10 Best Places to Travel in April Outside of Canada

Three years post-pandemic, the travel industry continues to bounce back, and spring 2023 is no exception as travel continues to trend up. Now, more than ever, Canadians are dusting off their suitcases and planning leisurely vacations all over the world, with more than 85 per cent of Canadians planning a vacation this year, according to the American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends report. With April bringing plenty of sunshine, there are tons of hotspots to choose from to book your next getaway.

Whether you’re looking for exciting cultural celebrations, the best weather to enjoy the region’s natural beauty or a thriving food scene, these are our top picks on where Canadians should travel to in April 2023.

A shot of a field of red and orange tulips in Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

April is the perfect month to plan a trip to the Netherland's largest city. Not only does the Amsterdam Tulip Festival take place the entire month long, where visitors can visit flower farms and gardens to see incredible blooms, but the city will come alive to celebrate King's Day on April 27. The national holiday in celebration of the monarch's birthday has the city awash in orange, the national colour, and the entire city comes alive with festivities.

A shot of the Ornate Walls of the Interior of a Moroccan Building

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Marrakesh, Morocco

The most popular destination in Africa for Canadians in 2023, 40 per cent of Canadian travellers to Africa will plan a trip to Morocco, shares the same American Express report. It's easy to see why, with Time Out calling Marrakesh "the capital of culture." Whether you're seeking out culinary delights tasting the best of Souk cuisine, a thriving art scene or stunning architecture, you'll find it in this city. In April, you'll experience idyllic temperatures and less rainfall, making it the most desirable time to visit.

A train passing through cherry blossom trees - stock photo

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Kyoto, Japan

Widely known as the peak month to visit Japan, April is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a simply stunning (and Instagram worthy!) time to plan a trip. For those heading to the region, we recommend a trip to Kyoto, perhaps the country's most picturesque city, and is more laidback and affordable in comparison to the larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

A shot of the cliffside beach in Antalaya, Turkey

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Antalya, Turkey

Off the Turkish riviera, Antalaya is a seaside city known for its resorts, yachting and the blue waters of the Turquoise Coast. If you're looking for a couple's getaway this spring for you and your partner to experience warm weather, historic landmarks, plenty of beautiful views, keep this Turkish city, known as the capital of tourism in Turkey, in mind. It's also one of the most affordable flights from Canada (use those savings towards one of the luxury hotel accommodations!).

A shot of a paraglider in Queenstown, New Zealand

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Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand in April is midway through their autumn season, making it a low time for tourism and rates are far more affordable. Adventure-seeking Canadians should head to the cooler south island to experience some of the outdoor activities that are popular in the area, from skydiving and paragliding to bungee jumping and kayaking. Bonus: the fall colours will be on full display in beautiful Queenstown.

Festival goers attend the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

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California, USA

If you love arts, music and fashion, then the best place to be this April is California for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The two weekend fest includes headliners from musical acts coming from around the world including Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, Rosalia and Frank Ocean, and many more. Experiencing camping at the festival site, or stay in town and take in the sights of La La Land.

A shot of Guell park in Barcelona, Spain

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Barcelona, Spain

Hurry to Barcelona this April, ahead of the major crowds of tourists and heat wave months. This metropolitan city in the Catalonia region has it all: foodie delights with dozens of Michelin-star restaurants, beautiful beaches, Gaudi architecture and world-class art. Don't miss the beauty of Park Güell and sipping some of the world's best sangria by night.

A shot of a beautiful cliffside city of Positano, Italy

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Positano, Italy

One of the most awe-worthy cities on the Amalfi Coast is Positano, a cliffside destination that's a beach lover's paradise. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and swim the crystal clear blue waters during the opening month of the summer season in Italy. It's still chillier, which means that you won't have to contend with as large crowds as during the busy August months, and according to the American Express travel report, Italy is the top European destination for Canadians in 2023.

A shot of the downtown core in Seoul, South Korea

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Seoul, South Korea

Like Japan, April is an excellent time to visit South Korea, when the weather is warming for spring and the flights are still relatively affordable. Skincare and beauty fanatics will want to reserve at least a day to shop the K-beauty and try some of the latest beauty procedures (from non-invasive facials to cosmetic surgeries). Seoul is also a food lovers dream, with the can't-miss fresh seafood market, Noryangjin. Finally, nightlife fans won't want to miss out on the soju-fuelled karaoke nights in the splashy karaoke rooms in Itaewon and Hongdae.

A shot of the mountainside in the province of San José, Costa Rica

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San José, Costa Rica

Sneak a visit in before the end of the sunny season in Costa Rica by visiting the country's capital. San José is the perfect base to take day trips out of, visiting the volcanoes, cloud forest and waterfalls that are a delight for nature lovers. The city also offers plenty of art and culture opportunities for museum goers who prefer an urban getaway. Enjoy the fruits of the country's main industry, Costa Rican coffee as well as the stunning Victorian mansions throughout the city.