Just like Levin in Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, when spring begins, we are “full of the most splendid plans and projects”. Not being able to list them all, here are only a few of our favorite things to do between March and May.
Exploring Northern Australia: Port Douglas
With its ancient cultures and customs, pristine sandy beaches, diverse World Heritage sites, and magnificent waterfalls, Northern Australia can satisfy every traveler. Enjoyable all year long, you should check out these 7 spots in May.
Go camping and experience nature in the Harz National Park, a protected reserve covered with forests in north-central Germany. Its Brocken botanical garden houses about 1,600 alpine mountain plants from all around the world.
Spring is the season of cherry blossoms in Japan. Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, Uguisu Alley in Miyajima, and Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo are among the best places to enjoy the floral show and celebrate the new season.
Inspired by a classic of outdoor literature, the Stevenson Trail is a Grande Randonnée (GR 70) that runs for 274 km through the French departments of Haute-Loire, Lozère, and Gard with a maximum elevation of nearly 1,700 m.
New Zealand has an extensive network of safe and beautiful cycle touring routes. Just pick one (or two) by completing a simple and quick survey, but be prepared for any weather, and to experience four seasons in one day.
Late spring is a wonderful period of the year for walking in the valleys and lower hills of the Julian Alps of Slovenia. A variety of thematic trails let you discover the distinctive aspects of this region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Srebarna Nature Reserve in Northeastern Bulgaria is located on a key bird migration route between Europe and Africa and offers a great chance to recharge batteries in close contact with nature. Give it a try in this guesthouse.
Are you looking for a family-friendly cultural route? The north of Palencia, also known as the Palentian Mountain Range, has the greatest concentration of Romanesque art in the whole Europe, along with an enviable natural setting.
Open to people of any age and gender, the Bergwaldprojekt workcamp is a great way to support the restoration and protection of the forest ecosystem at various sites in Switzerland. Lodging, meals, and guidance are free of charge.
The Fishermen’s Trail, aka Rota Vicentina, is a challenging 120 km hike, running along the Alentejo and Vicentina coastline in Portugal. The sandy terrain and the ocean winds do not help, but the stunning beauty of nature repays the effort. Wild flowers are at their best at the end of April/early May.
Extra: Other Spring Vacation Ideas & Things to Do
Mingle with the locals at one of the many Spanish spring fiestas.
Enjoy the great outdoors and the blooming flowers near Kazanlak.
Participate in a film festival: Cannes, Sofia, Linz, Wellington, and more.
Discover the traditions and customs of Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Take a train journey in Switzerland, Germany, Australia, or New Zealand.
Volunteer at a bear sanctuary or help preserve Australasia’s environment.
Start bikepacking and head out on a greenway or (re)wander in your city.
Related Travel Guides: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March, 2017, and has been updated to revise the list of things to do, include additional items, and keep it fresh and accurate.