Today is the first official day of spring, which means two things: one, there’s only like one and a half-ish months left of cold in New York, and two, it’s time to start planning spring and summer travel if you haven’t already.
Although, it’s kind of always time to start planning travel if you don’t have something on deck, but we’ll go with spring as the excuse this week.
I’ll venture a guess that most of us are past the point of wanting to party with over-inebriated college goers still embracing the Girls Gone Wild vibe, even though that obviously first-rate “show” filed for bankruptcy five years back. So, let’s talk about grown up spring break, because that should be a thing. Every year. I’m sure our spirits—and likely winterized bodies—only stand to suffer without a much needed spring reprieve.
Here are a five hot places popping up as best spots for spring travel, according to trends American Express travel has sussed out.
Botswana
No matter how many different kinds of travelers I talk to, the one thing the bulk of them point to as among their most memorable adventures, is a safari. It’s hard to beat lions and zebras and giraffes roaming the exotic open plains of Chobe National Park and getting to see all that real life in real life. That’s one thing putting Botswana at the top of travel lists this summer. According to Amex, bookings to Botswana are up 200 percent right now. The best months to visit are April to October, which is the dry season there and when you have the best chance of seeing the most animals, which is why you should start planning to go now. And because, #wakandaforever.
Santiago, Chile
In Chile, it’s autumn while it’s spring here, which means the weather is still nice but it’s not peak, so prices are reduced and so is the tourist headcount. Bookings there are up 91 percent right now as autumn in Chile also means time to visit vineyards and sip world renowned wine overlooking lush lands and living your best life. When you require food to supplement the drinks, try Galindo for traditional Chilean cuisine. The spot is said to have been a favorite of Chilean poet-diplomat Pablo Neruda, who lived right near by.
Santorini, Greece
There’s no one I know who doesn’t want to go to Santorini, except for those who somehow still haven’t heard of it. The all-white seaside buildings make for a perfect escape from the all-white snowscapes the East Coast has so graciously delivered for the past too-many-months. Amex said bookings are up 94 percent to Santorini right now, but fares are down for March through May, right before the high season starts in June. Go watch the sunset over screamingly blue Mediterranean waters and post the dreamy pics that promise to make everyone at home hate you.
Pape’ete, Tahiti
I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say there’s no bad time to travel to Tahiti, which means anytime is a good time—like now. Though the French Polynesian island has always been popular, bookings to Pape’ete (the capital of the country) in particular are up 25 percent this spring. Summer is Tahiti comes to a close just as spring wraps in the west, which means cheaper airfares and hotels, and more beaches all to yourself. Reason enough, right? But if you needed other reasons, there’s magical snorkeling on the island and Pape’ete is known for partying in case you do feel like embracing a touch of that aforementioned Girls Gone Wild vibe.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’re looking to stay within the U.S. or travel here, Savannah keeps climbing the ranks as a cute springtime destination. The southern city is known for its down-home charm, its drool-inducing Southern comfort food, and a bit of that sweetness you find in quieter seaside towns. If you head there in early June (1-3), you’ll find Savannah’s River Street Seafood Festival (which, to me, sounds like a single, very valid reason to go), where freshly caught crawfish, crab and shrimp will find their way into all manner of dishes you’ll likely be hard pressed to forget. All of this kind of goodness has meant bookings are up 26 percent to the Savannah this year so far.