It’s officially spring, which means it’s time to plan some trips for the season. Spring is popular for travel for many reasons – it’s finally a little warmer in many parts of the world, flowers are starting to bloom and many famous destinations are slightly less overrun than during the summer months. To find out about the best destinations to visit, I spoke to ten travel influencers about their favorite places to go during spring. Here are their favorites.
Nicole Isaacs
PHOTO BY NICOLE ISAACS
1. Nicole Isaacs
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
Last year I went to Cartagena, Colombia in March which was a really nice time to visit. The charming and vibrant streets of the Old City were filled with flowered balconies making it picture perfect everywhere you looked.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
There’s plenty of things to do day or night, my favorite thing was exploring and getting lost in the colorful alleys and streets. Try arepas and fruit from the street vendors and stop at a local coffee shop to enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee and people watch. There are plenty of hip and trendy boutiques for shopping, restaurants and bars, and Palenqueras (Colombian fruit ladies) all over the streets to take a picture with. Cartagena’s Old City also comes alive at night and the streets are buzzing.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
Head to a fun bar, restaurant or hit up a club to salsa dance! The weather in spring is warm so it feels like summer, and with the flowers in bloom against the colorful palette of the city, it makes it a beautiful time to visit.
Tanyka Renee
TANYKA RENEE
2. Tanyka Renee
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I go to Monaco every spring at the end of May.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
I see it as my pre-party for the summer. I go for the Grand Prix to watch the race, go all of the parties and hang out with friends that live there.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
The Grand Prix and all of the parties that happen alongside it.
Amy Seder
PHOTO BY AMY SEDER
3. Amy Seder
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I always love the California Desert in Spring — Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and the entire Coachella Valley. Coachella draws tons and tons of people of course, but outside of the festival, the weather is usually gorgeous, the flowers are blooming, you can still see snow on the mountains, there are lots of events buzzing, and I always need some warm, dry sun after a long winter.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
The temperature is perfect for hiking, camping, or exploring Joshua Tree (which is insanely hot in the day in the summer and freezing at night in the winters.) Around Coachella time, lots of big name bands and artists pop up at venues, a couple of years ago Paul McCartney played a surprise show at one of my favorite spots, Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. This Spring, Desert X is back for the second time, which features modern art installations all over the desert – all the way to the incredibly wild sight of a town at Salton Sea.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
It really depends on what kind of trip you are looking to have! For the adventurous, hiking the mountains over Palm Springs, taking a Red Jeep Tour to the San Andreas fault and racing sports cars at the BMW Performance Center make for a thrilling trip. The resorts out in Rancho Mirage are great if you want to golf, and relax by the pool. And I love to stay in Palm Springs for a fun weekend out, with day parties at the Ace Hotel Swim Club and going out downtown. My favorite place to dance in town is Toucan’s Tiki Lounge.
Julia Muniz
PHOTO BY JULIA MUNIZ
4. Julia Muniz
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I absolutely love Brazil in the spring. I’m from there and I always try to go back around this time.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
Summer in Brazil is amazing but spring can be even better. The weather is nicer, you can find lots of empty beaches. I eat açai bowls all day there Brazil is my favorite country, where I can feel free. People are always really happy and kind.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
Go spend all day at the beach (literally from 7 am to 7 pm) — have some ice cream at the beach, play soccer, swim and hang out.
Sam Hwang
PHOTO BY SAM HWANG
3. Sam Hwang
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I recommend visiting Palm Springs in the springtime because the weather is always a bit warmer than other places. You can experience summer earlier than other places and there is always plenty of things to do there! If you’re looking for a place for R&R or to explore the desert scene, Palm Springs is absolutely the place to be. I visit about three to four times a year and always find new things to do in the desert.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
It’s special because there are so many magical elements that nature has to offer in Palm Springs. From the Coachella Valley Preserve to the numerous sand dunes, these places always catch my eye and take my breath away. The Coachella Valley Preserve is an oasis of palm trees and acres of endless sand with unexpected bodies of water that are a must see. Another thing to do in Palm Springs is to visit all of the mid-century modern neighborhoods with colorful doors. If you admire the architecture, looking at the beautiful homes in Palm Springs will bring you joy. I also love visiting the famous windmills on the way to Palm Springs because it makes me more excited to be in the desert.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
The number one thing someone needs to experience there is the famous festival Coachella which brings an exciting energy to the desert. It is truly special to see people from all of the country and world come to the desert for a weekend of music, fashion, and culture. Although it may seem cliché, Coachella is an event that happens every year that genuinely brings me inspiration and allows me to express myself creatively. Another thing that someone needs to experience there is visiting the various hotels and resorts. My favorites include La Quinta Resort and The Saguaro. These resorts are breathtaking and definitely make for a great photo spot.
Chelsea Henriquez
PHOTO BY CHELSEA HENRIQUEZ
6. Chelsea Hernandez
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
Havana, Cuba.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
If you’ve never been, I recommend going in the spring or fall as Caribbean summers can be brutal and you want to avoid hurricane season altogether. Cuba has such a special place in my heart — the culture, the people, the art, the sounds. I know that for Americans it’s not the easiest place to visit, but as long as you support and connect with the local Cuban people, it makes all of the hoops so worth it.
There’s truly no place like it and it’s certainly not your typical “tropical destination.” It’s so complex, but at the same time so magical. I always say that you have to experience it at least once in your lifetime, and spring is the perfect time to do it.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
Fabrica de Arte Cubano. It’s this immersive art and musical experience that will leave you in awe. Also, La Guarida is great for cocktails and a killer view.
Onyi Moss
PHOTO BY ONYI MOSS
7. Onyi Moss
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
Ibiza, Spain.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
Ibiza is special in spring because of the sunshine and wildflowers in bloom. It has a lot of hidden beauty which is worth exploring. You can go hiking, do sunset yoga on the beach, visit the Old Town, go snorkeling or scuba diving, sunbathe and party at night.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
I’d had say sunset yoga on the beach. It’s full of calm and the colors reflecting off the sun are out of this world.
Kelsey Adams
PHOTO BY KELSEY ADAMS
8. Kelsey Adams
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
My ultimate travel recommendation right now is Peru — the culinary experience is top-notch (especially the ceviche), Peruvian culture runs deep through the locals, and there are loads of adventurous things to do all around the country. It’s a beautiful destination for surfers, a gold mine for sightseeing and history buffs, and a prime place to be for outdoorsy people. I suggest to go after April — the flowers are at their best in May and you’ll just miss the rainy season. Hello, blue skies!
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
The diverse terrain ranges from extreme desert sand dunes and vast mountain ranges in the Andes to the Amazon rainforest. Because of this, waiting out the rainy season will allow you to see more of the country and avoid the heavy rainfall. This is the perfect time to go to scratch off those bucket list things to do like visiting Machu Picchu, trekking up Rainbow Mountain, sand-boarding through the desert at the Huacachina oasis, or touring the pre-Incan civilizations pyramids and ruins.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
Typically, Machu Picchu is at the top of the list of things to experience in Peru; however, my suggestion would be to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. These ancient lines are located within one of the most dry deserts in the world, the Nazca Desert. These harsh conditions with little to no natural water have created a communal lifestyle among the people. Although it’s not the easiest to get to, it’s well worth being able to see some of the most ancient geoglyphs in history that Peruvian culture has to offer.
Oneika Raymond
PHOTO BY ONEIKA RAYMOND
9. Oneika Raymond
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I would recommend going to Mexico City, I went there last spring for the second time. It’s a favorite of mine because you get really nice weather and it’s a culturally interesting. There’s a lot of history and also the culinary scene is amazing.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
You have the pyramids, Teotihuacan, and so many sites in the city, especially in the historical center. You also Palacio de Bellas Artes which is a gorgeous theater, or you can visit Frida Kahlo’s house. You can also visit canals, Xochimilco. Condesa is a really cool neighborhood to go out. With the peso you can travel on a budget and get a lot for your money.
It’s not your typical beach getaway but it’s still a lot warmer and it’s nice to go there before it gets too hot.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
It’s hard for me to choose any one thing, you can do four or five cool things even just in the span of a three-day weekend there.
Laureen Uy
PHOTO BY LAUREEN UY
10. Laureen Uy
What’s your recommendation for a place to visit in the spring?
I love Japan during spring because it’s cherry blossom season. The weather is amazing and the food is incredibly delicious.
Why is this place special in the spring? What things can you do around that time?
There’s only a few weeks window wherein you actually see the sakura bloom, and when you’re there at the perfect time, it’s like you’re in fairytale land.
What’s the number one thing someone needs to experience there?
Check out Shibuya, where the two busiest railway stations are located. If you’re a dog lover, the Hachiko statue is also there.
[“source=forbes”]