🌸 Why Spring 2026 is the Perfect Time to Travel
Spring is nature’s way of telling the world it’s time to wake up. After months of winter gray, destinations across the globe burst into vibrant color, offering some of the most breathtaking travel experiences you’ll ever have. But spring travel isn’t just about pretty flowers—it’s about perfect weather, smaller crowds (before summer rush), and prices that won’t break your budget. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in Asia or tulip fields in Europe, spring 2026 offers unique opportunities to see the world at its most magical.
The secret to spring travel success? Timing is everything. Different destinations bloom at different times, and you want to plan your trip when nature is putting on its best show. Plus, with the right flights on Trip.com, you can reach these seasonal spectacles without spending a fortune. Here are three destinations that absolutely transform in spring and why they deserve a spot on your 2026 travel calendar.
🌸 Tokyo, Japan: Cherry Blossom Paradise
When late March hits Tokyo, the city transforms into something straight out of a dream. The famous sakura (cherry blossom) season typically peaks in late March or early April, though exact timing varies by year. It’s not just the visual spectacle of millions of pink petals—it’s the entire cultural experience. Locals celebrate with hanami (flower viewing) parties in parks, streets are lined with food stalls selling sakura-themed treats, and there’s an electric energy that makes the already vibrant city feel even more alive.
The best spots? Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen offer classic hanami experiences with massive cherry tree groves perfect for picnics. But don’t stop there. The Meguro River is lined with hundreds of cherry trees that create a stunning pink canopy over the water—it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the entire city. For something different, head to Chidorigafuchi Park where you can rent a boat and paddle through a moat surrounded by cherry blossoms reflecting in the water. It’s pure magic.
Budget travelers rejoice: Japan can be expensive, but spring shoulder season means better hotel rates than peak summer. Plus, many of the best hanami spots are free public parks. Just remember that this is peak tourist season for cherry blossom viewing, so book your Tokyo hotels on Trip.com well in advance. The ToTourist app can help you track cherry blossom forecasts and plan your perfect hanami spots—just set your travel dates and let AI do the planning work.
🌷 Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands: Europe’s Tulip Capital
Imagine walking through 32 hectares filled with over 7 million blooming flowers. That’s Keukenhof, and it’s only open for eight weeks each spring (mid-March to mid-May). Located just outside Amsterdam, this is the world’s largest flower garden and arguably the most spectacular spring destination in Europe. The 2026 season promises to be especially stunning, with new flower arrangements and themed gardens designed by top international landscape architects.
But Keukenhof is more than just flowers—it’s an entire Dutch cultural experience. You’ll see traditional Dutch architecture, windmills, and canals all surrounded by impossible color. The garden is divided into different themes, from romantic rose gardens to exotic tulip displays. Pro tip: Rent a bike and explore the surrounding bulb fields—the real magic happens outside the garden where endless stripes of tulips stretch to the horizon under vast Dutch skies. It’s a sight that doesn’t seem real until you’re standing there.
Getting there is easy. Keukenhof is a 40-minute bus ride from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, making it perfect for a quick stopover or day trip. The best time to visit? Late April when tulips are at their peak. Want to see more of the Netherlands? Book tours and activities on Trip.com to explore charming Dutch towns like Haarlem or Leiden, both perfect spring destinations with their own flower festivals and historic charm. And if you’re considering a broader European spring adventure, you might want to check out Best Cruise Adventures for river cruise options that could include tulip season in the Netherlands.
🏛️ Washington DC, USA: America’s Cherry Blossom Festival
Japan isn’t the only place with incredible cherry blossoms. Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival typically runs from late March to mid-April, celebrating the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo in 1912. The Tidal Basin is ground zero for blossom viewing, where thousands of trees ring the water creating a surreal pink halo around the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument. It’s one of those places where reality exceeds expectations—especially at sunrise when the light hits the petals just right.
The festival isn’t just about flowers. You’ll find cultural performances, kite festivals, parade floats, and food vendors selling cherry blossom-themed everything (including the famous pink-colored DC cupcakes). Beyond the Tidal Basin, explore the National Arboretum for more varieties of cherry trees without the crowds, or head to Hains Point for a different perspective of the blossoms. And don’t forget that DC’s world-class museums—most of them free—offer perfect rainy day alternatives if spring weather doesn’t cooperate.
Practical tip: Peak bloom typically lasts only a few days in late March or early April, so flexibility is key. Monitor the National Park Service’s bloom predictions and be ready to adjust your travel dates. DC is also budget-friendly in spring—many hotels have seasonal deals, and you can walk or use public transit to reach most major sites. Use the ToTourist app to plan your perfect DC itinerary, balancing cherry blossom viewing with museum visits and monument tours. Plus, if you’re planning a multi-city US spring trip, check out our guide on how to maximize short city visits.
💡 Spring Travel Planning Tips
Spring travel requires some special considerations. First, book early—these destinations are incredibly popular for a reason. Second, pack layers. Spring weather can be unpredictable, with warm sunny days followed by cool breezes. Bring comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be covering serious ground exploring gardens and parks. Third, check bloom forecasts religiously. Nature doesn’t follow exact calendars, and being a week early or late can make the difference between seeing paradise and just seeing regular trees.
Budget-savvy travelers know that shoulder seasons (the weeks just before and after peak bloom) offer significant savings with nearly the same visual rewards. And don’t forget travel insurance—spring weather can be fickle, and you want protection if your carefully timed trip gets disrupted by unseasonable weather. If you’re planning multiple destinations, the ToTourist app can help you coordinate timing across locations, ensuring you hit each destination at its peak.
🎒 Ready to Plan Your Spring 2026 Adventure?
Spring is fleeting, but the memories from a well-planned spring trip last forever. Whether you’re sipping sake under cherry blossoms in Tokyo, cycling through tulip fields in the Netherlands, or watching the sunrise over the Tidal Basin in DC, these destinations offer experiences you simply can’t get any other time of year. The combination of natural beauty, perfect weather, and cultural significance makes spring travel special in a way no other season can match.
Don’t let another spring pass without experiencing these magical destinations. Download the ToTourist app today and let AI help you plan every detail—from finding the perfect bloom timing to booking airport transfers that get you from the airport to flower fields without hassle. Your perfect spring adventure is just a few taps away. Nature’s putting on the show of the century—make sure you’ve got front-row seats.