Bloom Towns
In cities and countrysides all over the northern hemisphere, spring is heralded by blossoming trees and blooming wildflowers. Here are a few of the most impressive displays:
Japan:
Cherry blossom season shows Japan at its most enchanting, when the country’s already exquisite gardens and temples are awash in pale pink blooms. The Japanese traditionally celebrate with a
hanami
(blossom viewing party)—some of the most famous viewing spots are Maruyama Park, in Kyoto; the Yamazaki River in Nagoya; Mount Yoshino near Osaka; and Oka-jo Koen, Takeda City, Saga.
The Netherlands:
The tulip fields in the west of Holland are awash with color in April and May. Near the town of Lisse is Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, planted with some 7 million bulbs. This stunningly beautiful park is open Mar 18-May 16, 2010.
Sedona, Arizona:
From late Mar-May, the desert comes alive with wildflowers like lupine, desert verbena, heliotrope, Arizona poppy, and desert evening primrose.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
They say everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Whatever your heritage, get in touch with your Celtic side at one of these major festivals.
Dublin:
You can’t get more Irish than this St. Patrick’s Day Festival, offering six days of street theater, music, and dance, and ending with a parade at noon on March 17.
New York City:
A 249-year tradition, this St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the world’s oldest and possibly the largest, with up to 250,000 marchers. March 17, starting 11am at 44th Street/Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Savannah, Georgia:
This genteel town may seem like a surprising place for the second biggest St. Paddy’s parade in the U.S., but believe it—they even turn the water in the fountains green! This year, five days of festivities lead up to the big event, including the family-friendly Tara Feis Irish Celebration on March 13. The parade starts on March 17 at 10:15am.
Sydney:
Australia has a particularly strong Irish heritage, and a correspondingly large St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This year’s parade begins at 11:30am Sunday, March 21, followed by a free Family Day in Hyde Park.
Great Trips Now
Enjoy colorful festivals, blossoming flowers and warm, sunny weather at these global destinations between March and May:
Asia
Japan:
Cherry blossom season arrives in Kyushu and Shikoku in late March, spreads north across Honshu from late Mar-mid Apr, and reaches Hokkaido by early May. This is also one of the best times in central Japan weather-wise, with mild temperatures and little rainfall from March to May.
India:
Nowhere is the arrival of spring celebrated more colorfully than Northern India. During Holi, the “Festival of Colors,” revelers pelt each other with handfuls of vividly colored powder. Taking place March 1, it’s a day of joyful exuberance, so put on some old clothes and join the festivities! The weather is sunny and warm in early spring, making it a great time to explore Delhi, Mumbai and the Taj Mahal.
China:
Virtually all of China has good weather in spring (with the exception of Dunhuang and Huangshan). The Shanghai Expo begins May 1—the theme is “Better City, Better Living,” focusing on greener urban environments.
Jordan:
Mild daytime and nighttime temperatures make Mar-May an ideal time to visit the Lost City of Petra and spectacular Wadi Rum.
The Americas
British Virgin Islands:
Mid Dec-April is sunny and warm, with calm seas—the perfect time to escape the winter weather up north.
Galapagos Islands:
Mar-Apr is the best time to see land tortoises, nesting sea turtles, and baby seals. The end of the rainy season brings bright flowers and calm seas.
Argentina:
Swollen by rainfall, Iguazu Falls are at their most dramatic in April. Between Mar-May the fall colors are brilliant all along the foothills of the Andes, from Mendoza and the Lake District down to Tierra del Fuego. It’s also harvest season in Mendoza, Argentina’s famous wine region.
Europe
Greece:
Easter is the highlight of the Greek calendar, celebrated around the country with candlelight processions, fireworks, and public concerts. Spring days in Greece are sunny but not too hot, making this the perfect season for mainland excursions; calm waters mean ideal conditions for a private boat charter along the coast.
Italy:
Apr-May means excellent weather and relatively small crowds in Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Or head to Venice for the Aldo Rossi exhibit at the headquarters of the Biennale.
France:
Paris is delightful in springtime; in Western France and Provence, the landscapes abound with spring flowers. Now is the time to try seasonal delicacies like Brittany’s pré-salé lamb and Provence’s wild morels and asparagus.
The Netherlands:
The famous Kuekenhof garden is open Mar 18-May 16—en route, stop by the historic windmills of Kinderdijk. On the Queen’s Birthday (April 30), throngs of people gather in the streets of Amsterdam and other Dutch towns to party and to sell their second-hand goods in a huge, open street market.
Czech Republic:
May brings sunny, mild temperatures and the famous annual Prague Spring International Music Festival, now in its 65th year.
South Pacific
Bali:
May is the beginning of Bali’s dry season, meaning clear skies and balmy temperatures.
Australia:
This is the time of year to dive with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, off the shore of Western Australia. The coral spawns in March and April, creating a plankton feast that attracts the whale sharks. Spring is also ideal in the Red Center, with pleasantly warm days and cool nights. May is a perfect month to see the waterfalls in Kakadu and the Kimberley—the water flow is still high enough to be impressive and the roads are passable.
Africa
Morocco:
Apr-May offers pleasant weather and lush landscapes around Marrakesh and the Atlas mountains. The spectacular Valley of Roses in the Dades Valley is in bloom from mid-April to early May—a three-day Rose Festival takes place each May in nearby El-Kelaa M’Gouna. Desert temperatures are still mild, making spring a good time to go sandboarding on the impressively high dunes at Merzouga.
Egypt:
Warm, dry weather from Mar-May make this a great time for sightseeing. This is a slightly off-peak season for a Nile cruise, which means fewer crowds. (Be aware that sand storms sometimes occur in late Mar—early Apr.)
Zimbabwe and Zambia:
The end of the rainy season means famous Victoria Falls will be at their peak in May.
Botswana:
Dec-May is the green season—a safari this time of year will offer lush scenery and migratory birds.
Plan Ahead
Start planning these trips now, to lock in the best guides and accommodations.
China:
The Shanghai World Expo runs from May 1-Oct 31—it’s best to plan at least 6 months ahead. Avoid Oct 1-7, as it is a national holiday. The last week or two of the Expo might also be quite chaotic.
Bhutan:
Festival season here runs from Sep 26-Nov 28. Bookings should be made 3-6 months ahead, depending on the importance of the festival.
Egypt:
Book your winter or spring Nile cruise up to a year in advance in order to secure your choice of boat and captain.
Tanzania:
The best times to go are the green season (Dec-Mar) or the dry season (Jul-Oct). Book one year to 18 months in advance to get the guides and camps you want.
Aspen, Colorado:
The summer months offer a huge variety of activities, both outdoorsy and cultural. Rental properties can be hard to come by, so start inquiring now.
British Virgin Islands:
Mid Dec-Apr is high season—book up to a year in advance to secure your desired captain, boat and crew.
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