The Easter holidays offer a great opportunity to take a trip – be it a road trip to natural landscapes in the UK or a flight to some sunnier climate overseas. With many countries slowly opening up again, it’s time to dust off the suitcase and plan a holiday this spring.

We have put together a diverse selection of travel destinations to quench the wanderlust in you, no matter how near or far you feel comfortable travelling. Another good reason to travel for Easter is the fact you'll usually find fewer crowds and more deals on accommodation when compared to the peak summer season.

  • 1

    Lake District, England

    Take a road trip to the rugged northwest of England

    Lake District, England
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo

    The Lake District is one of the UK’s most scenic regions, with dramatic peaks and valleys separated by expansive bodies of water. Well known to hikers and fans of the great outdoors, the Lake District is growing in popularity as more people choose domestic holidays. Spring is a great time to visit as the days get longer but the peak-season crowds have yet to arrive. The lakeside town of Windermere makes a great base.

    This is a noteworthy destination for multiple reasons – it’s home to the tallest peak, the largest national park, and the deepest lake in England. If you're looking for an adventurous escape, this secluded hot spot in northwest England is sure to delight families, couples, and groups. Read more

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  • 2

    Cotswolds, England

    Sleepy villages that hark back to England’s past

    Cotswolds, England
    • Couples
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    A spring holiday in the Cotswolds makes the perfect antidote to the pressures of city life. This rural area of central England covers around 800 square miles across 5 counties and is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

    The gently rolling hills and quaint villages found throughout the Cotswolds, offer leisurely days of country walks, group cycling trips, and long meals in the local pub. There’s a long list of picturesque villages to choose from, but Castle Combe, in particular, is regularly awarded the title of ‘prettiest village in England’. Burford in Oxfordshire is a quaint tourist town with plenty of souvenir shops, country pubs and green spaces. Read more

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  • 3

    Disneyland Paris, France

    Europe’s most delightful theme park is a treat for all ages

    Disneyland Paris, France
    • Adventure
    • Families
    • Photo

    Disneyland Paris is an iconic theme park and resort in the small French town of Chessy, on the outskirts of Paris. With over 50 rides are available, it’s a must-visit for kids and adult fans of Disney, Pixar, and even Star Wars.

    Along with selfies with Micky and Minnie, all sorts of rides and attractions can be found at Disneyland Paris. Thrill-seekers love the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain rollercoaster while families with young children often visit Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park also provides shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as an onsite golf course and a variety of accommodations.

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  • 4

    New York, New York

    The city blooms in spring

    New York, New York
    • Couples
    • Group
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Easters in New York let you enjoy the major landmarks with warm weather and relatively small crowds, meaning you can cram more sightseeing into your days and evenings. There’s no better time to visit the city’s beautiful parks, especially Brooklyn Botanic Garden with its Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival.

    The annual New York Easter Parade takes place on Easter Sunday, when Fifth Avenue comes alive with thousands of revellers dressed in costumes. For families, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosts a scavenger hunt with puzzles to solve. In the evening, enjoy a Broadway show or catch a basketball game at Maddison Square Garden. Read more

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  • 5

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Enjoy world-class museums and galleries without the queues

    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Amsterdam is renowned for its pretty architecture lining canals and bicycle tracks, which are a big hit with visitors. The weather isn’t great in March, but if you’re looking for art and culture, Amsterdam should be high on your list. First of all, head to The Rijksmuseum to admire works of art from the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer.

    The Stedelijk Museum features renowned modern art pieces by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. No matter what the weather is like, many of the best venues are just a short walk from Museumplein in central Amsterdam. If you're interested in history, a visit to the Anne Frank Museum is a sobering experience. This museum often has long queues, but it has fewer visitors in March than other times of the year. Read more

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  • 6

    Mallorca, Spain

    Golden sand beaches and fantastic Spanish cuisine

    Mallorca, Spain
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Group
    • History

    Mallorca is the largest island in Spain’s Balearic chain, sitting in the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Beach resorts like Palma Nova or Magaluf make good bases for you to explore the rest of the island. Towering mountain ranges, ancient Roman ruins, and lively nightlife ensure Mallorca is a big hit with many types of travellers.

    Mallorca is also a prominent foodie destination, with everything from traditional cuisine to international fusion food. In spring, the island’s big beach resorts are just waking from their winter slumber, but there are still plenty of bars and alfresco dining experiences to be had. Read more

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  • 7

    Tenerife, Spain

    The Canary Islands offer guaranteed beach weather

    Tenerife, Spain
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Group

    Tenerife has an enviable combination of great value accommodation and year-round beach weather. If you’re looking for guaranteed blue skies and sunshine, it’s hard to look past Tenerife. The island sits far south of mainland Europe, just off the western coast of Africa, which gives Tenerife an average temperature of 20°C in March. 

    Playa de las Americas is the largest beach resort in Tenerife, popular with couples and mature groups, while nearby Costa Adeje is best for families. However, head to the lesser-visited north coast for a more culturally rich experience of historical hillside villages and excellent hiking trails. Read more

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  • 8

    Nice, France

    Explore the Côte d'Azur with your loved one

    Nice, France
    • Couples
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo

    Nice is a great choice for a spring break on the French Riviera, with the weather suited to long days of exploration. The narrow, cobblestoned streets of the Old Town are peppered with interesting landmarks like Lascaris Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Reparata. You’ll find plenty of charming bistros for a leisurely meal and local boulangeries selling freshly baked bread and croissants.

    Spring is the best time to explore Cours Saleya Market, which has stalls selling fresh flowers, artisanal food, and antiques. End the day with a stroll along The Promenade des Anglais – ideal for catching a sunset against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Read more

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  • 9

    Orlando, Florida

    Family fun in the theme park capital of the USA

    Orlando, Florida
    • Adventure
    • Families
    • Photo

    Orlando is one of the world’s most exciting family destinations thanks to the diverse range of theme parks and attractions. Easter in Orlando means the long lines typically found at Disney and Universal will be shorter, so you can enjoy all the rides on your list, and maybe give your favourites a second round.

    Come nightfall, head to one of Orlando’s theatres to see world-class stage shows or take part in a dinner show – you could dine with pirates or enjoy a medieval banquet with great food and live entertainment. Read more

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  • 10

    Crete, Greece

    Beautiful beaches and an epic history of myths and legends

    Crete, Greece
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Crete combines ancient myths with gorgeous beach towns for an all-around enjoyable Easter holiday. Most people heading to Crete stick close to shore, at world-class beach resorts like fun-loving Malia or laidback Palaiochora. But it would be a mistake to miss out on the more cultural aspect of Crete, like visiting the bigger cities of Chania or the island’s capital, Heraklion.

    It’s a lesser-known fact that Crete is also an excellent place for hiking. The Samariá Gorge offers some of the most magnificent views in all of Greece. Read more

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Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller