors for tastings of their products. At the end of a hard day imbibing, pitch up at one of its charming towns, many of which have a Germanic influence.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Every year, Thailand celebrates its new year between 13th and 15th April. And what better way to celebrate than to have a three-day nationwide water fight? That’s right. Get your water guns out and be prepared to get soaked, as that’s the Thai way to mark the new year.
The tradition began as water is used to purify and cleanse people from last year’s troubles, and get them ready for a new start. You used to pour a little water over statues of Buddhas, and over loved ones that you want to bless. Now, it’s a big ol’ drench-fest – and everyone’s invited to join in the fun. Celebrations take place in most villages, towns and cities, but Chiang Mai is known as the spiritual home of Songkran. Expect parades, traditional ceremonies, and one of the country’s biggest water fights around the city moat.
Wherever you plan to head this year make sure to protect your travels with Switched On Travel Insurance. Our feature packed policies cover gadgets automatically and provide 24/7 medical assistance. Find out more in the travel insurance section of our website.