Best Destinations for an Easter Vacation
Published on: May 1st, 2019
Last modified: July 27th, 2023
As spring approaches and the Easter holidays arrive, many destinations across the world come into their own.
From the rice terraces of Bali to the heights of Machu Picchu, the whole world is waiting to be explored.
To help you plan your next family trip, this is our round up of the best destinations for an Easter vacation.
Argentina
Argentina is a magnificent country, but the standout feature is the world-famous Iguassu Falls. This incredible waterfall cascades down from the Parana Plateau to the border between Argentina and Brazil, and is an unforgettable sight. To get up close to the Falls, travellers can take a speedboat trip up to the base of the waterfall before exploring the network of nature trails that wind through the surrounding rainforest.
Argentina is the perfect destination for nature lovers too, as the Misiones Rainforest in Iguazu National Park is teeming with mammal and bird species. For a varied vacation, adventurous travellers can spend a portion of their trip in the Argentine Lake District, whilst Buenos Aires is an exciting destination for all. The best time to visit Argentina is in April, with blue skies and sunshine marking the start of the dry season.
Bali
Indonesia is a varied destination that’s great for families, and Bali is a great choice when you’re deciding which island to visit. Ubud – considered the cultural heart of Bali – is characterised by terraced rice paddies and lush jungle. It’s an idyllic setting for temples, which regularly come alive with traditional dance performances. There are few things more magical than watching stories unfold to the rhythm of traditional Balinese music, and it’s a great way to keep kids entertained.
There’s plenty to keep travellers occupied in Bali – while you’re there, participate in a cultural class, venture into the countryside on a cycling tour or visit the monkeys in the Ubud Monkey Forest. Bali comes into its own during the Easter holidays, as the dry season begins and the weather begins to cool after the extremely hot month of February.
South Italy
From delectable cuisine to beautiful coastline, southern Italy has it all. On the west coast, explore the rustic town of Naples before heading further south to the celebrity-studded island of Capri. One of Italy’s most famous luxury destinations, Capri‘s shimmering beaches are favoured playgrounds for the well to-do, from Roman Emperors to Hollywood darlings. Back on the mainland, explore the colourful Amalfi Coast. With pastel hued houses perched along the cliffs and sparkling water below, this is one of Italy’s most spectacular regions.
In Italy’s east, spend time making your way along Puglia‘s 400 kilometres of coastline. A paradise for beach lovers, Puglia is home to everything from long stretches of golden sand to pebbly enclaves. If you favour mountains over beaches, the region is also home to two national parks, with the stunning Alta Murgia a unique mix of nature, archeology and history. Spring is the perfect time to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer season making for a pleasant vacation.
Borneo
Borneo is the go-to destination for wildlife lovers, and Easter is a great time to visit as the weather is at its best and sees the least rainfall of any month. The main attraction here is the island’s extraordinary wildlife, as Borneo is home to the endearing orangutan. Few other wildlife destinations offer the thrill of watching primates swing through the trees that you get at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Right next door, at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, visitors can get up close to these incredible creatures. The wildlife doesn’t stop at rehabilitation centres – families can cruise down the rainforest waterways to spot indigenous proboscis monkeys, or stay at a riverside jungle lodge that is sometimes visited by the rainforest’s pygmy elephants. If you want to discover the underwater world too, include the islands of Lankayan and Gayana on your trip.
Costa Rica
April is the shoulder month between the wet and dry seasons in Costa Rica, so it’s the perfect time to visit. One of the best places in this beautiful country for families is Arenal, which has a wealth of activities for adventure-seekers. Travellers can set out across a canopy walkway, fly through the jungle on a zip-line or explore rainforest, coffee plantations and old lava fields on guided hikes or horseback. For an even more exhilarating experience, raft down Arenal’s white water rapids. For a truly epic family adventure, add the stunning Pacuare Reserve and Nicoya Peninsula areas to your itinerary.
Seville, Spain
The diverse city of Seville is Andalucia’s capital, and one of southern Spain’s most cultural cities. It’s home to exquisite architecture, the celebrated art of flamenco and two major festivals – so there’s plenty to explore. Containing no less than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Alcazar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies – Seville’s Old Town is the third largest in Europe. For an insight into the local culture, make sure you visit a flamenco show – this ancient art form originated in western Andalucia and still lives on today in the city’s many performance spots.
Seville also plays host to two major annual festivals, both of which see the city come to life with tradition. The first – Semana Santa – celebrates Easter, while the second – the Feria de Sevilla – is a week long celebration of everything Andalusian. During the Holy week of Semana Santa, Seville’s streets become solemn with decorative and dramatic processions. A profoundly religious festival, Semana Santa refers to the week leading up to Easter Sunday. During this time, you’ll find Seville’s streets are solemn with decorative and dramatic processions – it’s an experience you’re sure to remember for a long time to come.
Peru
Peru is the ultimate destination for an Easter vacation, with the Andes Mountains and Machu Picchu providing the perfect backdrop for avid hikers. Peru is very much a year-round destination, so it’s as good during Easter as it is any other time of the year. April’s bright and sunny days lend themselves well to hiking the many trails around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Along the way, travellers can visit archaeological sites left behind by the Incas, experience the spectacular scenery of the Peruvian Andes and gain an insight into local indigenous life. You can also journey to Machu Picchu on a luxury train, so it’s easier to visit for families with children who aren’t up to the arduous hike. On a journey through Peru, the whole family can experience incredible Peruvian culture alongside beautiful Peruvian landscapes.
South Africa
South Africa is great for a family Easter vacation, with incredible safaris on offer in malaria-free national parks. Bordering both the Kalahari Desert and Botswana, the malaria-free 75,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve can be visited all year round, making it ideal for family safaris. On game drives through the reserve, you can spot some of the reserve’s huge population of elephants, as well as leopards, lions and rhinos amongst many other exciting species.
The reserve’s accommodation also caters well to all needs, with tree-houses and tented suites providing stylish options, some of which are specially designed for kids. For an unforgettable South African experience, combine a Madikwe safari with The Kalahari, Cape Town and the Whale Coast.
Vietnam
From North to South, Vietnam is perfect for adventure. April is a particularly good time to visit the iconic Halong Bay, as the pleasant dry weather makes it a good time of year for swimming and sitting out on deck in the evenings. This world wonder is a highlight on any Vietnamese vacation – you can cruise across turquoise waters and between the beautiful limestone karsts, stopping off to visit coves or jumping into a kayak to explore various lagoons.
Discover our favourite Easter getaways
Feeling inspired? Our expert travel designers are always on hand to help you plan your perfect Easter vacation.