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In April, spring fills the air in many northern hemisphere destinations, while the southern hemisphere is on the cusp of early autumn. At this time of year, it’s the dry season in many parts of the world – the ideal time of year to visit to visit many sub-tropical destinations. And although the average temperature is on the rise in the Northern Hemisphere, the weather tends to be sunny and settled but without the intense heat the summer months.
From the lush rainforests of Panama to the ancient historic sites of Türkiye and Cambodia, from the beaches of Cyprus to the vibrant energy of the California desert, these are eight of our favourite April holiday experiences:
Panama, Central America
Although best known for the canal which bisects this Central American nation to provide a shipping shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama has a lot more to offer its visitors. The capital, Panama City, is a vibrant metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic neighborhoods. Although it’s located in the tropics, the temperature is not too hot in April. The dry season runs January to May, which means its a great time to explore Panama’s beautiful beach destinations, including Playa Blanca, Santa Catalina and the San Blas Islands.
Away from the coast and cities, you will find tropical rainforests brimming with incredible biodiversity. Nature lovers can explore national parks like Soberanía and Darién, while adventure nuts will love white-water rafting on the Chiriquí River or hiking to the summit of Volcán Barú, the country’s highest peak.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Cambodia is a truly memorable destination that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, natural beauty and warm hospitality – plus amazing food! Watching the sun rise over the world’s largest religious monument at Angkor Wat is one of travel’s great bucket list experiences, while a visit to memorial sites like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a moving reminder of the resilience of the Khmer people.
April marks the end of Cambodia’s dry season and the beginning of its hot season, so it’s an ideal time to explore its many white-sand beaches and tranquil islands.
Cappadocia, Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey)
April marks the beginning of spring in Türkiye, so you’re likely to enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful scenery without the crowds of high summer. Türkiye is renowned for its incredible historic sites, from the soaring splendour of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Hierapolis.
There’s a great diversity of landscapes to explore, ranging from the hiking trails of the Taurus Mountains to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the turquoise waters of its coastline. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find plenty of culinary delights to tempt you, from the aroma of sizzling kebabs to delicate sweetness of baklava and Turkish delight.
For many Australians, a visit to Gallipoli is an unmissable part of their Turkish experience. It’s a uniquely poignant experience to stand in the stillness of dawn on 25th April, surrounded by thousands of other Aussies and Kiwis, in quiet remembrance of the events that took place here more a century ago.
One of the largest and most famous festivals in the world, Coachella is an epic event of world-class art and music, fashion and food, staged over two weekends in April year. It’s held at the famous Empire Polo Club in California’s Coachella Valley, around 20 kilometres from the desert resort town of Palm Springs. Each year the festival attracts some of the biggest music acts from around the world.
The event is also a hotspot for celebrity spotting, especially if you have access to the festival’s various VIP areas and exclusive parties. Large-scale art installations and interactive sculptures are spread throughout the festival grounds, while food offerings range from gourmet food trucks to pop-up restaurants.
Austin, Texas
Aside from serving as Texas’ state capital, Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Iconic venues like the Continental Club, Antone’s, and the Mohawk are renowned for their vibrant gigs, which range from blues and country to indie rock. Spring is a fantastic time to dive into the city’s equally colourful culinary scene – an Tex-Mex or barbecue dinner from one of the city’s gourmet food trucks is the ideal conclusion to a fun evening of live music.
April in Austin also spells the arrival of Texas bluebonnets season, when fields and roadsides are draped with beautiful blue flowers. Take a scenic drive into the countryside or visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to see these stunning wildflowers in full bloom.
Lake Tahoe, US
Surrounded by the craggy peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its setting and the crystal-clear perfection of its deep blue waters. During the winter months, it’s a world-class ski destination where you can enjoy every imaginable version of snow sports. By April, much of the snow has melted from the peaks and valleys, leaving behind a network of scenic hiking and biking trails that weave through alpine meadows and ancient forests.
Play a round on one of the championship golf courses, charter a fishing boat to catch a fresh salmon for your dinner, or admire the incredible clarity of the lake from the comfort of a kayak, paddleboard or scenic boat tour. Take the scenic route back to San Francisco or Los Angeles via Yosemite National Park – the detour will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the United States.
Kauai’s rugged Napali coastline, Hawai’i
From beautiful beaches to world-class golf resorts, from luxury resorts to lively cultural festivals, the islands of Hawai’i have something for everyone. In April, the weather is warm and dry – ideal for enjoying the wealth of water-based activities on offer. Learn to surf at Waikiki, look for humpback whales on a whale-watching cruise, or take a scenic drive along iconic routes like Maui’s Hana Highway or Oahu’s Kamehameha Highway.
Each of the four main Hawaiian islands offers its own unique twist on the ultimate Hawaiian holiday. Treat yourself to an indulgent treatment at a spa retreat in Maui, take a helicopter tour over Kauai’s rugged Napali coastline, marvel at the rich flora and fauna at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden or marvel at the power of Mother Earth on a tour of the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park.
Mallorca, Spain
The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca (aka Majorca) is renowned for its diverse landscape of idyllic beaches, picturesque villages and family friendly atmosphere. Its rich cultural heritage is influenced by its Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Spanish origins, which are evident as you explore the island, taking in archaeological sites like the Roman ruins of Pollentia.
One of our favourite, quieter beach spots is Cala Mesquida in the northeast of Mallorca, which borders a protected reserve of fragile sand dunes. Explore the scenic hiking trails that weave through the Tramuntana Mountains, play a round of golf at one of the island’s championship courses, or explore the island’s many hidden coves and beaches on a sailing expedition. April is a lovely time of year to experience the beauty of this Mediterranean jewel: you can expect balmy spring temperatures without the crowds of high summer.
Have you found fresh inspiration for your April holiday? Whether you’re craving a family beach break or an epic festival escape, your personal travel manager has all the personalised advice and insider tips to make your travel experience unforgettable. If you’re planning a holiday with the kids, we recommend taking advantage of the school holidays and the additional public holiday associated with the Easter holiday break to make the most of your time away.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
