Easter family ideas: 3 of the best holiday destinations in April
TripBlogs
Many families are now considering the Easter school holidays as a cheaper alternative for a long-haul holiday, avoiding the sting of summer holiday prices. If you're thinking about the best holiday destinations in April, we have some suggestions for you, whether it's a road trip, beach life or a dose of culture.
A spring break can offer fantastic weather, fewer crowds, wider choice and prices for flights and accommodation that put Christmas and August departures to shame, so take a look at our top destinations, picked by our own team who travel regularly with their families.
1. USA
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Why the USA?
Classic road trips, diner food, moose-spotting in Yellowstone, rugged coastlines, the Grand Canyon… Need we go on? America guarantees a soft-landing for a family holiday.
How to visit with a family
If you plan to visit several destinations, keep parental stress to a minimum and consider going by campervan. You only have to unpack once and from then on, you’ll have everything close at hand and can keep the cost down by self-catering as you go - as Chris discovered. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to be based in one location and make day trips, we suggest you go for car hire and motels which all have easy parking.
Why visit in April - June?
California’s Mediterranean climate means a warm spring, with daytime highs averaging 19-23 degrees and if you visit in spring and you’ll catch California at its greenest before the summer heat dries everything out; plenty of lush green hills full of vineyards and slopes awash with wildflowers.
Spring is the best time to see baby wild animals in Yellowstone National Park, including bear cubs, elk calves, baby bison and lambs! Elsewhere, the deserts will be blooming with poppies which flourish before the heatwave arrives. Head to the Pacific Coast Highway, where children can marvel at hundreds of new-born seal pups and their mums lounging on Elephant Seal Beach!
April-June offers the widest choice of vehicles to hire, even if booking close to departure. Outside of peak season (July-August), you’re most likely to find accommodation available within the National Parks – with many places offering low season rates through until the end of June. Later on, prices shoot up, so you can certainly expect savings earlier in the season.
Travel Nation's Chris: “When my daughter was just 9 months old, we headed off to West Coast USA for a month in a campervan for our first family adventure. The van made for easy travels and she loved it. We even managed to trek through the National Parks carrying her in a sling!"
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2. Bali, Indonesia
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Why Indonesia?
If beaches are on your agenda, consider Indonesia over Easter. Snorkel right from the beach, swim amongst giant turtles, get a taste for the local seafood and there’s a low cost of living… you get the picture!
How to visit with a family
Bali will spoil you with its lovely beaches, cheap local transport and the lower cost of living here means your money goes further. We can set you up with a self-catering villa, giving you plenty of time to visit the local markets and temples and Ubud’s loveable Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Then you could hop over to the Gili Islands with their crystal clear waters and soft sands for a beach-break!
Why visit in April - June?
Situated not far south of the equator, Indonesia has a warm climate year-round with average April highs of about 27 degrees in Bali. March is rainy season, but April brings the relief, with the months up to June being an excellent time to visit. Again, expect low-season pricing and fewer crowds.
Travel Nation's Laura says: “We spent 4 weeks in Indonesia for our family holiday, staying in Ubud, Lovinia and the Gilis. Our kids loved our traditional rice barn accommodation and we enjoyed watching them swim with turtles and seek out new and exciting flavours at the ‘warungs’ (food stalls). Visiting in April visit would save you about 20% compared to August.”
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3. Queensland, Australia
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Why Queensland?
Queensland is home to the world's largest sand island (K'gari) and also the longest barrier reef so on shore or in the water, there's so much to explore. With almost year-round sunshine, when Sydney is cold and wet, further up the coastline, Port Douglas in Queensland will be experiencing glorious sunshine!
Best options for families
A great option for a Queensland holiday would be to combine the variety of a self-drive - perhaps with a campervan - with some down-time on the beach. This way, you get to explore further and enjoy the contrast of the mountainous hinterland, whilst everyone (including parents!) has a chance to relax when you get to the beach. Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is exactly that – so expect some quality beach time.
Why visit in April?
It’s always warm and summery somewhere in Australia – that’s the bonus of being so enormous. Springtime in the UK translates into warm, pleasant days on Australia's east coast and a much less oppressive heat if you decide to venture further north to Darwin or the Red Centre.
Travel Nation's Susie says: "I visited Queensland in late April/May and spent some glorious days on the Gold Coast and Hinterland. This dry season is a great time to explore. I'm heading back and plan to visit the tropical north, Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation. April-May's dry season has fewer crowds but still has the sun!"
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More ideas for April holidays
Easter breaks in the sun: our family-friendly trip to Sri Lanka
Jonny Goodall
Managing Director
at Travel Nation
2 weeks in Florida: my recommended trip for families
Jim Faulkner
Senior Travel Consultant
at Travel Nation
How to plan an amazing New York City break with a baby
Sophie Vintner
Training & Systems Manager
at Travel Nation
Borneo family holiday: how to plan the best trip
Jonny Goodall
Managing Director
at Travel Nation
About the author George Mirabelli-Montan
Travelling friend
After finishing her Geography degree, George settled into a digital marketing role and never managed to take a gap year. That didn’t stop her pooling every available week of annual leave to visit the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Australia and Venezuela. She joined Travel Nation in 2011 as Digital Marketing Manager and has since added Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia to her visited spots. When George isn't at work you can find her walking her dog and thinking up new ways to use her Travel Nation travel fund to visit any destination accessible from SFO where her American in-laws are based (Hawaii, anyone?)
