Whatever type of vacation you’re seeking, April is one of the best times of year to jet off to somewhere new. This season is often considered to be a shoulder month, which means you’ll get to take advantage of fewer crowds and cheaper prices than winter or summer. And that’s not all! 

Some parts of the world are still blanketed in snow, begging you to test your limits with adventurous winter sports. At the same time, other destinations are experiencing summer early, with high temperatures and oodles of sunshine perfect for lounging around and doing as little as possible.

If you’re looking for something in between, there are plenty of holiday destinations in April that are enjoying their prime spring weather, with wildflowers blooming and nature beckoning you to explore. In many ways, April really does offer the best of all worlds.

To help you plan an incredible springtime vacation, we’ve created a list of the best places to visit in April. From admiring ancient Egyptian wonders and relaxing on picture-perfect beaches to whizzing down snowy slopes and joining in with phenomenal festivals, your perfect spring getaway is just a short read away. 

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The 10 Best Places to Visit in April

1. Cruise Along the River Nile in Egypt

It doesn’t matter if you’re a history fan or not – Egypt is one of the best places to visit in April in the world. And while there are plenty of fantastic cities and resorts to stay in, you really can’t beat a Nile cruise. Onboard your luxury liner, you’ll be treated to authentic Egyptian eats and entertainment while sailing past sandy desert, rocky mountain, ancient village, and surprisingly lush landscapes.

If you’re interested in Ancient Egypt, the Abu Simbel tour is definitely worth it. This tour is offered on almost every Nile cruise and whisks you away to a spectacularly impressive site made up of two giant rock-cut temples. You’ll have to be on the tour bus at about 3 am, but the early start is more than worth it!

2. Go Snorkeling in Palawan, the Philippines

Picture this: a tropical paradise where turquoise waters gently kiss powdery white sands and lush palm trees sway to a tropical rhythm you won’t find anywhere else. Palawan, the crown jewel of the Philippines, is an excellent place for an unforgettable April escape. 

Here, you can snorkel in the crystalline waters of El Nido, where vibrant coral reefs come alive with a kaleidoscope of marine life. Or island-hop through the Bacuit archipelago, discovering hidden lagoons and secret beaches along the way. 

In April, Palawan basks in sunshine and balmy breezes, creating the ideal conditions for doing something adventurous, like hiking the scenic landscapes of Coron or doing as little as possible and relaxing on golden sandy beaches.

3. See VIP Celebrities at Coachella in California

Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate music and arts extravaganza at Coachella in California this April! This iconic festival is more than an extraordinary music event – it’s a cultural phenomenon that draws music lovers and trendsetters from around the globe. 

Coachella isn’t just about the stellar lineup of diverse artists (although with past guests such as Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Rage Against the Machine, the music part is incredible); it’s a complete sensory experience. Expect cutting-edge art installations, drool-worthy food options, and a fashion scene that’s every bit as eclectic as the performances. 

Throw into the mix the rushing waterfalls at Yosemite National Park, blooming wildflowers at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, and romantic vineyards of Napa Valley, and California is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in April.

4. Spot the Big 5 in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Get ready for a wild and untamed journey this spring at Kruger National Park in South Africa. This season is a game-changer for the park, when the lush vegetation draws animals to the waterholes, making it the optimal time for wildlife viewing. One of the best places to travel in April, you’ll have a fantastic chance of spotting the Big 5 – the lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. 

The mild spring temperatures make it the perfect season for extended game drives, giving you the maximum possible time to witness the untamed beauty of nature. Kruger National Park isn’t just a safari – it’s a magical place that provides you with a front-row seat to the theater of the wild, where each turn of the trail holds the potential for a new awe-inspiring wildlife encounter.

5. Shop at Souks in Marrakech, Morocco

Contrary to popular belief, Marrakech isn’t relentlessly hot. In spring, it’s quite mild, with highs of around 77°F (25°C), clear blue skies, and dappled sunshine. This makes it a great option if you’re wondering where to go in April for equal parts sightseeing and lounging by the pool.

One thing you simply can’t miss in Marrakech is the souks. A souk is a traditional bazaar teeming with stalls laden with everything from food, spices, and tea to textiles, pottery, and jewelry. 

The Jemaa el-Fnaa Market is a personal favorite, especially in the evenings. After sunset, loads of food stalls open up, selling delicious local eats while Moroccan entertainers delight everyone around with music and other performances.

6. Get Sun and Snow in Whistler, Canada

Beautifully located in the awe-inspiring Pacific Ranges above Vancouver, Whistler is one of the most popular North American ski resorts, boasting more winter sports than you could ever possibly imagine. This iconic ski destination enjoys an extended season that lasts until May, giving you ample opportunities to hit the slopes in April.

April is an excellent month for winter sports. At this time of year, there’s still heavy snowfall, but the days are sunnier, the slopes and lifts aren’t as busy, and the prices are much more affordable. 

An excellent option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly escape, Whistler boasts a hydro plant that creates enough energy to power snow cannons, ski lifts, and several restaurants in the area. 

7. See the Salt Flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

One of the top April holiday destinations, Bolivia says goodbye to its rainy season at this time of year, making it an excellent time to visit its famous salt flats. Although the bright-white plains are still a little submerged underwater in spring, it’s still possible to glide over them in a 4×4 and soak in their reflective, mirror-like beauty.

I recommend you time your visit or choose a tour that will have you on the salt flats in Salar de Uyuni for sunset. This is a magical time when the fiery colors of the sky fall onto the usually blinding white salt flats, turning them into a mesmerizing display of crimson, gold, and burnt orange!

8. Camp Under the Stars in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be telling everyone about for years to come? Then start planning an enchanting spring escape to Wadi Rum in Jordan, where the timeless beauty of the desert comes alive under a canvas of stars. 

In this unique landscape, you can camp amid otherworldly red sands, where the night sky unveils a celestial spectacle of sparkling stars. One of the best April destinations, Wadi Rum enjoys mild nights at this time of year, making it the perfect time to cozy up under the stars, surrounded by the tranquil silence of the desert.

If you’re only going to visit Wadi Rum once, I definitely recommend splashing out on a fancy dome, like the ones at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. This way, you can lounge in bed and gaze up at the twinkling stars.

9. Attend Beltane in Edinburgh, Scotland

When it comes to where to travel in April for incredible events, Edinburgh is tough to beat. The Beltane Fire Festival is a unique and immersive spectacular held annually in the Scottish capital, usually on the night of April 30th. It’s a modern interpretation of ancient Celtic traditions, blending performance art, theater, music, and fire displays to create a vibrant and otherworldly experience.

Locals dressed in elaborate costumes will play out narratives that explore themes of transformation, death, and rebirth. Fire is a central element of the festival, with fire dancers, drummers, and phenomenal fire displays adding to the mystical and ethereal atmosphere.

There are people dressed as sheep who will run up to you and pretend to graze on your coat, as well as hunters who will use you as cover while they stalk their prey. It’s a totally unique experience!

10. Go to Elafonisi Beach in Crete, Greece

The lack of crowds, excellent deals, and fabulous weather make Greece one of the best countries to visit in April. And if you’re looking for somewhere to snap gorgeous pictures, you’ll struggle to do better than Elafonisi Beach.

Hidden away on the stunning island of Crete, this one-of-a-kind bay is made up of pink-hued sand created by finely crushed shells, coral, and foraminifera organisms. At this time of year, the crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you’d rather stay dry, there are plenty of stunning coastal trails in the area that will take you to wonderful viewpoints.

There you have it! The 10 best places to visit in April. What’s your favorite April travel destination?

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