Last week the British government scrapped all remaining coronavirus restrictions, making it considerably easier for Britons to travel in and out of the country. With spring nearly upon us, they could not have timed this decision much better.
The month of April has become synonymous with rainy downpours, colloquially known as April Showers. If you want to escape the damp weather and have a wonderful experience, don’t sweat it. We have compiled a list of the top destinations to visit this April.
Marrakesh.
Marrakesh is a city that fizzles with life. Known as the Red City because of the high, florid walls that enclose the old medina, Marrakesh is one of the world's most captivating destinations. The allure of this bustling city never fails to attract many visitors from around the world.
There is much more to enjoy within the towering walls of Marrakesh. If visiting Marrakesh, you should make it a priority to enjoy an authentic hammam, a warm steam bath, which can be very soothing and relaxing. You should also spend a day experiencing the many colourful delights that you can find throughout the bustling souks of Marrakesh.
You could also pay a visit to the Djemaa el-Fna, a lively square in the centre of Marrakesh and a place of unique cultural exchange. Here you can eat various Morrocan delicacies, decorate your body in henna, and witness bearded men display their snake charming abilities.
Whilst you can stay in conventional hotels when visiting Marrakesh, if you want an authentic experience, we suggest you stay in a traditional riad. The riads of Marrakesh aren't just a place to lay your head at night; they are a place of awe and wonder, adorned with a number of characteristics such as the multicolour-tile mosaics, ornately carved archways, grand pillars, plush cushions and their lush interior gardens.
Bodrum.
Turkey has been one of the most attractive tourist destinations for the past years because of its wonderful mixture of rich culture and breathtaking scenery. Lying on the edge of the Aegean Turkish coast is Bodrum, one of the country's most beautiful destinations.
During the day, the beaches are a hive of activity - people sunbathing, swimming, and participating in water sports - but when night falls, the streets come alive. Bodrum town centre has some of the best nightclubs in Turkey and a street dedicated purely to bars and niteries. If partying doesn't interest you, then do as the locals do and indulge in the exquisite Aegean cuisine. Dine at the waterside restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood dishes with pleasant company in a relaxing environment.
Bodrum has always been a home of seafaring men. Previously they were fishermen, sponge divers, and boat builders. Now that Bodrum has become a popular tourist destination, they sail yachts and catamarans, taking paying tourists out to sea and giving them a tour of the Turkish Riveria.
Part of Bodrum's success lies in its diverse accommodation, and we see this in many hotels ranging from budget studio apartments to large, all-inclusive luxury hotels with a wealth of on-site spas and wellness treatments. Otherwise, you can support local business by booking into a cute boutique hotel for one to one, time-honoured Turkish hospitality.
With its Mediterranean climate and sandy beaches, the ancient yet cosmopolitan peninsula of Bodrum has become a hotspot for celebrities, with the likes of Tom Hanks, Kate Moss, and members of the British Royal Family all visiting in recent years. Why don't you come and join them, and enjoy the Turkish Riveria?
Kos
With its endless coastlines, turquoise waters, hot thermal pools, and medieval monuments, there's plenty to discover on the Greek island of Kos.
Enjoy endless walks through the main town, and observe the island's rich history through its monuments dating from antiquity, the Byzantine Period, Ottoman and Italian rule, as well as the time it served as the centre of the Order of Saint John. As you stroll through these history-steeped streets, you will see a host of sights, including ancient structures, the marina with the yachts, and the palm-street boulevard brimming with street artists and vendors.
The resorts of Lambi and Kardamena are filled with bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other touristy attractions. These resorts actually represent just a tiny fraction of what the island of Kos offers. If you want to stray off the beaten track, why not visit the far-flung corner of eastern Dodecanese. Awaiting you here is a rugged mountain terrain with mysterious caves and concealed beaches.
It is not just the beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, or ancient architecture that makes Kos such a wonderful place. It is the people. Greek people are known for being welcoming and hospitable, treating visitors as honoured guests, welcoming them into their homes, feeding them, and generally showing them a wonderful time. There are many reasons for this. One is that hospitality was a sacred duty to ancient Greeks, as any stranger that "rang the bell" could be a god in disguise, there to test the mortal homeowner's hospitality. The spirit of Greek hospitality remains across modern Greek, ingrained into their culture, and the people of Kos are no different.
From the sprawling beaches to the jagged mountains, the enthralling history, to the raucous parties, you’ll find something to love about Kos.
Tromsø
Have you ever wanted to see the Northern Lights dance across the night sky? Have you ever wanted to witness reindeer out in the wild? Then head north to Norway for an expedition like no other. Tromsø, and indeed the whole of Northern Norway, provide sublime views that are simply out of this world.
If you are interested in animals and wildlife, then Northern Norway should be at the top of your bucket list. The Polar Park allows you to see native Norwegian animals up close and personal. The park is home to various animals, including the majestic wolf, foxes, lynx, and reindeer. If you are interested in photography, you should try the photoguide, which will allow you to get up close to the animals in the park to get the perfect picture.
Northern Norway food is among the best for the foodies among you, with dozens of restaurants and smaller cafes serving you the most delicious meals. Cod, coley, Atlantic halibut, herring, haddock and red bream from the most bountiful sea in the world, or reindeer, elk, sheep and goats from the Northern Norwegian forests, mountains and plateaus - there is something from everybody to enjoy.
The main attraction, of course, is the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, a greenish-blue light that dances unpredictably over the swirling rivers of Northern Norway. If you are desperate to see the Northern Lights, you will have to act quickly. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Norway is from late September to early April when there are more hours of darkness during the night.
Book your flight now and get your bags packed if you want to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights.
Venice.
Italy's floating city is a sight to behold. There are no roads, only canals and labyrinthine streets, linking St Mark's Basilica with quaint coffee shops and hidden art galleries. There is nowhere else in the world quite like Venice.
If you consider yourself an aesthete, in Venice, you will have the opportunity to view the world's largest oil painting - Tintoretto's gigantic depiction of paradise in the 14th-century Palazzo Ducale. Here, you'll find the world's finest collection of Venetian Renaissance paintings displayed under carved, gilded ceilings dating back to the 15th century.
The best way to appreciate the water-facing facades of Venice's most ornate palaces is from a barge on the Grand Canal. As you meander through the waterways, keep your eyes peeled for gothic masterpieces like the Palazzo Corner della Ca' Grande.
If you want to experience something a little different, why not visit a Murano glassmaker. Venetian glass is world-renowned for being colourful, elaborate, and skilfully made. For an insight into the secretive world of Venetian glassmaking, you should take a vaporetto to the island of Murano. Browse the workshops along the waterfront promenades, or visit the Glass Museum inside the 17th-century Palazzo Giustinian – where you can see the permanent collection ranges from the Roman era to the modern-day. You will also be able to watch a glass-blowing demonstration at the Vetreria Murano Arte factory.
Everybody should visit Venice once, and there is no better time than April, just before the summer crowds descend on the historic city.
Prague.
Prague is a place rich in culture and tradition, a place where modern and traditional constantly meet. Prague is a city where you will find everything you need for the perfect vacation.
Prague was only of the countries across Europe to avoid being severely damaged during World War II. For this reason, many of its impressive historical buildings remain perfectly intact to this day. Similarly, many of the builders were left relatively unharmed during the 17th and 18th centuries. As a result, the city is a breathtaking mix of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe. If you are interested in architecture, we suggest you visit the Our Lady Before Týn church in Prague’s Old Town Square, which is a marvellous example of Gothic architecture, while Schwarzenberg Palace inside the Prague Castle’s grounds is a classic example of Renaissance design. Examples of Cubism and Neoclassicism are also abounded throughout the city, with touches of Art Nouveau in places, such as the Municipal House.
Prague is known for being one of the cheapest capitals across Europe. An unlimited monthly transport ticket will set you back just €20, while a beer will cost you about €1.20. Czechs actually consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world. Czech beers tend to be light and foamy, with brewers such as Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen all originating in Prague. Beer gardens are a staple of Czech culture, with families and friends congregating to watch sports and music videos on large screens.
If you are an architecture lover or beer lover, a lover of fine things or a penny-pincher, Prague is the perfect place for you to visit this April.
Japan.
Japan is, without question, one of the most unique places in the world. The culture, the history, the food, and the people make Japan a country you can't find anywhere else.
The arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures throughout the country. Aside from the warmer weather, April is a great time to visit Japan as it avoids the cold winter and the wet, humid summer. There is also a lot of exciting and distinctive things that you can do that only be done in Japan.
Most tourists visiting Japan travel to Tokyo first. Even if you're travelling somewhere else, Tokyo deserves to be explored and enjoyed. As the most modern, most varied city in Japan, Tokyo offers a mix of old and new like nowhere else. Perhaps you would like to visit Electric Town (Akihabara) area to walk among the steel and glass skyscrapers, or perhaps you could pay a visit to an ancient Buddhist or Shinto shrine, such as the Sensoji Shrine.
April is a great time to enjoy some outdoor activities because temperatures are comfortable but not generally too humid for activities like hiking. While much of Japan is urban and dense, you can find beautiful mountain trails within close proximity of Tokyo, such as the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park or the area around Nikko. The island of Shikoku or the Japan Alps mountain range offers more remote trails that are great for multi-day treks.
Throughout April, there are various festivals and celebrations across Japan, including:
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) - Cherry trees bloom from mid-March until late April in Hokkaido before sweeping across the country. Cherry blossom viewing parties are a favourite annual pastime of many Japanese people, so these parties are a chance to enjoy nature and Japan's unique culture.
Golden Week - This is actually a collection of four holidays that fall within a week, from April 29th to May 5th. These holidays are Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day. Various events are held in observance of these individual holidays, and many people take the full week off work in order to maximize the celebrations.
There are an endless number of reasons to visit Japan, as the country has something to entice almost every kind of traveller.
Enjoy your holidays!
Now that the government have made it easier to travel, you should consider getting away somewhere new this April, and these are just some of the options available.
Whether you want to visit one of the destinations above or somewhere else, we can help get you there. With access to 7000+ private jets worldwide, Astute Private Jet Charter offers the smoothest private jet charter experience, organising your arrangements to support your needs.
If you would like us to look into your travel arrangements for 2022, click below to get in touch with one of our experts.