The hottest destinations for spring 2013

Posted on March 3, 2013
madeira-flower-festival

Spring is a time of change and growth, and what better way to celebrate the season than with an adventurous vacation somewhere across the globe? While temperatures are barely climbing in the U.S., you can instead head to a luxury hotel in one of these prime locales.

Sao Paulo, Brazil
The World Cup might not be until next year and the Summer Olympics not until 2016, but Brazil is still one of the premiere travel destinations, especially during the spring. According to Yahoo! Travel, U.S. Airways is trying to make it easier for American travelers to visit the bustling city of Sao Paulo by launching new service to the city from Charlotte, North Carolina. With the two major events heading its way in 2014 and 2016, Sao Paulo is going through some major renovations, like setting up free public Wi-Fi and revamping the overall infrastructure of the city.

Montego Bay, Jamaica
If it’s sizzling temperatures that you’re looking for, consider jet-setting to Jamaica’s Montego Bay. According to The Travel Channel, the small island country is expecting to witness its warmest March in six years, so now might be the best time to catch some rays in the tropical locale. Attractions like Treasure Beach, which spans six miles of the southern coast, make this spot an unmatched gem among luxury travelers, and activities like cliff diving off the Negril coast draws in thousands of thrill-seekers every year. History buffs can also benefit from a trip to Jamaica, as sites like the Great House of Rose Hall Plantation can reveal some controversial tales about the island’s past.

Bermuda
The classic family vacation spot, Bermuda brings in vacationers of all kinds throughout the year, but April and May are the prime times for soaking up the sun and finding coveted spring travel deals. Typically, the Bermuda Department of Tourism aims to entice luxury travel planners with special packages at this time of year, so be on the lookout for free-night offers and other similar perks while you make your accommodation plans.

Madeira Island
As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. If you plan a trip to Madeira Island, Portugal, you’ll see this in full force at the annual Flower Festival, from May 9 to 15. While the whole week is a vibrant glow of blooming tulips, lilacs, roses, daffodils and lilies, the Sunday Flower Parade is the main event. Dancers wearing costumes made of flowers frolic along the streets to the rhythm of the “brinquinho,” a percussion instrument made with articulated dolls and used in folkloric songs. According to National Geographic, the choice spot for watching the bustling scene is along the mosaic sidewalk on Acenida Zarco. If you’re not sure where to stay, consider treating yourself to the epitome of luxury with a vacation at the Old World Reid’s Palace Hotel, situated right on the water in a beautiful island oasis.

Before you know it, you’ll head back from your relaxing getaway and welcome the anticipated arrival of summer.