Spring is the season of hope and new arrivals. The clouds part to offer a peek at the sun, baby animals make their appearance and the air is chilly but holds the promise of summer to come. Make the most of this wonderful time of year with a holiday somewhere fabulous! Here are our favourite spring destinations all over the globe:
1. Japan’s Cherry Blossoms
In the subtropical south of Japan, the blossoms begin to open as early as January. In the chilly north, they may stay closed until May, but the majority of cherry trees - including those near the big cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka - bloom around late March or early April. You can even follow a cherry blossom forecast online for a more detailed prediction specific to each year.
See the stunning cherry blossoms with a car rental from one of Japan’s main centres. Airport Rentals can find you a Japan car rental in nearly 50 locations across the country, and from there it is easy to search out some blooms. Each big city has parks famous for cherry trees: in Tokyo it is Shinjuku Gyoen, Kyoto the Maruyama Park. Commonly accepted as the best place to view cherry blossoms is Yoshino in the Nara Prefecture, near Osaka.
2. Melbourne, Australia
The Land Down Under is known for sweltering temperatures, and can be unbearably hot in mid-summer. The northern reaches of Australia are sweaty all year round, but in the south you can find more temperate areas with defined seasons. If you have always wanted to visit but aren’t a fan of the heat, consider heading down there at springtime. March, April and May are in fact autumn in Australia, but still offer cooler temperatures without the gloom and rain of winter.
Melbourne is a stylish and arty city, the cultural capital of Australia with great music, art, dining and drinking scenes. It is the perfect place to begin a spring driving holiday in southern Australia, and from there you can navigate the stunning Great Ocean Road which heads towards Adelaide and the wine region, or go north and hug the coast until you reach the hustle and bustle of Sydney. There are a string of lovely beach towns along the way, where you can really taste the laid-back Australian vibe. Pick up a Melbourne Airport car hire this spring!
3. Whistler Ski Resort, Canada
This famous ski resort in the north doesn't usually close until late April or early May, so it is a great place for a late-season ski holiday. The sun shines, the weather is settled and you can hit the beach in Vancouver after a few days of action on the slopes. Crowds also start to thin out in March and April, so you will have a little more space to carve tracks in the mountain.
Pick up a rental car in Vancouver and drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. The drive is less than two hours, but take some time to enjoy the views and spring sunshine. A perfect spring break scheme!
4. Seville, Spain
Simply described, Spanish city Seville shines in the springtime. It has the hottest summers of all continental Europe behind Cordoba, so it is best to visit outside of June, July and August. Not only is the slightly cooler weather perfect for urban fun, the fertile valley of Seville sits in full bloom during March and April especially. The iconic Seville inedible oranges flower in March and flood the city with a beautiful scent.
The religious celebrations surrounding Easter are spectacular in Seville, and springtime also brings the Feria de Sevilla or April Fair. Look out for parades, parties, dancing, food, drink, costumes and more over six festive days.
A rental car makes it easy to get around and see what Seville has to offer. You could also fit in a trip to the coast for some beach time at beautiful Matalascañas. Airport Rentals has a range of Spain car rental suppliers both at the airport and the city centre.
5. Cayman Islands
The Caribbean is a popular destination for holidays in the North American market, and the Cayman Islands are a great choice for a springtime holiday. They are a low-key group of islands, and with a rental car you can get off the beaten track and explore the less crowded areas of natural beauty - such as the eastern end of Grand Cayman, where you might encounter a Blue Iguana or visit the wreck of the Ten Sail.
Spring in the Cayman Islands is the perfect time to travel - it is in the cheaper off-season, after the peak of winter, but before the intense heat and frequent rains of summer. April is the balance for perfect warm weather, lower rates and less crowds. Grab a Grand Cayman Airport car rental and you're on your way!
6. New York, USA
This buzzing city is a popular destination at any time, but with so many people and such a concrete jungle, we prefer not to visit in the height of summer or the inclement winter. There is also a lot going on as New Yorkers farewell winter - Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, the first home games for the Yankees and the Mets, Memorial Day Parade, Macy’s Flower Show, exciting ballet, opera and theatre shows and Cherry Blossom season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
You can take a road trip from New York to visit New England in the springtime, with calves and lambs in the fields, small towns shaking off the winter cold and outdoor activities again open for business. The juxtaposition of urban and rural makes for a great holiday.
7. Ontario, Canada
Spring in Ontario means the beginning of the maple syrup harvest! Hire a rental car in Toronto and hit the road to get amongst the many festivals which celebrate the beginning of this Canadian tradition throughout March and April. Big events include the Sweetwater Harvest Festival in Wye Marsh, Tap into Maple in the lovely Lake Country and the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Devise your own itinerary and get your fill of syrup-drenched pancakes all over the province.
Springtime in Ontario has average temperatures in the 40s (fahrenheit), so it is still quite chilly, but perfect for a cozy road trip around the lakes and pretty countryside - including the Niagara wine region. Browse our Canada car rental options to find the right spot to start your Ontario adventure. Secure great car hire deals in London Ontario, Ottawa or Toronto.
8. Sri Lanka
Why not think big and head somewhere different and exotic, to the stunning island of Sri Lanka? This south-east Asian gem is a land of beaches, history, lovely locals, elephants, and amazing sights, sounds and flavours. April is considered one of the best months to visit - there’s often good weather around the country and it’s not as crowded as the high season from December to March. It’s a great time to travel like a nomad, with minimal bookings, and see where the roads take you.
Colombo is the biggest city and main transport hub. Pre-book a Colombo car rental from the Airport Rental range of suppliers operating around the airport and drive away as soon as you land with no worries!
9. Amsterdam and the Netherlands
Spring is beautiful in Holland, thanks to tulip season! Sprouts begin to emerge in March, while in April the fields are blooming with colour. In addition to the flowers, the Netherlands comes to life in the springtime as people dust of their bikes, ice melts, and the sun comes out for warm days with brisk, clear mornings and evenings.
A car hire from Amsterdam is the best way to see the tulips, as the most prolific area is between Haarlem and Sassenheim just to the south of the city. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is arguably the most spectacular place for tulip viewing, a park showcasing seven million bulbs. It is less than an hour’s drive from the city. From there you can explore further and see more fields in bloom.
10. Western Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Day is a big deal in many western countries, but you have to experience it in Ireland to truly understand its significance. Celebrate with the best of them in the Irish springtime, when the country is even greener than usual. The bustling summer high season has not yet begun and mother nature is at her best and most cheerful.
The Wild Atlantic Way in Western Ireland is a coastal route spanning seven counties, and is the best way to see as much of the country as possible. Pick up a car rental in Donegal and head south, or in Kerry and go north. There are some beautiful vistas to enjoy, from the Cliffs of Moher to the charming fishing villages and castles scattered along the coast. An Ireland car rental is the start of something amazing!
