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Spring is right around the corner, which means now’s the perfect time to start planning your April travels. Compared to peak prices and crowds in the summertime, April is undoubtedly one of the best times of year to visit some of the world’s most beautiful—and popular—locales: that is, without breaking the bank. While perennial destinations like the best beach towns in Florida and charming small towns in the Catskills might be more expected or closer to home, it’s worth actually packing the wheeled luggage and getting on a plane treating yourself to a proper holiday (even an early Mother’s Day trip) in the lull before the summer travel crush begins.
How I Chose the Best Places to Travel in April 2025
To compile this story, I pulled from my personal experiences over a 20-plus career in travel journalism—understanding above all, timing is everything. So I chose destinations on this list according to elements including pop culture currency…for example, Phuket is front-and-center in the new season of The White Lotus) and is in its hot, but not rainy, season in April. Palm Springs will have lots of events and activities since April is music fest season, and Greece will have perfect weather (and the summer crowds won’t have shown up yet). Bali in springtime is a perennial recommendation I hear from travel professionals, and Texas Hill Country? I’ve yet to make it there during the fabled bluebonnets bloom, but maybe this is my year to cross off this bucket list destination. And Puglia? Go there this spring, because in June a new nonstop flight from JFK will have Italy’s boot heel overrun with tourists. Read on for more details on where to travel in April 2025.
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Thailand’s largest island, one of the Thai settings for season 3 of The White Lotus, is a perennial destination for beach lovers, divers and families. The Andaman Sea empties into blue lagoons and small beach shacks bathed in pink sunsets make this a relaxing getaway that’s hosted by enthusiastic hospitality workers. Go stand-up paddleboarding, scuba, snorkel or take a day out of the sun to hit the island’s aquariums, gardens and Buddhist temples. You’ll recognize backdrops from hippy-chic Café Del Mar on Kamala Beach to Bangla Boxing in the Pa Tong area, where the the three childhood girlfriends (Kate, Laurie and Jaclyn) watch Muay Thai (Thai boxing) with the hotel’s Russian yoga instructor Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius). And definitely, visit the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve to visit pachyderms rescued from servitude.
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The Texas Hill Country makes for an easy escape from nearby cities like Austin and San Antonio. The region itself is massive—it spans 31,000 square miles total—and it’s chock-full of charm and natural beauty. Between mid-March and late April, travelers flock from all over to admire the blooming wildflowers like bluebonnets, primrose, and more. Plus, the weather isn’t scorching hot: Instead, visitors can enjoy mild temps ranging from the low 60s to the high 70s. The best way to spot these gorgeous blooms is either by car (cruising down the 13-mile-long Willow City Loop in charming Fredericksburg is a must!) or on foot (scenic hiking opps abound, as well). Lastly, wine lovers will especially love it here: This region is dotted with over 50 wineries, so drink up!
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Why We Recommend It: wellness, landmarks, wildlife spotting, beautiful beaches, jungle, history, warm weather
Beautiful Bali has been named the number-two Most Popular Destination in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards—and it’s easy to see why. While the iconic destination is worth the long-haul flight any time of year, we especially recommend visiting in April, which marks the start of the dry season (read: no need to worry about getting stuck in a monsoon!). The average temps in April tend to hover anywhere from high 70s to low 90s, which means you can soak up the sun and the warm weather as you explore Bali’s lush landscapes, which range from postcard-worthy beaches to flora and fauna-filled jungles. Must-see attractions include the enchanting Ubud Monkey Forest, the historic Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Hindu temple, and the many rice terraces.
In terms of accommodations, you’ll find an array of uber-luxe Airbnbs for around $250 per night (your very own villa complete with its own pool? Yes, plz.) A handful of new hotels have also opened within the past few years—including the Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort and Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, among several others.
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Why We Recommend It: culture, history, architecture, landmarks, fewer crowds, fun nightlife
Beat the summer crowds—and the scorching heat!—by visiting the Greek capital in April. Athens is a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts thanks to the vast array of iconic attractions at nearly every turn. A few of our favorites include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. Best of all, airfare is relatively affordable in April: According to travel booking app Hopper, round-trip flights to Athens are available from $616.
Additionally, remember that Athens is a large city home to over a dozen distinct neighborhoods. While it can be difficult to hit them all in one trip, we definitely recommend Kolonaki, which is known for its incredible shopping, and Plaka, which features fairytale-worthy charm in the form of cobblestone streets and quaint eateries. Monastiraki is also beloved amongst tourists for its buzzy ambiance; meanwhile, Exarcheia has an edgy, hipster-esque vibe plus ample nightlife offerings. For ‘gram-worthy views of Athens, check out one of the city’s many rooftop bars like Anglais Athens, Couleur Locale and Point A.
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Why We Recommend It: history, architecture, landmarks, great food, nice weather, fewer crowds
“If you want to travel to Italy sans crowds but with decent weather—amicable sweater weather, to be exact—head to the country’s idyllic southern region of Puglia in April,” says Hotels Above Par founder Brandon Berkson. What’s more, the balmy conditions (temperatures hover in the 60s) are ideal for exploring all that the destination has to offer. Plus, the colorful wildflowers, which bloom in April, are a bonus.
Berkson recommends making Fasano your home base, putting you within close proximity to Alberobello (a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Trulli-style architecture) and Martina Franca (a lively town complete with historic piazzas and charming cafes). Lecce, with its beautiful baroque architecture, is also a popular town. Meanwhile, the stunning, 13th-century-era Castel del Monte (another UNESCO site) will surely delight history buffs.
When it comes time to refuel, prepare to be dazzled. Unsurprisingly, the food in Puglia is absolutely delicious—with staples including breads, pastas and fresh produce galore. Travelers can take their pick of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Casa Sgarra, Pashà, Angelo Sabatelli and Casamatta.
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Why We Recommend It: architecture, sunny weather, amazing shopping, stunning scenery
According to Berkson, “Palm Spring’s inviting warm temperatures (think high 70s, low 80s) during the month of April make it an optimal springtime trip.” The SoCal city—an easy two-hour drive from Los Angeles—is best known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and midcentury modern architecture. Music lovers should center their trip around Coachella, which takes place from April 11-13 and 18-20, 2025. And music lovers passing through Los Angeles should also check out Chappell Roan’s pink pony club neighborhood, West Hollywood.
Should you need a break from lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun or strolling along Palm Canyon Drive, head inside and wander through the Palm Springs Art Museum or the Palm Springs Air Museum. Alternatively, consider embarking on a self-guided architecture tour. Afterward, refuel at one of Palm Spring’s many eclectic eats, including new hotspots such as Clandestino (don’t miss the fajitas, tacos or ceviche paired with one of the many different margs found on the menu) and The Thirsty Palms (best known for brunch staples like avo toast, eggs benny and more).
