From Memphis to Puglia: Spring’s Hottest Travel Destinations
The temps might still be on the cooler side, but the time to plan spring travel is now. And, no, we’re not talking about a “spring break!” rager. For the inside scoop on the season’s coolest destinations, we turned to a host of travel industry experts. While Australia continues to be a favorite and Iceland is still riding its wave of popularity, they also shared a host of more unexpected destinations—both domestic and international—to look into for your next adventure.
So if you’re looking to get away this spring, here are 11 places you should be exploring. Start setting those fare alerts now.
Photo: Courtesy of Trilanka Hotel1/10Sri Lanka
“There are all kinds of new boutique properties coming up in the country formerly known as Ceylon,” says Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder and CEO of Indagare. “There are some cool spas like Tri Lanka and boutique hotels such as Owl and the Pussycat. Plus, an exciting range of shopping is available in Galle and has been discovered by those who found the treasures of Jaipur a decade ago.”
Photo: Courtesy of Masseria Le Carrube2/10Puglia, Italy
“It’s one of Italy’s lesser-known regions,” says Biggs Bradley. “But one with warm weather in spring. Puglia has some wonderful hotels including Borgo Egnazia and the new Masseria Le Carrube and Masseria Trapanà.”
Photo: Alamy3/10Iceland
“Only afive-hour-and-40-minute flight from New York, Iceland is fast becoming known as the adventure capital of the Northern Hemisphere,” says Biggs Bradley. “Similar to New Zealand, the island nation boasts dramatic landscapes and a range of activities like volcano tunneling and hot spring plunging. We work with a partner who arranges for private glamping in a very cool new camp set on a glacier.”
Photo: Alamy4/10Jackson Hole, Wyoming
“Under-the-radar destinations for travel this season include Jackson Hole,” says Sarah Gavin, head of communications for Expedia. “It offers the perfect escape for those looking for solace away from the city or crowds of the standard spring break.”
Photo: Alamy5/10Memphis, Tennessee
“Memphis is another destination that’s flying under the radar this season. Visitors to the Tennessee town will be treated to an incredible blues and rock scene along with some of the nation’s best barbecue,” says Gavin. “Stay at the Peabody for an authentic, old Memphis experience and proximity to the best outdoor entertainment the town has to offer.”
