With affordable flights and fewer crowds, it’s no wonder so many people choose to travel in spring. Over half of Brits plan a holiday in spring, with March, April and May reported as the most popular times for travel.
For those looking for springtime travel inspiration, eShores are offering their top tips. Director and travel agent, Gavin Lapidus, has detailed the best places to travel in spring 2023, plus a must-see hidden gem in each location.
1. For an affordable break: Évora, Portugal
Average spring temperature: High 18°C, Low 9°C
Portugal ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for an affordable springtime break. You can find reasonably priced accommodation, food and transportation options across the country, and the weather is mild and pleasant during spring. The country offers an exceptional range of attractions to explore, so whether you’re looking for historic cities or beautiful beaches, you can find something to suit you.
Explore a hidden gem in Portugal
Portugal is a destination packed full of hidden gems, but one often overlooked is Évora. This town in the Alentejo region, just over an hour away from Lisbon, is packed full of culture and makes for a relaxed, unique place to visit. Évora has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, thanks in part to the well-preserved 1st Century AD Roman Temple. The Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, can also be found in the town. This unusual gothic destination features a chapel decorated with human bones, making for a chilling yet fascinating place to visit.
2. For a historic adventure: Petra, Jordan
Average spring temperature: High 26°C, Low 11°C
For sun, relaxation and plenty of history, the Middle East tops the list. It’s not too hot, but lovely weather is guaranteed. If you’re considering a springtime holiday, Jordan is a beautiful country with plenty to see, do and explore. From the ancient city of Petra to the Wadi Rum desert and the Dead Sea, you’ll be surrounded by ancient history and amazing culture.
Explore a hidden gem in Jordan
If you’re looking for something off the beaten track in Jordan, head to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which you can find in the south of the country. This expansive nature reserve features a diverse natural landscape of mountains, desert and canyons – and within these beautiful surroundings, you can find the ancient village of Dana. With a history dating back to the 15th century, the village is well-preserved and gives an extraordinary glimpse into Jordanian life. Head for a hike, take a trip to the village, and then end the day with stargazing – the lack of light pollution makes it the perfect spot to admire the night sky.
3. For catching the sun: Phuket, Thailand
Average spring temperature: High 34°C, Low 26°C
Many people looking to travel in spring are looking for one key thing – sun. If a sunny holiday is what you’re looking for, Thailand, and specifically Phuket, is a must-visit. Springtime is ideal for a visit, as you totally avoid the monsoon season. In this popular beach destination, you can explore crystal clear waters and relax on sandy beaches in temperatures reaching 34°C.
Explore a hidden gem in Thailand
The Old Town is a must for those visiting Phuket who want to discover something new. Buildings in the Old Town date back to the 20th century and boast colourful designs, intricate architecture and ornate detailing. If you’re in the area on the weekend, the Sunday Walking Market occurs every Sunday afternoon and is more than worth a visit. Here, you can discover an array of vibrant stalls and vendors selling street food, crafted gifts, souvenirs and other treats.
4. For a family-friendly holiday: Paris, France
Average spring temperature: High 17°C, Low 8°C
For those looking for a family-friendly location to visit, France tops the list. Paris, in particular, offers a range of attractions for the whole family. Explore museums, head for a stroll in one of the beautiful parks, or spend the day checking out the city’s historic landmarks. Of course, Disneyland Paris is also easily accessible and is sure to be a hit with children and grown-ups of all ages.
Explore a hidden gem in France
If you’re visiting Paris and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Temple de la Sibylle. You can find the Temple tucked away on a rocky island in the centre of a lake inside the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – a large public park with activities for the whole family. From here, you’ll be treated to views of the park, extending into the skyline of Paris. Elsewhere in the park, you can find walking trails, playgrounds, and a train ride that will go down a treat with the kids.
5. For city hopping: The USA
Average spring temperature (Washington D.C.): High 19°C, Low 7°C
For those wanting to see more of a country during a holiday, the USA is an excellent choice. This vast country offers a variety of destinations to explore, so a multi-city trip here is ideal. For families, you can explore theme parks in Orlando, head out for hikes in famous national parks, including Yellowstone or Yosemite, or explore historical sites and museums in cities such as Washington D.C or Boston. Washington D.C. is especially stunning in spring. The city’s famous cherry blossoms come into bloom, and The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in late March to early April each year.
Explore a hidden gem in the USA
Located just 15 miles northwest of Washington D.C you can find Great Falls Park – a stunning natural area located on the Potomac River that boasts a selection of cascading waterfalls. Whether you’re considering hiking, climbing, kayaking or fishing, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to trails and overlooks to explore. Great Falls Park is home to a variety of plant species and is also a great spot to see wildlife; bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons can all be found here.
