Off and Away: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations for Spring and Easter

Spring is just around the corner, making it the perfect time for vacation planning. And even though local temperatures around the Easter holidays often start to rise, many travelers are currently looking for even warmer corners of Europe.

Additionally, dream destinations like Uruguay and the Caribbean are enticing with special festivals and events. We showcase the most beautiful and exciting vacation spots for the Easter holidays and the approaching spring.

Iceland

Europe has plenty to offer for adventurous travelers. Quaint coastal towns, vibrant big cities, and culture in abundance wherever you look.

It might be worthwhile to strike the perennial favorite Mallorca from your vacation plans this year and explore other parts of the continent instead. How about a vacation in Iceland, for example?

Here travelers can still find what one would call untouched nature. A hiking tour through it leads along bubbling volcanoes, roaring rivers, and impressive geysers.

In the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, several interesting festivals take place in March, including the Reykjavik Fashion Festival and the Blues Festival.

Dublin

Speaking of a surge in visitors: this is expected in March in the Irish capital of Dublin as well. Even though the average temperatures in March range from 37 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, a spring visit is definitely worth it.

On March 17, the entire country celebrates its famous patron saint on St. Patrick's Day. Over half a million spectators gather in downtown Dublin to attend the traditional parade.

Tip: Be sure to wear green to avoid standing out as a clueless tourist!

Helsinki

The next travel tip is for passionate sauna-goers. Where better to relax and enjoy a sauna than in the country where sauna culture originated?

Finns hold their saunas sacred, which is why they sweat in their wooden huts nearly every day-even in summer.

In spring, there is usually still snow in the Finnish capital, Helsinki. So, the soothing warmth of the sauna seems all the more welcome.

Tip: For several years now, Helsinki has hosted the Helsinki Sauna Day in March, where private individuals open their saunas to visitors. It's a great opportunity to meet the residents of this cold Scandinavian country while enjoying the relaxing warmth.

Malta

For those who prefer it even warmer, a vacation in Malta should be considered. Travelers will find friendly locals and a unique mix of Arab and European influences on this Mediterranean island, with temperatures around 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be sure to check out the medieval fortifications, numerous palaces, and churches. Especially in the old town of Valletta, there are some of these impressive sights.

Also worth a trip are the temple complexes on the island and the underground cave labyrinth Hypogeum in Tarxien.

Tip: In spring, many airlines offer cheap flights within Europe. For under $50, you can fly to London, Porto, or Rome.

Fly, for example, to Seville. At the end of March, you can witness the slightly eerie processions of the Spanish city during Holy Week Semana Santa.

Cuba

For those venturing further afield, there are also noteworthy events at dream destinations like the Caribbean, and with a bit of luck, affordable flights.

Travelers can experience sun and culture in Morocco and Egypt. The newest trendy destination is Cuba.

The flight to the Caribbean island takes just under ten hours. To the beats of salsa and reggaeton, you can best discover the soul of its capital, Havana, along the eight-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, Malecón.

And what else is here? Mojitos, dancing, thick cigars, and one of the most beautiful spring destinations. Just a few kilometers away is the Dominican Republic, where a gigantic carnival parade attracts tourists on March 6.

Uruguay

For fans of South America, a holiday in Uruguay is a must. The residents of this small country between Argentina and Brazil pride themselves not only on breathing the cleanest air in the world but also on having some of the most picturesque beaches.

There are indeed plenty of those in Uruguay. On the peninsula of Punta del Este, VIPs gather in summer. For those who prefer a quieter setting, there are more secluded beaches with turquoise waters in the 'Switzerland of South America.' La Barra, a former artists' colony, is where surfers and party-goers enjoy the warm weather today.

The area around the lagoon in José Ignacio was recently named the chicest spot in Latin America by the New York Times. And in the cities, especially in the capital Montevideo, there is plenty to experience. It's the perfect destination for this year's Easter vacation.

Tip: For more tips on the ideal Easter vacation, check out Lonely Planet, which each year sets the upcoming travel trends with its recommendations. According to the travel giant, top destinations include Japan, the USA, Australia, Poland, and Uruguay.

Springtime vacations can be lovely too, and you don't have to wait for summer to enjoy a great time away from your four walls. In Europe, for instance, temperatures aren't too high yet, so you can embark on exciting city trips filled with sightseeing. If you prefer to relax on the beach by Easter, it's worth the trip to somewhat distant countries like Cuba, Uruguay, or Egypt.