When to book your spring 2025 trip and other tips for travelers
Dreaming of spring travels that whisk you away from the dreariness of winter? With holidays and the start of a new year, it can be easy to push off planning. And heck, the busy time to travel is summer…spring is the perfect time to find last minute deals, right?
Last minute travel “deals” might sound great, but you know how that old saying goes… “you get what you pay for." And that also applies to those too-good-to-be-true last minute travel deals, no matter what time of year.
Because here's the truth: while last minute travel planning can be done, it's not recommended. Here's why ⤵️
Last minute booking means last pick of the availability… meaning the best rooms, rates, and more are *poof* gone. And believe it or not, people are traveling a lot these days!
Just like hotel rooms, the most desirable tours and activities often book up well in advance, especially for high-demand destinations.
Pricing and availability aside, planning ahead reduces the stress of the last-minute scramble – for you and me. With ample time to plan, we're able to craft an itinerary that checks all your boxes.
Wondering how far in the future you should be planning? The ideal window is 6 to 9 months for most trips (though more complex itineraries may require more time!). With that timeline in mind, we're looking ahead to April, May and June. So flip the calendar forward and scroll on to see what you should be thinking about now 📆
April - Islands, vineyards, and tulips
April is a fabulous time to travel to a lot of places. It's usually after Spring Break, but before the busy summer season, and the weather is ideal in many places around the world. Here are my recommendations for places you might consider for an early spring itinerary!
U.S. Getaway:
🌺 Island of Kauai: April marks the end of the rainy season on Kauai, but don’t let a few sprinkles deter you—the rain is what makes this island so lush and vibrant. Looking to unwind? Truly relax and rejuvenate since there will be fewer crowds…you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Waimea Canyon and peaceful sunsets from Poipu Beach while sipping a Mai Tai. 🍹 Want to brush up with aquatic nature? Take advantage of the calmer waters at this time of year for boat tours and snorkeling. 🐠
International Itinerary:
🥂 Champagne, France: If your travels aren’t complete without a celebratory toast, the Champagne region of France is the perfect spring escape. Take yourself on a culinary tour of one of the world’s most beloved wine countrysides…just imagine yourself soaking in the crisp April air, glass of bubbly in hand, overlooking the rolling vineyards. Want a little extra romance? Many Champagne houses offer private tastings or scenic picnics, adding a truly special touch to your trip. (Hint hint: now wouldn’t this be a romantic holiday gift for that special someone? 😉)
Honorable Mention:
🌷 Istanbul, Turkey: Did you know…Holland's not the only one with tulips! April is a lovely time to visit the largest city in Turkey, where over 30 million tulips are scattered throughout the city, many of them concentrated in Sultanahmet Square. 📸 If you are a photography enthusiast, you won’t be able to “snap” fast enough. Istanbul is a photographer’s paradise, with world-famous architecture (and I’m not just talking about Hagia Sophia) and one of the world’s largest bazaar markets. Fuel up on the savory flavors of Turkish food along the way (and lots of Turkish coffee for our caffeine addicts!)
May - Wine country and unexpected culinary delights
May opens the door to so many delightful choices across the globe, as the weather warms and crowds just start to creep in. As we round the corner to summer 2025, here are the destinations you could consider for a May getaway (hungry? This one is especially for the foodies).
U.S. Getaway:
🍷 Wine Country, California: From the iconic Napa to the picturesque Sonoma and charming Healdsburg, wine lovers will find no shortage of options for a perfect escape. Sip, shop, and stroll through these renowned spots—and don’t forget to book early if the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is on your wish list! 🍇 For a unique experience, why not take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards to get a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscapes? 🚡
International Itinerary:
☀️ Sicily, Italy: Want to avoid standing shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists at the Trevi Fountain? Skip the usual suspects in Italy and head south to Sicily. By May, you’ll enjoy the perks of the shoulder season—fewer crowds and stunning weather on this Mediterranean island. 🍝 Foodies can eat to their heart’s content at local markets and on walking food tours. 😍 Local culture and art lovers might want to plan their visit around the festival Infiorata in Noto, a vibrant event showcasing colorful floral carpets along the streets.
Honorable Mention:
🦙 Peru: While many people only think about Machu Picchu when they think about Peru, there is a lot more that this country has to offer! It’s true that May marks the start of the dry season in Peru, making it the perfect time for adventurous travelers to tackle the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. And if you are a foodie, you might be surprised to learn that Lima is home to 4 of this year’s World Top 50 Restaurants.
June - Adventure, truffles, and gorillas
Ah, June. The first true month of summertime—when the crowds start to ramp up. But fear not: while June tends to kick off the busy summer travel season, there are still destinations that aren’t yet in full swing! Here are our picks for a June vacation.
U.S. Getaway:
🚢 Expedition cruise to Alaska: Cruising to Alaska is popular, but level-up your cruise experience to the intimate, adventurous experience on an expedition cruise. This immersive journey takes you through remote and pristine wilderness, getting you up close and personal with Alaska's stunning landscapes, wildlife, and unique ecosystems.
International Itinerary:
🍴 Istria, Croatia: For foodies who have already explored Tuscany, the Istria Peninsula of Croatia is a fantastic next destination. With its abundance of truffles, wines, and rolling vineyards, you’ll feel like you’re in Tuscany, yet explore a totally new place! June is prime truffle season, making it an excellent time to join a truffle-hunting tour!
Honorable Mention:
🦍 Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: June is one of the best months for Rwanda’s most sought-after activity—gorilla trekking. This incredible adventure offers dense forests, active volcanoes, and rare wildlife for a one-of-a-kind trip. Boutique safari lodges provide the perfect base for rest and relaxation between spotting these majestic creatures and sights in the park! Book soon, because you need a permit to see the gorillas.
Undiscovered Sunsets was a long time in the making, even if I myself didn’t realize it. During my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I studied abroad in New Zealand. Upon graduating, I bought a one-way ticket to France, lived with a French family and studied with classmates from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and everywhere in between. In 2010 I began teaching English as a foreign language. This job quickly took me to China, where English teachers were in high demand and within three years, I began working in a 5-star hotel, speaking Mandarin throughout most of my day. In total, I lived abroad for 7 years.
I consider Undiscovered Sunsets to be the perfect mélange of my personal experience traveling the world and my professional experience working in the hospitality industry.
I look forward to designing your next adventure!
