Top Five Spring Destinations In the World
Spring is a time for beauty and regeneration of the earth. When we travel during the spring, whether it’s for Spring Break revelry, a honeymoon, a family trip, or simply cabin fever, we want to get some of that regenerative beauty into our own lives. Waking up after a long winter toil without enough warmth or light, we want the most pleasant places the world has to offer. These five spring destinations are guaranteed to be both off the beaten path and beautiful enough to renew your spirit.
1) Amsterdam, Holland
Old-world European architecture, soothing canals, and fresh blooms of tulips along every path make Amsterdam a natural choice for your Spring 2010 holiday. If you’re looking to get away from the bustle of cars and modern stress, but don’t want to leave the company of people or the liveliness of a major metropolitan nexus, Amsterdam is the perfect choice. Check out the magnificent botanical gardens, castles, and hundreds of galleries scattered throughout, or visit the friendly rural townships all around the city.
2) Kyoto, Japan
Any place in Japan is nice, really, but the purpose of this trip is to watch the cherry blossoms bloom. It may sound silly, but seeing flowers open before your eyes, as if they were the mouths of creatures, is something magical to behold. The Japanese have made a festival of it, and everyone goes out to watch. Spring in Japan is full of other festivals and good cheer, and the weather is mild to warm – perfect for visiting temples, sitting out on the beach in the south, or touring ancient Japanese castles.
3) Athens, Greece
Ah, Greece. Mediterranean beaches, rolling green hills, excellent cuisine, relaxed people. Could there be a better holiday spot, especially in the spring, before the sweltering heat of summer sets in? Easter in Greece is a colorful, riotous affair, and the May Day festival sends crowds dancing into the street. Be sure to visit the islands and look at ancient ruins, surrounded by wildflowers and warm sea breeze, and keep your radar on for folk singing, dancing, and musical performances.
4) Bath, England
Perhaps the most oddball choice here, Bath is probably the most beautiful, least rainy spot in Springtime England. Everybody’s pocket is reined in, and airlines and British tourism agencies have lowered travel rates tremendously to lure people to England. Filled with ancient Roman ruins, Gothic and Georgian architecture, and close to some stunning hot springs, Bath is the place people stop at, just as a whim, and say, “huh! I wasn’t expecting it, but that was the favorite part of the trip!” Save big, and plan your trip here.
5) Queensland, Australia
For those of you absolutely set on the standard summer yearnings met in springtime travel (Spring Break college beach partygoers, adults with that college spirit, looking at you), Queensland is an excellent off-the-beaten-path choice. If you go in early spring around Easter, college students will be out on break, and the beaches will be filled with people enjoying the last gasps of 70-80 degree F weather before winter sets in. Be sure to check out Surfer’s Paradise, the Great Barrier Reef, or the quiet, tropical Daintree Park. Feel free to take part in the revelry or simply enjoy it from a distance.
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Teacher Albert