Road Trips to Spring Bliss: Top Festivals Around the World to Visit by Car

Spring is the perfect season to pack your bags, hop in your car, and hit the road. The world comes alive with vibrant colors, blooming flowers, and lively celebrations during this time. If you're a traveler looking for unique experiences, spring festivals offer a mix of culture, nature, and fun.

From cherry blossoms in Japan to tulip fields in the Netherlands, there’s something for everyone. This guide will take you through some of the best spring festivals around the world that are perfect for a road trip. Let’s get started!

Spring festivals are not just about the celebrations; they’re also about the journey. Driving to these festivals allows you to explore scenic routes, stop at hidden gems, and enjoy the freedom of traveling at your own pace.

Whether you’re cruising through flower-filled countryside or navigating bustling city streets, a road trip adds an extra layer of adventure to your spring getaway. Plus, many of these festivals are located in regions that are best explored by car, making it a convenient and rewarding way to travel.

Since you'll be driving around in a new country, an International Driving Permit is necessary. This handy document translates your license details, smoothing over any language barriers and allowing local authorities to verify your driving qualifications easily. Plus, most car rental agencies won’t let you drive off without showing an IDP and your regular license.

Getting an IDP is a breeze, especially through the International Driver's Association. It takes just eight minutes. All you need to do is upload your driver’s license to their site, and you’ll get a digital version right away. If you’d rather have a hard copy, they can mail it straight to your doorstep.

Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, or Sakura Matsuri, is one of the most iconic spring events in the world. From late March to early April, cherry trees bloom across the country, painting parks, temples, and streets in shades of pink and white.

While Tokyo and Kyoto are popular spots, driving through regions like Tohoku or Shikoku offers a more serene experience. The winding roads lined with cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a road trip.

Road Trip Tip: Plan your route to include stops at lesser-known cherry blossom spots like Hirosaki Castle in Aomori or Yoshino Mountain in Nara.

The Netherlands is synonymous with tulips, and the Tulip Festival in mid-April to early May is a must-see. Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is the main attraction, but the real charm lies in the endless tulip fields that stretch across the countryside. Driving through the Flower Strip (Bollenstreek) is like entering a rainbow of colors, with vibrant tulips as far as the eye can see.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a car and explore the countryside at your own pace. Don’t miss the small towns like Haarlem and Leiden, which are equally charming.

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a joyous celebration that marks the arrival of spring. Celebrated in March, this festival is best experienced in cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Jaipur. The streets come alive with people throwing colored powder, dancing to music, and enjoying traditional sweets. Driving through Rajasthan during Holi allows you to experience the festival in multiple cities, each with its own unique flair.

Road Trip Tip: Start your journey in Delhi and drive to Jaipur, stopping at smaller towns along the way. Be prepared for colorful chaos and lots of fun!

Seville’s Feria de Abril is a lively celebration of Andalusian culture. Held two weeks after Easter, this festival features flamenco dancing, horse parades, and festive tents called casetas.

The city transforms into a giant party, with locals dressed in traditional attire and streets filled with music and laughter. Driving through Andalusia to reach Seville is a treat, as you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes and historic towns.

Road Trip Tip: Combine your trip with visits to Cordoba and Granada, both of which are within driving distance and offer their own unique attractions.

If you’re in the U.S., the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. is a must-visit. From late March to early April, the Tidal Basin and surrounding areas are covered in pink and white blooms. The festival includes parades, cultural events, and nighttime illuminations. Driving to D.C. allows you to explore other East Coast cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia along the way.

Road Trip Tip: Plan your trip around the peak bloom dates, which vary each year. Check the festival’s official website for updates.

If you’re looking for a fun and refreshing spring festival, Songkran in Thailand is a must-experience. Held from April 13 to 15, this Thai New Year celebration is famous for its massive water fights, where everyone takes to the streets to splash water on each other.

Beyond the water fights, the festival includes traditional rituals, parades, and temple visits. Chiang Mai is the best place to experience Songkran, with its lively atmosphere and cultural events.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a car in Bangkok and drive to Chiang Mai, stopping at historic cities like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai along the way. Be prepared for wet roads and festive chaos!

Floriade, held in Canberra from September to October, is Australia’s largest flower festival and a celebration of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival features over a million blooms, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, arranged in stunning displays. Floriade also includes live music, workshops, and food stalls, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a car and drive from Sydney to Canberra, which takes about three hours. Explore the Southern Highlands and nearby attractions like Lake Burley Griffin along the way.

For a quirky and adrenaline-filled spring festival, head to Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, England. Held on the Spring Bank Holiday (late May), this event involves chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The chaotic race attracts spectators from around the world, and the surrounding Cotswolds region is perfect for a scenic road trip.

Road Trip Tip: Drive through the Cotswolds, stopping at charming villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury. Don’t miss the area’s beautiful gardens and historic estates.

The Canola Flower Festival in Luoping County, Yunnan Province, is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty of spring in rural China. From March to April, the landscape transforms into a golden sea of canola flowers, set against dramatic karst mountains. The festival includes photography contests, cultural performances, and local food stalls.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a car in Kunming and drive to Luoping, which takes about three hours. Explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions like Jiulong Waterfall.

Spring festivals are a celebration of life, culture, and nature. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in Japan, dancing at Seville’s Feria de Abril, or throwing colors during Holi in India, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences. The best part? You can explore them all by car, making the journey just as memorable as the destination. So, fuel up, hit the road, and get ready to create lasting memories this spring.