Spring break is coming, and you know what that means? Flight prices about to skyrocket and hotels filling up faster than you can say “beach vacation.” I learned this the hard way last year when I tried booking a spring trip in February. Spoiler alert: I ended up paying double and staying in a hotel that barely had a view of the parking lot, let alone the ocean :/ So trust me when I say you need to book these destinations NOW if you want the good stuff.

Here’s the thing about spring travel. Everyone suddenly wakes up from winter hibernation and decides they want the exact same thing. Cherry blossoms? Sold out. Beach resorts? Gone. That cozy villa in Tuscany? Someone snagged it three months ago.

But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with ten absolutely stunning spring destinations that you should book immediately. These spots are worth every penny, and honestly, they get better when you’re not fighting crowds because you planned ahead.

1. Japan: Cherry Blossom Season

Ever wondered why Japan’s hotels triple their prices in spring? Sakura season, that’s why. The cherry blossoms bloom for roughly two weeks between late March and early April, and millions of people descend on the country to witness this natural spectacle. I visited Tokyo during sakura season, and I can confirm it lives up to every Instagram photo you’ve ever seen.

Where to Go

You’ll want to hit these spots for the best cherry blossom viewing:

• Kyoto: The Philosopher’s Path becomes a pink tunnel of blossoms
• Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers the perfect urban escape
• Hokkaido: If you miss the early blooms, this northern island has late-season sakura

FYI, book your accommodations at least four to six months in advance. Hotels know they can charge premium rates during sakura season, and they absolutely will. The good news? Spring weather in Japan is perfect for exploring temples, cycling routes, and outdoor activities without melting in summer humidity.

2. Netherlands: Tulip Fields and King’s Day

The Netherlands in spring turns into one giant flower explosion. Keukenhof Gardens opens from mid-March to mid-May, displaying over seven million tulip bulbs in full bloom. I’m talking tulips in every color imaginable, plus daffodils, hyacinths, and flower arrangements that look like professional artists designed them. Because professional artists did design them.

Beyond the Flowers

Spring in the Netherlands gives you more than just pretty petals. King’s Day on April 27th transforms the entire country into an orange-themed street party. Everyone wears orange, music blasts from every corner, and you can grab food and drinks from street vendors celebrating the Dutch king’s birthday.

Book your Amsterdam hotels early. Like, yesterday early. Between Keukenhof visitors and King’s Day celebrations, accommodations disappear fast. You’ll thank me later when you’re cycling through tulip fields instead of stress-scrolling through sold-out hotel listings.

3. Greece: Warm Weather Without Summer Crowds

Greece in spring is what I call the Goldilocks zone. Not too hot, not too crowded, just right. You get pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s, blooming wildflowers covering the hillsides, and tourist sites that don’t require a two-hour wait in line.

I visited Santorini in late April, and I actually found empty spots to take photos. No joke. Try doing that in July when you’re elbow-to-elbow with cruise ship tourists. Spring gives you the authentic Greek experience with outdoor tavernas, hiking trails, and beach days without the suffocating summer heat.

Best Spring Activities

• Explore ancient ruins without heatstroke risk
• Sample fresh spring produce at local markets
• Hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete before it gets unbearably hot
• Island hop with fewer crowds and better hotel rates

4. Washington DC: Cherry Blossom Festival

You don’t need a passport to see spectacular cherry blossoms. Washington DC hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival every spring, celebrating the cherry trees that Tokyo’s mayor gifted to the United States way back in 1912. These trees bloom around the Tidal Basin, creating this dreamy pink landscape against the backdrop of monuments and museums.

The festival typically runs from late March through early April, but here’s the catch. Peak bloom only lasts about a week, and weather determines the exact timing. Book your DC accommodations as soon as the National Park Service announces their peak bloom prediction. Hotels fill up immediately, and prices jump faster than you can say “spring break.”

5. Costa Rica: Adventure in Perfect Weather

Costa Rica’s dry season runs through April, making spring the ideal time for every outdoor adventure you can imagine. We’re talking zip-lining through jungle canopies, surfing Pacific waves, watching sea turtles nest at Tortuguero National Park, and hiking active volcanoes without getting drenched by rain.

Why Book Early?

Spring break families and adventure seekers flood Costa Rica during these prime months. The beachfront eco-lodges and popular tour operators book solid. I tried booking a zip-line tour last-minute once, and the earliest available slot was three days later. Not ideal when you’re only there for a week.

IMO, Costa Rica offers the best value for adventure travel. You get incredible experiences, stunning biodiversity, and welcoming locals who make every trip memorable. Just book those tours and accommodations well in advance.

6. Iceland: Northern Lights and Longer Days

Spring in Iceland gives you the best of both worlds. You can still catch the Northern Lights in March and early April, but you also get longer daylight hours for exploring the country’s dramatic landscapes. The Blue Lagoon, geothermal pools, waterfalls, and black sand beaches become way more accessible when you’re not limited to four hours of winter daylight.

Iceland’s tourism has exploded in recent years. Book your rental car, hotels, and popular tours months ahead. The good stuff disappears fast, and you don’t want to end up paying inflated prices for whatever’s left.

Spring Highlights

• Northern Lights viewing before they disappear for summer
• Geothermal spa experiences like the Blue Lagoon
• Waterfall tours without summer tourist hordes
• Whale watching as migratory species return

7. Egypt: Ancient Wonders in Comfortable Weather

Egyptian summers are brutal. Like, “why did I think touring pyramids in 110-degree heat was a good idea” brutal. Spring changes everything. You get pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring ancient sites, plus brilliant sunshine for those incredible photos of the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

I visited Luxor in April, and the weather was absolutely perfect for all-day exploration. You can comfortably wander through temple complexes, take Nile River cruises, and venture into tombs without feeling like you’re melting. Spring also means fewer tourists than peak winter season, so you’re not constantly dodging tour groups.

Book your Nile cruises and Luxor accommodations early. The best boats and hotels near major sites fill up quickly, especially during spring when weather conditions are ideal.

8. Phuket, Thailand: Beach Season

Thailand’s beaches are absolutely stunning in spring. The weather stays hot and dry, perfect for beach days, island hopping, and water activities. Phuket offers everything from lively Patong Beach with its nightlife scene to quieter spots like Nai Harn with fresh seafood shacks and crystal-clear water.

Beyond the Beach

Spring in Phuket isn’t just about lounging in the sand. You can visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, zip-line through jungles, take cooking classes, and explore nearby islands like Phi Phi and James Bond Island. The dry weather makes every activity more enjoyable.

Book your resort early if you want beachfront accommodations. The best properties with direct beach access and ocean views get snatched up months in advance. Trust me, paying slightly more for a room with an actual view beats staring at a concrete wall 🙂

9. Portugal: Spring Blooms and Wine Country

Portugal absolutely shines in spring. Wildflowers blanket the countryside, temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s, and you can explore Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve coast without summer’s overwhelming heat and crowds.

The Douro Valley wine region becomes particularly magical in spring. Vineyards come to life with fresh growth, wine tastings happen on sunny terraces, and the scenery rivals anywhere in Europe. Plus, spring rates for hotels and wine tours are significantly lower than summer peak season.

What to Book

• Lisbon boutique hotels in Alfama or Bairro Alto
• Porto wine cellar tours and tastings
• Algarve beach resorts before summer prices kick in
• Douro Valley wine tours and river cruises

10. Mexico’s Riviera Maya: Caribbean Perfection

Mexico’s Caribbean coast offers some of the best beach weather in spring. The winter crowds start thinning out, temperatures stay warm but not oppressive, and you get lower humidity than summer months. Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres become absolute paradise.

I’ve been to the Riviera Maya several times, and spring is hands-down my favorite season. You can explore Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum without melting, snorkel in cenotes with perfect visibility, and enjoy beach clubs without fighting for lounge chairs.

Book your all-inclusive resorts and beachfront hotels early. Spring break brings families and couples looking for warm weather escapes, and the best properties with beach access fill up fast. The earlier you book, the better rates and room options you’ll snag.

Time to Book Your Spring Adventure

Look, I get it. Booking travel months in advance feels like a commitment. But here’s what I’ve learned from years of travel planning: the best experiences go to people who plan ahead. Those cherry blossom views in Kyoto? Gone by February. That beachfront room in Tulum? Booked three months ago. The Northern Lights tour in Iceland? Sold out.

Spring travel requires early booking because everyone wants the same thing. Warm weather, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences. The destinations on this list deliver all of that and more, but only if you can actually get there and have somewhere decent to stay.

So do yourself a favor. Pick your favorite destination from this list, block off those dates, and book your trip today. Your future self will thank you when you’re sipping wine in Portugal, photographing cherry blossoms in Japan, or floating in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. While everyone else is scrambling for last-minute deals and settling for whatever’s left, you’ll already be living your best spring travel life. And honestly? That’s exactly where you deserve to be.