Now that spring is almost here, it’s time to get cracking on our next adventure. We have consulted with Lonely Planet’s editors who have named their picks of the best destinations to travel to this spring. In April, why not head to Spain where you’ll be able to catch some of the most elaborate celebrations and hooded processions during Holy Week, the week before Easter. No town does it better than Zamora, Spain which lies in the northwestern region near Portugal.
Top 7 Destinations to Travel to This Spring Photo Gallery
Zamora is a city with the most Romanesque churches in all of Europe, so after the processions you’ll have plenty to see. Next, hop a flight and head to Patmos, Greece for Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations with midnight fireworks, candlelit processions, and dancing in the streets. Need a healthy dose of cute animals? Puffins flock to northern Iceland in March, after months at sea. We recommend heading to the city of Grimsey, where the birds outnumber us mere humans ten thousand to one. If you’re looking to stay stateside, head to San Juan Capistrano, California, where thousands of swallows return to the 200 year old Spanish Mission Church after spending the winter in South America. The town even has a festival in their honor the second weekend of March. During the Jewish festival of Purim, a carnival atmosphere sweeps the nation of Israel. Head to any Israeli city to spot revelers dressed up for parades, parties, and more. If you want to do something unique in April, head to Taiwan to join thousands of pilgrims on a nearly 190 mile walk through Western Taiwan to honor the goddess of the sea, Matsu. An annual eight-day pilgrimage that takes place during the third month of the lunar calendar.
This festival’s temple dotted route crosses rivers and ascends Mountains, so packed comfortable shoes. Another festive holiday in Asia is Waisak Day or Buddha’s birthday. The actual date changes each year based on the lunar calendar, but this year’s date is set in Indonesia for May 11th. As the full moon rises, witness a procession of saffron robed monks in Java, laying flowers and candles, offering prayers as they celebrate. Head to Travel Savvy TV and scroll below this post or pick up a copy of the latest issue of Lonely Planet’s quarterly magazine to learn more about these top springtime destinations.
