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The month of April is a great time of year to travel! It marks the start of the peak season for travel in many parts of the world and also signifies the end of the winter season.
Since April is synonymous with springtime, it’s the perfect time to travel to somewhere beautiful, warm, and sunny. The flora and fauna of many destinations spring into full bloom at this time of year, so sightseeing can be a dream whether you choose to travel to the Caribbean or to a destination in the U.S.
If you are now convinced that traveling in April might be the way to go this year, read on for some of our favorite places for a springtime getaway in and near the U.S.!
The best places for a romantic island getaway in April
Say goodbye to dark, dreary, freezing weather, and hello to the month of April! If you're looking to travel, this is the ideal month to visit destinations like the Caribbean, where it’s almost always sunny! Here are the best places to travel to in the Caribbean in April if white sandy beaches, calm waters, and a laid back ambiance are what you need:
1. Jamaica
Jamaica is the most popular English-speaking Caribbean country and appeals to travelers looking for the ultimate island experience. Whether you want to enjoy some blissful beach days on white, sandy shores, go exploring, or dive into a bit of history, culture, or even the culinary arts, you’ll be able to do just that on this sunny isle.
April is the ideal time to visit Jamaica as the shoulder season begins mid-month. For visitors, this can mean better prices and fewer crowds at some of the popular attractions, including the beaches. If you visit Jamaica in April, you might also be right on time for Jamaica Carnival, which begins on Easter Sunday and usually spans one week. The is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Caribbean and could be the perfect introduction to dancehall, reggae, and soca music. Participate in a costume or just be a spectator at the street parades, the choice is up to you!
Expert tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, consider staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for a vacation filled with romance.
2. The Bahamas
You can spend many warm, sunny days can be spent exploring The Bahamas, which is made up of over 700 islands and cays. Since The Bahamas is so expansive you’ll be able to add quite a few islands to your travel list and lots of new experiences as well.
New Providence in The Bahamas is where you’ll find the capital city, Nassau. This island is a great place to start a vacation in The Bahamas because it allows convenient access to the other islands, and has a large selection of resorts, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and other attractions you’ll be able to find there. Additionally, Nassau, The Bahamas is located just 55 minutes away from Miami, Florida by plane, so it is quite accessible from the US as well.
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There are tons of activities for you to enjoy in The Bahamas. Aside from spending time on white or pink sand beaches (yes, they exist), you’ll love swimming with pigs in Exuma, visiting the forts of Nassau, or even exploring the underwater statues at Clifton National Park, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ahead of your trip, you can get familiar with some of the other amazing things The Bahamas is known for.
Expert tip: If you’re looking for an island where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful, secluded beaches in The Bahamas, then the Exumas are a great place to spend some time. Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas are located in Exuma as well.
3. Turks & Caicos
Just north of the Dominican Republic, the Turks & Caicos Islands are another vacation destination where you can have quite a varied experience. There are 40 different islands and cays in this territory, eight of which are inhabited. As April marks the end of the high season, this is a great time to head over to Turks & Caicos for a more mellow and fun vacation experience.
Aside from visiting stunning beaches like Grace Bay Beach, which The Turks & Caicos is known for, there’s usually lots to do in these islands in the month of April. This includes kite flying competitions around Easter, and cultural fairs as well. One of the fun cultural events that is worth checking out while in Turks & Caicos is Salt Cay Day. This festival goes on for three days at the end of April and showcases the cuisine and culture of the islands.
Of course, if you’re just there for relaxation, feel free to enjoy as many beach days as you want! You can also add value to your visit by signing up for some exciting tours. You’ll get to know the Turks & Caicos Islands on a more intimate level and have a great time doing it.
4. Saint Lucia
If you’re seeking paradise, you’re very likely to find it in Saint Lucia. This island is one of the most romantic and beautiful destinations in the world, and it’s ideal for couples or vacationers who want a sunny and exhilarating vacation.
April is a great time to visit Saint Lucia as chances of rain are slim, and humidity is usually low as well. The great weather will encourage you to spend as many days at the beach or poolside as possible, enjoying the sunshine and the peace that comes with being in a green and wonderful destination such as this.
Activities visitors can partake in during their April vacation in Saint Lucia include diving (this island has many coral reefs), hiking and biking, visiting the World Heritage Site Pitons in Saint Lucia (hiking is possible in this area), and trying water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. If you stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia, land and water sports could be included in your vacation package!
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Expert tip: If you’re eager to dive into an island paradise, consider staying at an all-inclusive resort with scuba diving, daily dive trips, and professional dive equipment also included for certified divers! You could even become a certified diver on your island vacation.
5. Barbados
April is a sunny and wonderful time to visit Barbados. As April marks the end of the high season for this and many other Caribbean destinations, you can expect to find great deals on travel and accommodation as well as fewer crowds, particularly towards the end of this month.
In April, temperatures in Barbados are usually around 84°F, and rainfall is infrequent as well. This means you’ll be able to indulge in some beach time at spectacular spots like the beaches on Carlisle Bay (Brownes Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Pebble Beach), Crane Beach, and Bottom Bay Beach. There are lots of adventurous things to do in Barbados as well that’ll add some excitement to your getaway.
If you’ll be visiting Barbados in April, consider checking out the Barbados Reggae Festival, which happens in the third week of April. You might also want to spend your vacation at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Barbados, which are among the best in the Caribbean.
Expert tip: Need some more sunshine in your life? Take a look at these other amazing warm winter getaways!
6. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda are a dual vacation destination where visitors can look forward to lots of fun times out on the beach, as well as lots of activities and tours. April is still considered the high season, which means it’s a busier time of year to visit Antigua.
There are lots of things to do in Antigua including spending time on any one of the 365 beaches on this island, visiting historic forts and museums, exploring caves like Darby Dave’s huge sinkhole and Two Foot Bay, going on buggy tours, and so much more. You can also spend your vacation at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua where you can find even more entertainment and fun.
Other activities you can enjoy in Antigua in April include Antigua’s kite festival on Easter Monday and Antigua’s Sailing Week, which is a week-long yacht regatta in late April. A day trip to Barbuda is also a possibility. It’ll take about 90 minutes to get to Barbuda from Antigua by ferry, so you can consider signing up for this experience while on the island.
7. Grenada
Spicy Grenada is a vacationer’s dream. On this island, you can truly enjoy quintessential Caribbean vacation activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, swimming, and exploring waterfalls. If you’re headed to Grenada in the month of April, you will be able to enjoy these activities with fewer chances of rain interruptions.
Even though April is still technically considered the high season, it is still an amazing time to visit Grenada. You can choose to visit during the first half of the month where the high season comes to a close or the second half where the shoulder season begins. In the shoulder season, chances are higher for getting great deals on accommodation on this island, particularly if you choose to stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Grenada.
In addition to spending time on the beautiful beaches of Grenada, you can cruise to its sister islands, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, which makes for a great day trip!
Good to know: There are many things Grenada is known for, including its spice production, that may want to get familiar with ahead of your trip.
8. Curaçao
Curaçao is a feisty little island full of surprises. Part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), this Dutch-speaking territory is just off the northern coast of Venezuela. There’s lots that Curaçao is known for, including the friendly people, the beauty of the island, the all-inclusive resorts surrounding the capital city of Willemstad, and the incredible beaches, like Mambo Beach.
On this island in the southern Caribbean Sea, temperatures are usually around 87°F in the month of April. So, if you choose that time to visit Curaçao, you can expect sunny skies and infrequent rain. The high season in Curaçao ends around mid-April, so it might be easier to secure accommodation and have first dibs on the best beachside spots in the latter half of that month.
If you find yourself on the island of Curaçao in April, it is worth looking out for the Curaçao Culinair food festival which usually begins in the first week of April.
The best places for sightseeing in the U.S. in April
If you don’t want to venture too far from home on your springtime vacation, but still want to make the most of your getaway, there are some great locations you can explore within the U.S. Here are our top picks for the best April vacation destinations in the U.S.:
1. Sedona, Arizona
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Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful place to explore, or seek inspiration and peace. Sedona is considered by some to be a ‘spiritual mecca’, the perfect place to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
April is a great time to visit Sedona as the temperatures are not yet too hot (around 72°F during the day, 40°F at night) and the colorful desert flowers are in full bloom. This means that the desert landscapes are made even more scenic at this time of year with the hints of purple, yellow, and orange from the flowers. The beautiful red rocks and other stand-out rock formations will be amazing to witness as well. If you’re in the mood for some more exploring after Sedona, you can take a short drive to the Grand Canyon (about 2.5 hours).
2. Big Sur, California
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If achieving a deeper connection with nature is your objective, then Big Sur in California is a great choice for an April vacation. This mountainous region along the central coastline of California is known for its redwood forests and beaches, as well as the opportunities to go skiing, hiking, and visit wineries as well. The two-lane coastal highway in Big Sur is quite famous too.
The peak season for Big Sur begins in April, but this is one of the best times of year to visit. With low chances of rainfall and temperatures around 60°F during the day, you’ll be able to comfortably explore the area in April. Be sure to visit the Henry Miller Library, Point Sur lighthouse, and Limekiln State Park while there.
3. Acadia, Maine
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If you’re searching for a national park you can visit during the month of April, definitely give Acadia in Maine some consideration. This national park is on the central coast of Maine and it is truly scenic. The striking rocky coastline, the islands, the hiking trails, and the presence of Cadillac Mountain (the tallest on the east coast) are part of the lure of this national park, which is the ninth most-visited national park in the US. If you visit Acadia in April, you’ll arrive before the crowds which can lead to a more peaceful and engaging experience.
Good to know: You’re likely to still see a bit of snow and, as a result, mud if you’re visiting Acadia, Maine in April. Keep this in mind when planning hiking excursions.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
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Zion National Park in Utah is beautiful to see in April when the wildflowers of the desert are in full bloom. This can be a great choice for an April vacation, especially if you’re looking for something adventurous to do. In early April, the crowds at this spot tend to be smaller, which will give you more room to enjoy the attraction. While at the Zion National Park, definitely try to fit in some time for stargazing; it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
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The nightlife in Las Vegas can be hard to resist, and why should you if you’ve got some vacation time on the horizon? As Las Vegas is the ultimate bucket list destination, you can expect to find lots of crowds there on a regular basis. If you want to go to Las Vegas at a time when things are a little quieter, you should consider an April vacation as the last week of that month tends to have the least crowds.
While in Vegas, aside from going to the casinos or live music events and concerts, you can visit places like the Neon Museum, or spend some time on Freemont Street, where you’ll find the Slotzilla Zipline. The Stratosphere Observation Tower and the High Roller Ferris Wheel (one of the largest in the world) are also fun to experience.
Good to know: If you’re interested in embarking on a road trip while in Las Vegas, the Zion National Park is about 2.5 hours away, while the Ute Mountains in Colorado are 7 hours away.
6. Washington, D.C.
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Washington, D.C. is a great destination to go to if you’re looking to enjoy lots of outdoor activities in April. This city on the east coast is stunning to see around this time of year as the cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom. The blooming ambiance in the capital sets the tone for your D.C. vacation as you explore museums, go sightseeing, attend concerts and other cultural events, go on tours, and so much more. Also, D.C. is just about 20 minutes of driving from Alexandria, Virginia, where you can take in the intricate colonial architecture of this town.
Spring into a fantastic April vacation!
Once the cold winter months are over, you’ll be more than ready to jet off to a new, warmer locale. We’ve provided many destination options for an amazing April vacation, and your choice of destination should depend on the kinds of activities you like to engage in during your stay.
If you’re leaning toward a trip to the Caribbean, you won’t regret it! There are so many memorable events for you to enjoy while visiting the Caribbean in April. You can dance through the streets of Jamaica in a colorful Carnival costume, take part in a regatta in Antigua, try scrumptious cuisine at a food festival in Curaçao or jam down at the Reggae Music Festival in Barbados! Plus, your vacation is less likely to be interrupted by rain at this time of year and you’ll find quite a few deals available on travel, accommodation, and rentals.
And speaking of accommodations… All-inclusive in the Caribbean is a great way to go if you want a worry-free vacation. Sandals' all-inclusive resorts offer a range of quality inclusions such as gourmet dining in multiple restaurants, day and night entertainment, land and water sports, and a world of romance for couples in love.
Whether you’ll be having an April getaway in the Caribbean or in one of the U.S. destinations we’ve listed, you need only decide on the activities you want to do, and find the right accommodation. Then, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable April vacation.
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