Where to Go in April

From Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and beautifully-clad geisha, to sleek shopping malls, high-tech gadgetry and the world-famous bullet train, in Japan two worlds collide, and they do so in perfect harmony. The Japanese people will charm you with their supreme politeness, mouth-watering cuisine will tantalise your taste buds and neon lights will dazzle your senses. April in Japan is undeniably one of the most popular times to travel, thanks to the fleeting appearance of the Japanese cherry blossom. Catching a glimpse of these is certainly a bonus, but don’t pin all your hopes on these pretty pink hues.

The French Alps are where we started out all those years ago and skiing certainly has a special place in our hearts. That feeling you get as you carve your first turns through fresh snow. The first of the long, lazy lunches up the mountain and the buzz as you whizz down that last run of the day. We just love every part of it. The ski season runs from December to April, and you can’t really go wrong whenever you go, but April in the Alps is great for families looking to make use of the Easter vacations.

With UNESCO-listed landscapes, vast coral reefs and a unique fusion of French and Creole culture, there's more to Mauritius than just white sand beaches and shimmering lagoons. Dive into this lively melting pot, where European, African, Middle Eastern and Asian influences all come together to provide the warmest welcome and the most delicious array of cuisine. This diverse island is always a hit with families, and Easter in Mauritius is one of the most popular times to travel.

Lose yourself in New Zealand’s wild matrix of tussock-clad plains, monolithic mountains, glacial lakes and endemic forests. This is an epic adventure playground where anything goes. From sailing the glistening fiords among penguins and seals, to landing on a glacier by helicopter for a champagne reception, New Zealand puts you at the heart of some of the world’s most impressive landscapes and gives you experiences you’ll never forget. The weather in New Zealand is a bit cooler by April, but beautiful autumn colors, fewer visitors and lower prices make it an appealing time to visit.

Oman is a fantastic destination for a sun-drenched escape. With very little time difference and only five hours from London, Oman is a world away from the UK. Visitors can spend some time exploring Oman's beautiful coastline and staying in a turtle conservation camp, before venturing into the desert for the adventure of a lifetime in an authentic Bedouin camp, complete with all the creature comforts. Muscat is especially beguiling at this time of year as the rose terraces are in full bloom and the air is filled with a heady aroma.

Zimbabwe is home to some of the most iconic safari and tourism hot spots in Africa. This is the time when Zimbabwe comes out of its rainy season and its national parks start to open up. This is a great time to see young animals in the bush as you go out on safari. Keep an eye out for baby elephants cuddling up under mum, young antelope tottering through tall grass and, if you're really lucky, black rhinos learning from their elders.

Cyprus starts to get warmer before the rest of the Mediterranean Sea so its an excellent option for those who can't wait to get in the sun. This sunny island gets very busy over summer so its best-loved sights are often heaving, going in April means you get these sights to yourself and can explore more. Cyprus' Besparmak Mountains are also alive with wild flowers at this time of the year so hiking is especially beautiful.

California is the place to be in spring! This time of year combines brilliant weather with iconic sights - just without the crowds. California conjures up visions of Hollywood stars and surfers, but that is just the surface. From the creative hub of San Francisco, Napa's vineyards, Big Sur's unspoiled wilderness and the glamour of Los Angeles, there is so much to see. April is the time to pick up your convertible and explore the best of sunny California.

From the incredible architecture of Seville to the flamenco dancers of Granada, Andalucia ticks all our travel boxes. With its rugged hills, cosmopolitan cities and glittering coastlines, it is one of our go-to destinations when it comes to combining culture and cuisine right on our doorstep. We can think of nothing better than topping off a journey through the historic cities of Andalucia in the spectacular Sierra Nevadas or rounding off a foodie tour of Spain's northern coastline with an indulgent stay in the Balearics for the ultimate Spanish sejourn.

Only a short journey from the UK yet a world away in terms of culture, Morocco is a fantastic destination to discover for a special getaway. Home to a rich and fascinating culture, spectacular desert landscapes, unique mountain terrain and bustling cities, Morocco is a fantastic destination to spend the extended Easter vacation. The weather in Morocco is already lovely in early April, making it an ideal time to explore this fascinating country.