Spring is one of the most well-liked seasons as it’s the time when various flowers are in full bloom. The temperature is also perfect because it’s not too hot, cold, or rainy. Aside from that, the airfare and overall accommodation rates are lower as it isn’t the peak season that results in fewer crowds. What’s not to love about travelling during spring, right?
If you plan to travel during this season but are unsure where to go, here’s a list of the best spring destinations for a 3-week trip. These destinations are suitable for solo travel, with family, friends, and even young children.
How about a list of the best places to spend 3 weeks in autumn or fall?
TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR VACATION
Although you plan to visit a place during the off-season of spring, it’s not ideal to have some ideas about what it’s like to travel there during that time. For example, when I went to Germany in autumn, I didn’t expect some locations to be “prepared for winter”.
Places like Linderhof were not impressive in autumn because the management drained the fountain and covered the plants to protect them during winter. On the other hand, in spring, Germany, especially Bonn, was colourful and stunning.
Another thing to remember is the peak season during spring. South Korea, Japan, France, and the Netherlands are notoriously famous during spring because of their features. For this reason, if you plan to go there, booking your accommodation, flights, and car rental in advance is best.
Finally, below, I included a list of travel sites and services I use when making my travel arrangements. Many of these websites allow me to cancel 24 hours before the departure date in case my plans change or an emergency occurs.
TOP SPRING DESTINATIONS FOR A 3-WEEK TRIP
If you decide to spend your annual vacation in spring to avoid the big wave of tourists, you can go to many places. Whether you want to revisit Europe or finally go to Asia, this list has something for everyone.
>> ALSO READ: 3 weeks in Europe on a budget and most affordable destinations for a 3-week trip
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country in Northwestern Europe with overseas territories in the Caribbean. This country is famous for cheese markets, wooden shoes, windmills, bulb fields, and tulip gardens, specifically Keukenhof Gardens. It is open from March to May, and more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted by hand.
Some other things to do or places to see in the Netherlands include visiting a castle, seeing windmills in Zaanse Schans, mudflat walking in the Wadden Sea, and going on a boat tour.
However, one thing to remember is that the Netherlands is a popular spring destination for Europeans and international visitors due to its famous tulip farms. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly and book in advance.
- Cost per person: $900 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,400 (mid-range), $2,600 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: train, bicycle, buses, Uber and Bolt (ride app)
- Must-sees: Zaanse Schans, Voldendam, Marken
- Itinerary: 3 Weeks in Western Europe
South Korea
South Korea is a country in East Asia that shares a land border with North Korea. For spring, one of the favourite things to witness is cherry blossoms. You could explore many places, including Seoul Forest, Seokchon Lake, Jinhae, Yeouido Park, Jinhae, Hadong, Changggyeonggung Palace, and Ilsan Lake Park.
Other places in South Korea are Nami Island, Busan Yeongdo Island, Pyeongchang County, a haven for hikers and SUWON. It is home to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Onsens or saunas are also must-experience, especially after a rigorous adventure to pamper yourself.
Whether you are travelling alone or with your family,
- Cost per person: $800 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,200 (mid-range), $2,300 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: metro, buses, speed train, plane
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Japan and South Korea
France
For those looking for a country with tons of spring destinations for a 3-week trip, you might consider going to France. This transcontinental country is primarily located in Western Europe. One of its most famous spring destinations in Provence.
First on the list of places, you could visit Aix en Provence. It has a warm and pleasant temperature, clear blue skies, spring leaves, vineyards, blooming flowers, and seasonal cafes. Isle Sur la Sorgue is another must-visit. It’s the antique capital of the south of France. Provence is also called the city of fountains due to the number of stunning fountains built.
Other must-see places are Loire Valley, where you could have a road trip with your friends and family. Saint-Malo, a walled city, Bordeaux, which has six wine regions. And Carcassonne, which is a fortified city. These places are best to visit during spring because there are fewer tourists.
- Cost per person: $1,000 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,500 (mid-range), $3,000 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: metro, speed train, domestic flights, car rental, buses
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in France or 3 weeks in Southern Europe or 3 weeks in France and Spain
Spain
Spain is primarily located in Southwestern Europe, with some territories in the Mediterranean Sea and across the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most incredible things about travelling to Spain during the spring is the perfect temperature, which is neither too hot nor cold, specifically in the Mediterranean.
Among the places to visit during the spring include Madrid, a vibrant nightlife, and is also filled with museums making it such a great cultural hub. Seville is another dreamy destination, filled with lively barrios, monuments, and cobblestone streets. Spain also has tons of historic festivals during this season.
You might have heard of Ibiza because of its party scene, but there’s more to this place than clubs and bars. During the off-season, spring, you’ll experience its beaches and coasts in complete serenity. Last but not least is Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s filled with historical architecture – a superb destination for people who love history and architecture.
- Cost per person: $800 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,300 (mid-range), $2,000 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: car rental, buses, metro, domestic flights
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Spain or 3 weeks in Spain, France, and Italy or 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia that has 6,852 islands. The country’s five main islands are Honshu, Shikoku, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Kyushu. During springtime, Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms which can be best seen in Yoshino Kansai, Himeji Castle, Fuji Five Lakes, Tokyo, Kyoto, Matsumae Park, and Mihara, Tohoku, among others.
Onsen is also famous this season, and one of the most well-known is Kurokawa Onsen. In comparison, some onsens offer free Japanese clothes that you could use to walk around the town and have Onsen hopping for a remarkable experience. You could also do bar hopping while you’re at it.
Other famous spring destinations in Japan include Mother Farm in Chiba prefecture, which offers many activities, such as horseback riding. Huis Ten Boch is among Japan’s most popular theme parks, while Shiudeyama is a scenic mountain in Kagawa prefecture. For those who love to attend festivals, Inabe Plum Festival is held during spring.
- Cost per person: $1,000 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,500 (mid-range), $2,500 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: bus, metro, speed train
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Japan and South Korea
Mexico
Mexico is a country located in the southern portion of North America. It is the 13th largest country by area and the 10th most populous country. One of the most famous destinations here during the spring is Cancun. Aside from being the top party destination, it is also perfect for snorkelling, checking out ancient ruins, and exploring the dense jungle because of its comfortable weather during spring.
Aside from Cancun, other places to go during spring are Playa del Carmen which is home to luxurious resorts and Puerto Vallarta. These destinations offer water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, and more. Acapulco is perfect for those who are looking for a low-key tourist destination.
- Cost per person: $700 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,200 (mid-range), $1,800 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: car rental, plane, buses
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico
Germany
Germany is a country located in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country after Russia in that continent. Cherry blossoms couldn’t just be found in Asian countries. For those unable to travel to Asia, cherry blossoms could also be found in Bonn in Germany. Aside from that, they also offer River Rhine cruises and Beethoven walking tours.
Other notable spring destinations in this country include Munich, which is perfect for hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor activity enthusiasts. Aside from that, there are also flea markets and spring festivals. Bonn isn’t the only place where you can find cherry blossoms in Germany.
If you want to see Sakura by the lakeside, Hamburg is the place to be. They even have a cherry blossom festival and saunas to match the season. I visited Germany both in the spring and autumn seasons, I will easily say that spring in Germany is much better than the autumn season.
- Cost per person: $1,000 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,700 (midrange), $2,300 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: train, buses, metro, trams, electric scooter, domestic flights
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Central Europe or 3 weeks in Germany itinerary
Columbia River, US
The United States is located in North America and consists of 50 states, five major unincorporated territories, nine minor outlying islands, 326 Indian reservations, and a federal district. Columbia River, found in the US, is included as one of the top spring destinations.
There, you’ll find striking landscapes and natural resources. Various activities include biking, fishing, kite surfing, and more. The sunflowers are also in full bloom here during this season.
Some other places to visit during spring are Cannon Beach, a coastal city in Oregon, Texas Hill Country, famous for its bluebonnets, hidden swimming holes, natural landmarks and scenic trails. Another option is Palm Springs in California, filled with golf courses, pools, spas, vintage shops, and scenic landscapes.
- Cost per person: $1,000 (on a budget, stays in hostels), $1,700 (midrange), $2,300 (luxury)
- Mode of transportation: buses, trains, boar cruise, car rental
- Itinerary: 3 weeks on the west coast USA or our general 3 weeks in the US itinerary
SUMMARY
Are you convinced to travel during the spring yet? If not, here are more reasons why it is fun to travel during spring. Firstly, there’s more to spring than having perfect weather. During this season, you’ll experience many things that only happen in spring. Some of these include cherry blossoms, tulip fields, and festivals dedicated to spring worldwide.
You’ll also appreciate going to onsens more during this time of the year. And last but not least, aside from flowering plants, various crops also thrive during this season, so there would be more culinary delights to choose from. I hope that this list of the best spring destinations for a 3-week trip has been helpful.
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