Where to travel in April

Spring in Japan is famous for the cherry blossoms that come alive around the country. Though it’s difficult to predict exactly when the blossoms will bloom, you can plan an itinerary that covers all of the major cities on the circuit to maximise your chances of seeing Japan at its most beautiful.

April is one of the most popular months to travel to Nepal, but we think that’s quite exciting. For trekkers in search of some mountain camaraderie, April’s milder climates make for a great climbing weather. Plus, as it’s the most popular time to climb Mount Everest, trekkers wanting to do the less daunting Everest Base Camp circuit can still bask in the glory of the professional climbers who will have their camps set up at Base Camp throughout the month.

Though Peru is a great year-round destination, April marks the end of the wet season and the beginning of the peak dry season, so there are fewer crowds in the country around this time.

April is officially the start of the best time to see the Lunar Rainbows (also know as moonbows) at Victoria Falls. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can witness the amazing phenomena, and it’s spectacular. The moonbows are usually associated with higher water levels on the falls, which begin in April and can only be seen in the few hours after the moon rise.

This is the ideal time to jump on a flight to Italy and escape to Florence and Tuscany. Long days, fewer crowds and balmy temperatures mean that you can spend your days making the most of world-famous galleries or tasting some of the best food in the world.

The spectacular desolation of Arctic Canada is in fact a frozen wonderland teeming with wildlife, and crossing the frozen sea on a snowmobile or traditional sled, particularly popular from March through to May, will become a memory to last a lifetime.

The vibrant social, culinary and arts scene of Europe’s second oldest capital adds to its effortless old-world elegance to create a charming city escape. Explore palaces, museums, markets and rooftop bars, and lose yourself in the winding cobbled streets as the long, sunny days of April set in.

Maybe you couldn’t get enough of the slopes the first time round and you’re back for more. Maybe you prefer a spring ski break with the perfect combination of bracing winter sports and warm al fresco lunches. Whatever your reason, hitting the slopes for a late ski break can be a superb way to liven up April, and popular Zermatt is high enough that there’s still plenty of snow, as well as being quieter and cheaper than in high season.

This is the first month of the low season in Lima, so prices and crowds are down but temperatures are still warm and pleasant. Enjoy the city’s fascinating mix of colonial architecture, wonderful museums and parks, and of course world-class cuisine, before heading over to the historic Incan capital of Cusco, which is all so great at this time of year.