Where to Go April-June
Maybe you’re thinking about Where to Go April-June and you’re not alone! From our extensive travels during these months, we’ve chosen 5 amazing springtime destinations. Read on and get inspired as you decide on where to go next April – June.
As April arrives for us living in the Northern Hemisphere, days are becoming warmer. Nature is waking up, trees are blossoming and for travellers, this is a great time to bag a bargain trip before peak summer months.
In the southern hemisphere, you may still have warm days even though the weather is changing.
🎒TPOP Tip: Some countries are best avoided during these months in terms of travelling – it’s the rainy season in Costa Rica and several areas of Asia are entering monsoon season in June. Do check this World Weather Guide if you are unsure.
Morocco
What’s special about Morocco
What’s great about Morocco is that you can experience a blend of African, Arabic and European cultures all in one country. This diversity perhaps explains why Moroccans are such friendly people who are proud of their country and welcome visitors.
There is something for everyone – you can shop and barter in the markets, hike in the Atlas mountains, travel off road through the deserts and explore the narrow winding streets of Morocco’s wonderful cities.
Many people choose Marrakesh as it’s its ideal for a fun weekend in Morocco. We both have! It’s a perfect base to engage in the magic of the souks and explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square where monkeys and snake charmers entertain the passerby.
From here, take day trips to the rugged mountains or go camel riding and sleep under the stars in the Agafay desert. Try a traditional hammam spa or relax with a wonderful aromatic oil massage.
Visit Casablanca to see the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world or explore the medina of Fez which is one of the world’s largest walledin cities.
For the beaches, as well as Agadir and Tangiers, the coastal resort of Essaouira is increasingly popular. Check out Get Your Guide Morocco to explore a range of trips on offer across these ancient cities and Lonely Planet for a general overview of this intriguing destination.
Food – yes back to our favourite subject – is just delicious. Traditional tagines dishes slow cooked and perfectly spiced are a favourite to try and without question, you must have Moroccan mint tea!
Why Go to Morocco April to June?
From April, temperatures are warm and sunshine is guaranteed. May is a great time for trekking the mountains before it gets too hot. Take advantage of quieter coastal resorts in June before the July rush. June is also a popular month for music festivals in Morocco such as Fez Festival of Music which lasts 8 days.
Accommodation prices are also cheaper now. Travellers can choose from a range of riads (traditional Moroccan houses with courtyards and gardens) in the ‘medina’. Check out options in Booking.com Riads
If you’re going to Marrakesh, I can also recommend Les Deux Tours Boutique Hotel just outside the city. It is an oasis of tranquility.
How to Get To Morocco
There are flights from the UK to most of the major cities in Morocco. Flight time on average is around 3 and a half hours.
In the US and Canada, you can fly direct to Casablanca from New York or Montreal. This flight is about 7 hours. Alternatively, for trans-Atlantic flights, you can connect into a European city and fly on from there.
For a full run down on flight options, check out Getting to Morocco by Rough Guides. Here you will find an full list of carriers and even suggestions for travel from mainland Spain to Morocco by catching a ferry.
Panama, Central America
Tucked between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Panama’s claim to fame is of course, its canal. When it opened in August 1914, it was not the scale of today with 13,000+ ships passing through annually.
It’s also unique in that you can take a train across the country, and ride parallel to the great canal. Shop for a Panama hat (there’s plenty of options!) although did you know the Panama hat originates from Ecuador!
What’s special about Panama
It’s also an adventure to take a dug out canoe up river and explore traditional villages. It might be a little touristy in parts, but it’s a fun activity and there’s options to eat lunch with villagers and get to understand their way of life.
Panama has incredible fruits and abundant seafood. The range of restaurants is huge so you can easily eat somewhere different every night without crossing town. They love their music and nightclubs late into the night so if you like to party, there’s a piece of Panama for you to boogie on down to!
Why Go Now?
Spring-time is best to visit Panama. In April, the weather is perfect and humidity lower.
During the spring months there is less rain, making it more fun to explore small villages up river outside the capital.
Panama is also a destination for fishing so if this is your reason to head down, check specialist reports to determine the best locations across the country and times to go for different species.
How to Get To Panama City, Panama
Panama is an easy destination for anyone in the USA. There are multiple flights a day from major cities.
From the airport it’s an easy taxi ride into the new part of the city or continue a little further to the Old City.
We prefer staying in the Old City simply because it’s more atmospheric and authentic, but there are many great condos with incredible views over the water in the newer part of town. This is also nearer more of the nightlife and newer major high-rise hotels are here too.
Lisbon, Portugal
What’s special about Lisbon?
Its size is a big plus. This city is so easy to navigate around by jumping onto a tram or just walking. It feels comfortable like an old friend and easy to relax in.
It’s easy to pick up a day tour out of town and visit some amazing sights like Sintra – a town nestled into the hills of Serre de Sintra. We have visited here at least half a dozen times and we have created a great week’s itinerary for Lisbon & Porto to help you plan this trip.
Browse in Lisbon’s lovely little shops and the palace here is truly an incredible sight to tour around. After this, head to the coast to the western most point in continental Europe.
Cabo da Roca has reportedly got incredible views – sadly it was pouring when we visited, but somehow it made the site even more intriguing.. not good for the hair though:)
Don’t forget to try the absolutely delicious food famous here, especially seafood and sardines – they are huge! I’m not suggesting you combine them but the custard tarts – Pasteis de Nata – melt in your mouth.
Why Go To Lisbon April to June?
Although Lisbon is a year round destination, it’s definitely somewhere to enjoy in the European Spring weather.
Although coming to Lisbon for a weekend city break will be enjoyable, consider a longer stay. There are a string of hotels and resorts just out of the city that offer all inclusive to 5 star luxury.
Or consider combining Lisbon with Porto to the North for a 2-center trip and some wine-tasting! Take a look at our second cities post for ideas on Porto. 4 Fabulous Second Cities
How to Get To Lisbon, Portugal
The international airport is well service from across the world. It’s only 6km from the historic city so an easy transfer either via the metro, bus or Uber.
The metro is very reliable and runs every 10 minutes or so from the airport to town. More information on local Lisbon transportation is available through this website.
Most visitors tend to stay centrally so look for hotels in Baixa, Alfama or Chiado. It’s also easy to get to Porto from Lisbon and spend a weekend here. Check out our tips on when to visit Porto.
The Galápagos Islands
What’s special about the Galapagos?
Head west, around 500 nautical miles off the coast of Ecuador and you’ll find yourself in the Galápagos Islands. Formed from volcanic activity, the 19 islands cover around 17,000 square miles. Special laws protect the incredible flora and fauna that greet the visitors who make it to this remote spot. Spending time in the Galapagos is incredible and we were lucky to be able to see 5 different islands during our visit.
Charles Darwin’s studies in the 1800s brought forward the theory of evolution and introduced these islands to all in his book, ‘Origin of the Species’.
Sail between the islands for a week to maximize your time in each location. Although you can pay less and be based out of one location, you won’t get the same experience. Each island is different offering up close and personal interaction with the most fantastic wildlife. Giant tortoises, iguanas, seals, birds like the blue footed boobie rule here and its a privilege to join them in their natural habitat for a short period of time.
The unique thing about the Galapagos is that the amazing experiences and events are every day. These islands are part of a protected National park with strict permitting for access. So, each time you touch down on a new beach, you’re going to see and learn something different. My highlights were meeting seals, iguanas, giant tortoises (and yes they are enormous). I loved the blue footed boobies and the baby albatross. Nature’s entertainment is 24/7!
Why Visit Galapagos April to June?
During December to May is, for many, the best time to visit. With temperatures in the 70s/low 80s, there are good conditions for wildlife activity.
We visited in November and it was late enough to miss most of the effects of the Humboldt current. We had one night of rougher seas but otherwise it was great on our 18-person boat.
Costs are lower in the off season but this means it’s even more popular so we’d recommend you book a trip here at least six months in advance.
How to Get To The Galapagos
If you are already in the region, the vast majority of visitors fly from Jose Joaquin de Omedo Airport, Guayaquil, Ecuador. There are also flights from Quito. We flew with Avianca from Guayaquil and it was fine.
There are a few flights direct from the US to these jump off spots – from Houston, Miami, New York and also from Amsterdam and Madrid (at time of writing).
Be aware that there will be baggage limitations for flights and also for the boat you take, so check this at the time of booking.
If time is not a constraint, there are cruises that will take you to the Galapagos too.
Montenegro
What’s special about Montenegro?
Montenegro is a Balkan country with spectacular mountains, stunning mediaeval villages and a strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fiord, is dotted with coastal churches, and fortified towns such as Kotor, Bar, Budva, and Herceg Novi.
We both absolutely love Montenegro. Its position hugging the Adriatic coast makes the drive along its coastline quite dramatic. Ancient walled cities burst with character. You can spend hours, in fact days just exploring Kotor alone. It’s a UNSECO wonder with its labyrinth of passageways leading onto cobbled squares full of quaint restaurants, cafes and shops.
Take a boat ride from here across the bay to the enchanting fishing village of Perast. Look up at the mountains towering above – they’re truly majestic and lead themselves to incredible views. It’s a photographer’s dream. Read more in our post on the Best itinerary to visit Montenegro & Northern Albania.
Did we mention the people? They’re hugely welcoming and more than happy to share stories of their country with you. As for the food – what’s not to like! Wonderful wines and menus packed with fresh and mouthwatering meals. For such a small country (about half the size of Belguim and approximately the size of US state of Conneticut), it’s a destination that needs to be added to your bucket list.
Why Visit Montenegro April to June?
Montenegro is growing in popularity as more travellers seek alternatives to Croatia, Greece and Turkey. UNSECO status for old towns like Kotor are attracting more and more visitors. Explore this wonderful country before it gets fully discovered by mass tourism.
By visiting between April and June, you’ll have great weather and avoid peak season charges. You’ll be less likely to have to contend with international cruise ships docking in the ports, because when they do, there is a huge influx of day trippers. Accommodation is cheaper too.
Check out our full blog on Montenegro & Northern Albania for some great ideas on where to stay and other travel tips.
How to Get To Montenegro
There are two main airports in Montenegro. If you’re planning to go to the coast, fly into Tivat. If you want to visit the capital city, fly into Podgorica. This latter option is also good if you’re planning to travel into Kosovo and Northern Albania.
Flights to these airports are increasing but may not be daily until peak months. An alternative (which we used) is to fly into neighbouring Croatia and the airport of Dubrovnik. A quick half hour transfer will take you across the border to Herceg Novi, an ideal starting point to tour the coast of Montenegro.
Flights from the UK are just under 3 hours, For US travellers, you will have to transit through Europe, Again, read more on this in our main blog.
You Got It! – Ideas for Travel April to June
There are, of course, many other places you could go between April and June. Japan, is a popular choice, famous for its cherry blossom trees at this time of year. If hiking is your thing, this is a good time to visit Peru and the Inca Trail.
You will find the start of midsummer parties in June in places like Iceland and Norway. Head here to experience the midnight sun. If music is your thing, many festivals start up around May such as the Prague Music Festival.
Also check our blog on How to Snag a Travel Deal for budget tips which includes off-season travel ideas.
