Wanderlust · 6 min read · March 26, 2026

Where to go in April: sun, cities and somewhere a bit different

From budget beach breaks to far-flung adventures, these April picks are all about good weather, great value and trips worth talking about.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

April is a great time for travel if you’re after sunshine, good value and fewer crowds. This guide highlights a mix of destinations – from affordable European gems like Kotor in Montenegro and Burgas in Bulgaria, to more unique picks like Baku in Azerbaijan. You’ll also find classic spring trips like Amsterdam during tulip season, plus easy family-friendly options like Nantes in France. For something further afield, Barbados offers laid-back Caribbean beaches, while Thailand brings high-energy celebrations with Songkran. Overall, the focus is on places that feel rewarding without breaking the bank – whether that’s scenic coastal towns, cultural city breaks or destinations that offer something a bit different from the usual tourist trail. Expect good weather, memorable experiences and plenty of variety depending on your travel style.

This month’s beach read: Tulip Fever, Deborah Moggach

Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, with art, tulips, and forbidden love – very readable, very April.

Find your next holiday read

Fancy reading Tulip Fever? Buy it now on the Waterstones website and get ready for your next getaway.

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Kotor | Montenegro

We’ve been banging the drum for the Bay of Kotor for years now – and it’s still one of Europe’s best-value beauty spots.

Fly into Tivat and base yourself there if you like. Think glossy marina, great seafood and a laid-back vibe that feels a world away from busier European hotspots. For beaches and better prices, you could head south to the Budva Riviera. It’s cheap, cheerful and reliably sunny – ideal for a low-cost break by the sea.

But Kotor is the real showstopper. A tangle of cobbled streets, café tables spilling into squares, and a glassy bay boxed in by mountains. You’ve probably seen it all over Instagram – this is your sign to go and see it properly. For the best view, climb up to San Giovanni Fortress. It’s a bit of a workout (around 1,300 steps), but the views over the bay are worth it.

Burgas | Bulgaria

Love the Greek islands but not the prices? Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is a bit of a hidden gem.

Burgas is your way in – under four hours from the UK – and a handy base for exploring. It’s got a decent beach, good food and prices that still feel like a throwback. Most people don’t stay long though. Instead, they head up or down the coast.

Sozopol is an easy win. Old wooden houses, cobbled streets and some of the best beaches around – it’s got that classic seaside feel without the crowds. Or try Nessebar in the other direction. It’s packed with history, surrounded by sea, and still surprisingly affordable. Dinner out here won’t sting your wallet. A three-course meal for two that costs £22? Can’t argue with that.

Baku | Azerbaijan

After somewhere a bit different this April? Baku delivers. It’s around five and a half hours from the UK, but feels much further from the usual European city break circuit.

The city mixes old and new in a way that really works. One minute you’re looking at sleek, modern buildings, the next you’re wandering through the old town’s narrow streets and historic landmarks.

But the real adventure starts when you leave the city. Think bubbling mud volcanoes in Gobustan, flames rising straight out of the ground at Yanar Dag, and mountain villages that feel completely untouched.

And as an added bonus, it’s outside the EU – which means you don’t have to worry about any EES red tape slowing you down at passport control. So for a surprisingly accessible trip that feels a world away from home, look no further.

Bridgetown | Barbados

Barbados is easier to get to than ever, with more direct flights from the UK. And once you’re there, it’s easy to see the appeal.

You’ve got some of the best beaches in the Caribbean – soft sand, clear water and plenty of sunshine. It’s ideal if you just want to switch off for a few days.

But there’s more to it than the beach. Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with historic buildings, great food and a lively local scene. You’ll find everything from reggae bars to beachfront restaurants.

Plus there’s no need to worry about getting homesick. They speak English and love tea as much as we do – although you’re forgiven if you’d rather a rum punch.

Amsterdam | Netherlands

Tulip season’s here again – time to book a trip to the Netherlands to see them at their blooming best.

The flowers start to bloom in March, but April’s the sweet spot. Keukenhof Gardens are open, and the surrounding fields are full of colour. Amsterdam itself is always a good idea, but it feels especially lively at this time of year. There’s also a tulip festival running throughout the month.

We visited Amsterdam a few years ago to make our video guide for visitors to the city. Take a look at the travel guide or watch our video tour of one of its most infamous attractions – the Red Light District.

Nantes | France

Nantes is an easy win for a family trip – especially over Easter. It’s a short flight from the UK, and there’s loads to keep everyone busy.

Puy du Fou is a standout, with huge live shows and themed areas covering everything from Roman times to more recent history. It’s not your typical theme park.

Then there’s Les Machines de l’Île – part art project, part playground – where giant mechanical creatures roam the old shipyards. The elephant is the main event.

Travelling without kids? Nantes still delivers. You’re right by the Loire Valley, so good wine, grand châteaux and scenic countryside are all within easy reach.

Thailand

April in Thailand means one thing: Songkran.

Thai New Year is celebrated with a country-wide water fight – and nowhere does it quite like Bangkok. Streets fill up, water’s flying everywhere, and the whole city turns into one big, joyful chaos.

It also happens to be the hottest time of year, so you won’t mind getting soaked. The city is always wonderfully noisy, riotous, friendly and chaotic, and Songkran is a perfect example of this.

Puglia | Italy

Sure, the Amalfi Coast is great. But it’s also busy – and pricey.

That’s where Puglia comes in. Down in the heel of Italy, it’s all about good food, pretty towns and a slower pace. Fresh pasta, creamy burrata and olive oil that’s produced just down the road – it’s a dream if you like to eat well on holiday.

Lecce is often the highlight. Its golden baroque buildings give it a bit of a wow factor, without the crowds you’d get in bigger cities. Then there’s the Valle d’Itria, dotted with those iconic trulli houses, and a coastline full of clear water and quieter beaches.

It’s easier to get to than you might think too, with direct flights from the UK into Bari and Brindisi.