Spring has officially sprung and the arrival of longer days and warmer temperatures means more opportunities to get out and see the world.
Whether traveling for a special event like the total solar eclipse or March Madness' Final Four, enjoying a last-minute spring break vacation or seeking a new adventure, the possibilities are endless and thus planning can be paralyzing.
If you're ready to travel this coming April but need help settling on a destination, here's some inspiration.
Where to Travel for the Total Solar Eclipse
The April 8 total solar eclipse will cross a large swath of North America and those who miss it will have to wait until August 2044 for the next one.
Fortunately, there are some notable destinations predicted to be in the path of totality, including Dallas, Cleveland, Buffalo and Little Rock, among others.
Don't miss the total solar eclipse. (Photo Credit: DCPmedia/Adobe)
Travelers heading to the Lone Star State to catch the total solar eclipse should consider a visit to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The property's seven-acre Sculpture Garden will be the ideal place to experience the eclipse with complimentary glasses and specialty cocktails and snacks.
While crowds are certain to gather along the path of totality, eclipse chasers can beat some of the rush and discover charming waterfront cities in places like Paducah, Kentucky; Evansville, Indiana and Burlington, Vermont this spring.
Where to Travel for Spring Break
When it comes to popularity, Florida and Mexico are two of the hottest destinations for spring break 2024 but travelers can escape the crowds of Miami and Cancun in more underrated destinations like Cannon Beach, Oregon; Hot Springs, Arkansas and St. George, Utah, for example.
Travelers can also seek out cold weather destinations to save some money and avoid hordes of tourists. Venture to New England to explore Maine's Acadia National Park or pay a visit to Calgary, Alberta north of the border in Canada to check out picturesque Banff National Park before the summer rush.
The sun-drenched desert is calling this April. (Photo Credit: Royal Palms Resort & Spa)
Where to Travel for Major Sporting Events
Basketball fans and March Madness enthusiasts will want to circle Cleveland, Ohio and Phoenix, Arizona for the first weekend in April on the calendars.
The underrated Rust Belt city of Cleveland will host the 2024 NCAA Women's Final Four along the shores of Lake Erie from April 5-7 (sports fans can stick around for the total solar eclipse on April 8) while the 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four will return to the Arizona desert in Glendale from April 6-8.
Meanwhile, golf fans will descend on Augusta, Georgia for the 2024 Masters Tournament from April 11-14. However, the festivities at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club will kick off as early as April 8, with the always entertaining Par3 Contest being held on April 10.
Where to Travel for Earth Day
Travelers looking to celebrate Earth Day on Monday, April 22 and do their part to support environmental protection can do so in a plethora of places. However, visiting one or several U.S. national parks is a no-brainer.
Saturday, April 20, which is the first day of National Park Week, is an entrance fee-free day at parks across the country so travelers can explore nature and participate in various volunteer opportunities while saving some hard-earned green.
Joshua Tree and other national parks are perfect for Earth Day. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
"Your National Parks are living examples of the best this nation has to offer—our magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet interrelated heritage. Parks can provide recreational experiences, opportunities to learn and grow, and places of quiet refuge," the National Park Service states.
To avoid the crowds, consider one of these lesser-visited protected lands.
Fancy an overseas trip to celebrate Earth Day? Head to Fiji and stay at the sustainably minded all-inclusive private island oasis, VOMO Island Fiji. The resort has been passing on eco-friendly practices to its guests each year and is the ideal place to enjoy one of the best destinations the world has to offer while doing your part to build toward a greener future.
Where to Travel for Exciting Events
The charming Appalachian Mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia a little over an hour north of Atlanta is the place to be this April. Visitors won't want to miss the Bear on the Square Festival Mountain Festival celebrating music, storytelling and art on April 20-21.
Springtime visitors can also experience Georgia wine country, learn about the town's gold mining past, hike through gorgeous wildflowers, spend the night in a tree house and so much more.
One of April's marquee events is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Southern California. This year's epic party in the desert will take place April 12-14 and April 19-21 and feature a slew of star-studded performances, including sets by Lana Del Ray, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat, among others.
Catch festival fever in New Orleans. (Photo Credit: New Orleans & Company)
Travelers also won't want to miss the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicking off April 25 in the Big Easy. The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is the ideal base camp for revelers as they can enjoy not only the live music, food and entertainment but gorgeous riverfront views and stellar amenities including indoor tennis and more than a half-dozen in-house dining options.
For a truly one-of-a-kind international event experience, head to Malta for the 2024 Malta International Fireworks Festival from April 20-30.
"The Fireworks Festival is now one of the key events in the Maltese Islands calendar bringing magnificent shows to different localities on seven different nights," says Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef. "It is also an opportunity for visiting tourists to mix with, and enjoy the show with the locals, taking home beautiful memories of their time in our Islands."
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