Spring is generally known as the time of year when the whole country takes a well-deserved break. People tend to get more relaxed, the sun shines more often, and temperatures are mild enough to keep you warm without feeling too hot.
The onset of spring heralds the arrival of warmer temperatures and brighter sunshine which make it the perfect time for families and friends to get together. People may decide to travel more, either domestically or internationally, and visit distant lands or stay at home and catch up on holiday reading.
There’s no question that the world is a bigger place because of technologies like the internet and mobile phones which allow us to communicate with people across continents. These days, it’s possible to keep in touch with friends and family regardless of where they live. The wonders of modern-day technology make us more connected, helping to foster communities and creating cultural hubs in far-flung places like London or New York.
In light of this, it’s not a great surprise that more and more people are looking for ways to get away from it all during the spring season. Why not take a trip to a familiar place surrounded by friends and family, or head off to some unknown destination to discover new adventures? There are a number of destinations which have become very popular over the years, welcoming both local and international visitors.
The Golden State
One of the most popular places to visit this spring is California. Thanks mostly to the world-class hospitality and breathtaking beauty of the Golden State, as well as its mild year-round climate. This is the kind of place that makes you want to hurry up and live there. For drivers looking to make up for some lost time this year, California is the place to be. Thanks to the incredible highway system and the many rest stops which dot the route, getting to and from California this spring is sure to be a breeze. It’s even possible to find some good deals if you’re travelling during the week, especially if you’re driving solo or in a small group.
Australia
Out of all the places which have become popular over the years, few countries have pulled in more tourists than Down Under. For once, it’s not just the beautiful weather and native wildlife which draw people there, but also the unique culture and relaxed approach to life. Travellers will find it easy to explore the region, with its iconic beaches, mountain ranges, and bustling cities. There’s something for everyone. The downside to going to Australia is that you may find it difficult to get away for long periods of time. The distances are huge, as you would guess from a country spanning over a third of the globe. Of course, once you’re there, you can’t help but want to stay forever.
Egypt
Located in the middle of the African continent, Egypt has been pulling in visitors since the early days of tourism. Tourists flock there to see the incredible Sphinx, go on an expedition to explore the ancient pyramids, or dance through the streets at a flamenco festival. The only downside to this destination is that travellers will find it quite difficult to leave the place. With so many sites to see, the lure of the dusty land will keep you occupied for endless hours. Crowds are also a problem, with many sites, including certain pyramids, having max capacity limits imposed by the government. If you’re looking for a cultural experience which offers a lot of history, then Egypt is somewhere you might want to consider. There’s also the option to stay in a traditional Egyptian hotel which dates back to the land of the pharaohs.
Argentina: The Gauchos
An incredible amount of wildlife and breathtaking scenery greet visitors to Argentina. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, the adventurous traveller will be able to spot various animals, from exotic birds to deer and monkeys. The best way to explore this region is on foot. Hikers may spot pumas, the world’s third-largest cat, wandering the woods. Many people travel to Argentina to see the lively gauchos, or cowboys, who perform spectacular tricks on horseback. Travellers will find it easy to make new friends in the country, where locals are known for being welcoming and extremely friendly. This is one place you might want to avoid at night though, as you may find it difficult to leave once you’re there.
Chile: The Easter Island Culture
Chile is located in the southern part of South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the South American Andes. It is one of the world’s oldest countries. The scenery and the road conditions are pretty good, but be warned that there are some extremely remote areas which are only accessible by helicopter. The locals are extremely welcoming and love having tourists visit their country. Popular attractions include Valparaiso, a beautiful port city which is over two hundred years old and still possesses all the elegance and charm of a European city. You can also travel to Chile to see its majestic volcanoes and lakes. The downside to visiting Chile is that there isn’t a great deal to do. This is probably the main reason for the country’s popularity, with travellers mostly heading there to take a bus tour around some of the world’s most iconic sights.
New Zealand
Often overlooked as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, New Zealand is a small country located in the southern part of the globe. The country is famous for its ski resorts – the largest one, as you may imagine, is located in the South Island – as well as the residents’ laid-back approach to life. The scenery and road conditions are very good, with most of the country covered in lush rainforest, making for some truly stunning backdrops. Although the weather can be unpredictable, with lots of rain falling in some areas, you can be sure that it will mostly be sunny and warm wherever you go.
The last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of travelling to and exploring smaller countries which more people can actually fit into their travel plans. It’s not just that they’re easier to get to and from – though that’s certainly part of it – but also that the experience of visiting these places is often unique and incredibly memorable. These countries often have smaller communities, which means there may be more opportunities to get involved in local life. Travel to smaller places like these and you may find that the only way to truly experience the country is to get out there and meet the locals. The only downside to this is that the number of international arrivals will likely be higher than normal, meaning that you may find it harder to make new friends. Nevertheless, there are plenty of cheerful, welcoming people out there who will make you feel right at home.
These are just some of the places which have become extremely popular this year, as springs fever takes hold. The world is a smaller place because of technologies like mobile phones and the internet which allow us to connect with people around the globe. It’s good to look beyond our usual travelling destinations, and see the world through fresh eyes.