Hidden Paradise

Madeira

Portugal’s barely-there sprinkling of an archipelago, 280 miles off the coast of Morocco, is subtropically clement all year round. In April, this fertile island bursts into bloom (the Flower Festival falls in April or May, depending on the year) and things start to warm up. Though temperatures are hardly balmy (average high is 20ºC), it’s ideal weather for outdoor pursuits in the diverse natural environment, walking in lush green forests to waterfalls, up volcanic peaks and along vertiginous cliff paths; while the surrounding waters are a riot of marine life in April, brimming with 20 species of whales and dolphins.

The holiday season doesn’t get started until May on the Turquoise Coast – which is precisely why in-the-know Istanbulites go in April for an early dose of spring sunshine, before the crowds, when the coastline is bursting into riotous bloom. Find yourself a suntrap – a swimming deck, a sheltered bay, a waterside cabana or taverna, anywhere along the Aegean-Mediterranean coast – Bodrum, Datça, Fethiye, Kas, where fishing villages are bright with bougainvillaea in every shade of pink winding around blue-painted balconies.

Seville

Andalucia’s saffron-hued capital is all vibrance and passion – and in springtime most of all. The ancient cobbled streets are scented with orange blossom and colourful with parades: first comes the ecclesiastical solemnity and brass bands of Holy Week leading up to Easter; then, two weeks later, an altogether more vibrant fiesta, the Feria de Abril, a whirl of parties and music, colourful costumes, Sevillanos on horseback and flamenco dancers stamping to the staccato of castanets. Take a side trip to the Costa de la Luz and seek out a sheltered bay for some beach time – it’s the warmest spot in mainland Spain in April.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
While purple, pink, and blue-hued lupin flowers may not be native to New Zealand (they hail from North America), they really do seem to bloom most vibrantly on the Oceanian nation's South Island. At Lake Tekapo, in particular, the flowers juxtapose against the backdrop of the crystal clear water to create one of the country's most stunning vistas.

Lake Baikal, Russia
The oldest and deepest lake on earth—it reaches a depth of one mile in some spots—is also home to our planet's only freshwater seals. Come winter, the lake transforms into a wonderland, with jagged ice caves encircling what amounts to the world's largest ice skating rink.

Greenland
Greenland is icy, mysterious, and one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. The world's biggest non-continental island is so much more than glaciers, too (although the glaciers are spectacular)—think magnificent fjords, colorful villages, fields of sheep, and that ever-alluring midnight sun.

It is not cheap or easy to reach, but this isolated paradise between the Arabian and Laccadive seas is the personification of a dreamy tropical vacation. In this South Asian destination, which is made up of more than 1,000 islands, thatched roof bungalows sit above crystal-clear aquamarine waters, providing easy water access and a romantic atmosphere. Fill your days with beach trips, spa treatments and snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. If cabin fever sets in, pay a visit to the capital, Malé, where you'll find historic mosques and open air markets.

his Spanish city is a feast for the eyes: Visitors can walk past medieval architecture in the Barri Gòtic, snap photos of the intricate Basilica de la Sagrada Família and marvel at Antoni Gaudí's whimsical creations in Park Güell. La Barceloneta beach and the Parc de la Ciutadella are perfect places to pass the time on a sunny day before checking out the restaurants and bars along Las Ramblas, which buzzes at all hours of the night. For travelers who want to see Barcelona from above, trek up Mount Tibidabo or to the Bunkers del Carmel.

Snow-capped peaks and azure lakes are just two reasons why Glacier National Park is one of America's most striking parks. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in this Montana park, plus 13 designated areas for camping. In winter, travelers can enjoy snowshoeing and skiing, while summer is when vacationers can go swimming and whitewater rafting, among other popular activities. For those who'd rather admire their surroundings from their car, a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road can't be missed.

Simply setting foot in Japan's cosmopolitan capital is an experience within itself. A city known for its bustling streets and flashing neon signs, Tokyo has an electric energy and plenty of attractions to discover. Foodies won't be let down by the city's fresh sushi and hearty ramen. Budding photographers and adrenaline junkies will love taking in the sweeping panoramas from the top of the Tokyo Skytree. Shopaholics will find plenty of must-have designer products in Ginza. And for history buffs, Tokyo offers centuries-old temples and shrines to explore.

When you visit the Eternal City, prepare to cross a few must-see attractions including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon off of your bucket list. Additional treasures, such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, can be found in nearby Vatican City. Escape the tourist crowds by taking a twilight stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, or head to Mercato Centrale Roma to sample local delicacies like gelato and pizza. Before leaving, peruse some of Rome's lesser known museums, art galleries and boutiques.

London is a world unto itself. The eclectic neighborhoods, which are home to a blend of historical landmarks and modern-day attractions, can keep you occupied for days. If it's your first time in London, plan to visit the Tower of London, Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace or the British Museum before sitting down to a classic afternoon tea. The best time to travel to London is during the warmer months, but be warned that this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.

Travel to this island the largest in French Polynesia if you've been dreaming of a vacation spent lazing in a lavish overwater bungalow. Beyond the posh resorts, Tahiti boasts black sand beaches, a bustling capital and prime snorkeling and surfing conditions. If you're looking for more cultural experiences, check out some of the island's ancient temples or shop at its traditional covered markets. To save money, opt to stay in a vacation rental.

Whether you're driving along the Road to Hana, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the lush coastline from a helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles or simply relaxing on the Hawaiian island's honey- or black-colored beaches, you'll find that Maui is unlike any other tropical destination. Don't miss a chance to visit Haleakala National Park, which is home to the world's largest dormant volcano. You should also attend a luau for a dose of local culture and a taste of Hawaiian specialties like poi, poke and mahimahi.

The magnetic City of Light draws visitors from around the globe who come to see iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. But what travelers really fall in love with are the city's quaint cafes, vibrant markets, trendy shopping districts and unmistakable je ne sais quoi charm. Get lost wandering along Paris' cobblestone streets, or grab a croissant and relax on the banks of the Seine for hours. If you're up for a quick daytrip, head about 15 miles southwest of the city center to another must-see attraction: the Palace of Versailles.

New Zealand's South Island brims with majestic landscapes at every turn, from dramatic mountains to fjords to glaciers. Here, you can admire the mountains of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from hiking trails or a boat on Milford Sound. At night, journey to the University of Canterbury's Mount John Observatory to gaze at the starry skies. You can also indulge your inner daredevil in Queenstown, explore two of the most accessible glaciers in the world on the island's west coast or sample delicious food and wine in the Marlborough region.

Bolivia
Bolivia tends to get overshadowed by neighbors Brazil and Peru, but this South American nation deserves its own spotlight The country’s top destination is undoubtedly Salar de Uyuni, the otherworldly salt flats favored by adventurers and shutterbugs. While the infinite white plains are gorgeous any time of year, the rainy season (December to April) is when you'll get to experience that famous mirror effect captured in so many photos.

Barcelona
Temperatures reach the mid-60s in Barcelona come spring, making it one of the best places to travel in April. You'll be there in time for a shoulder season trip without the crowds that flood La Rambla or La Sagrada Familia in the summer. Even better, April 23 marks the Festival of Sant Jordi, when locals receive roses from their lovers—a tradition that began in the 1500s. Since 1926, though, it’s also doubled up as a celebration of writers Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare (who both died on April 23), and become known as Book Day.

Make your way to the Passeig de Gràcia, which will be lined with stalls selling books, roses, or both, and look out for the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló—the façade tells the story of Saint Jordi and the dragon he slayed. Stay in the nearby Eixample neighborhood at the Almanac Barcelona for its rooftop bar with 360-degree views across the city and a guest-only pool.

Svalbard, Norway
Arctic Svalbard—whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places.

Alentejo, Portugal
I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers, it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded.

While this popular Indonesian island screams romance (as forever immortalized in “Eat, Pray, Love”), you won’t find (an official) Valentine’s Day here — because the country actually banned it in 2020.

So, you can enjoy time on Kuta Beach; visit gorgeous temples like Ulun Danu, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot; soak in the culture of Ubud (or relax in your own private villa complete with pool); or seek out Bali’s famed wellness and spiritual classes and activities — all without the pressure of having a perfect Valentine’s Day.

Yes, Italy is a super romantic place, but Trieste sees far fewer tourists than cities like Venice. Plus, its mood is more dark and mysterious than forced romance, so it’s a great spot for singles or couples who favor that kind of scene.

You can easily pass the time at the Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest square on the sea, trekking on one of the city’s walking trails or at a literary cafe, where delicious, locally roasted coffee and used books make it easy to spend an entire day lost in thought. Don’t miss Miramare Castle, a white-washed structure built between 1856 and 1860 that’s said to be cursed. On the other end of the spectrum, Trieste recently became the European Capital of Science and continues to be a leading hub for science and technology research.

There are fewer places in the world with more of a “come as you are” attitude than New York City, where going out to dinner or seeing a Broadway show on your own is more than acceptable — it’s often preferred. Despite chilly temperatures, February is a great time to go on an epic walk through Central Park or the High Line, one of the city’s best spots for people-watching.

There’s a revamped dining experience, with more restaurants offering outdoor dining than ever before, and you’ll never run out of things to do inside, either.

One of Europe’s most welcoming cities, Amsterdam is compact, easy to navigate and filled with friendly locals — making it an ideal spot for anyone flying solo or for groups of friends looking to meet new people.

The city’s whimsical canals are meant for meandering, and getting around by bicycle is practically a requirement. There are also endless things to do, like visiting Ann Frank Huis, admiring great works of art at the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, picnicking in Vondel Park and having a Heineken or Amstel while chatting with a stranger at one of the city’s many bars.

Sure, Hawaii is super romantic — other parts of Hawaii, that is. Oahu, which is home to the bustling city of Honolulu, is popular with singles and backpackers. Base yourself at one of the highrises in famed Waikiki Beach, and spend your days shopping and dining on wide boulevards, surfing and sunning on the beach, hiking Diamond Head and visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

For something more chill, head to Oahu’s North Shore, which has nice beaches, food trucks, hiking and local surfers who are always happy to give lessons or chat you up.