Petal to the Metal: Top Spring Road Trip Destinations in the World

Spring is a great time for a road trip. Flowers are blooming and the weather feels just right. To make your trip more memorable, this article will help you plan the perfect spring road trip. You’ll find the best places to visit, must-try activities, and some useful travel tips to make your road trip hassle-free. So read on and spring to adventure!

Spring in Japan begins in March and lasts until May. During this time, cherry blossoms are abundant across the country, covering parks and streets. For a road trip, pack light layers like sweaters and jackets for cooler mornings and evenings. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella since spring showers are common in the country.

Fun Fact: The oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan, known as Jindai Zakura, is over 2,000 years old and can be found at the Jissoji Temple in Yamanashi. This tree has a root circumference of 13.5 meters.

• Tokyo: See cherry blossoms in Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace Gardens. For a quieter vibe, visit Naka-Meguro Canal and relax at a cozy café.
• Kyoto: Walk the Philosopher’s Path and visit Kiyomizu Temple for stunning sakura views. Don’t miss Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s top cherry blossom spot.
• Miyajima Island: Take a ferry from Hiroshima to this scenic island. Enjoy sakura views at Itsukushima Shrine, stroll peaceful trails, and spot friendly deer.

• Hanami Picnic: Enjoy sushi, tempura, and sweet mochi under cherry trees. Sip sake or matcha drinks while soaking in the blossoms.
• Cultural Stops: Visit temples, join a tea ceremony, and stroll through blooming gardens. Try sakura mochi or sakura ice cream for a spring treat.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a car with an ETC card to breeze through Japan’s highway tolls. This saves time and keeps your trip smooth. Plan parking in advance—cherry blossom spots fill up fast!

New Zealand’s spring scenery steals the show with green hills, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains. Hit the road for cooler hikes, wildlife encounters, and beautiful coastal views.

Fun Fact: In New Zealand, millions of lambs are born in spring and you’ll often see them playfully bouncing around green pastures!

• Milford Sound: Cruise past waterfalls, towering cliffs, and playful dolphins. Stop at Mirror Lakes for a stunning mountain reflection on the water.
• Bay of Islands: Relax on beaches, kayak crystal-clear waters, and spot dolphins. Take a boat trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock.

Wellington: Explore lively streets, waterfront cafés, and the Te Papa Museum. Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views.

• Hiking: Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for volcanic craters and emerald lakes. For a shorter walk, explore Abel Tasman’s golden beaches and forests.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot kiwis, keas, and tuataras in nature reserves. Head to Kaikoura for whales and dolphins or Stewart Island for penguins.

Road Trip Tip: Pack layers and a rain jacket—New Zealand’s weather shifts fast! Check road conditions, fuel up in rural areas, and get an IDP online here with us at IDA for smooth rentals and police checks.

France in spring is a floral paradise, perfect for a road trip. Lavender is in bloom in Provence, and magnolias in Paris. During spring, they also celebrate Fête du Travail (May Day) by giving lilies of the valley for good luck. In villages and cities, spring fairs and food festivals highlight seasonal produce like strawberries and asparagus.

Fun Fact: Locals and tourists flock to café terraces as spring warms up in France. They sip coffee, people-watch, and enjoy the beauty of blooming cherry and magnolia trees.

• Provence: Stroll through Valensole’s lavender fields and spring poppy blooms. Visit Gordes for stunning valley views.
• Paris: See magnolias in Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries. Sip coffee at a café and enjoy spring views of Notre-Dame or the Eiffel Tower.

• Lavender Experience: Visit a farm, join a workshop, and bring home a lavender sachet.
• Wine Tasting: Sip rosé and reds in Provence’s vineyards. Pair with local cheese.
• Cultural Stops: Explore Avignon’s historic sites or cruise the Seine for Paris views.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a small car for easier parking in Provence’s hilltop villages and Paris’ narrow streets. Follow local driving rules in France—watch for bike lanes, one-way streets, and strict parking regulations to avoid fines.

In Amsterdam, tulips bloom in the city and the countryside. Walk along canals, visit markets, or bike to tulip fields for a beautiful escape. Expect some rain and cool breezes, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Fun Fact: Every spring, Amsterdam hosts the Tulip Festival, planting thousands of tulips across the city.

• Keukenhof Gardens: Located just outside Amsterdam, these gardens are the world's largest flower garden, featuring millions of tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers. The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-May.
• Canal Ring: Enjoy a boat tour to see Amsterdam's historic canals lined with blooming flowers and trees.

• Tulip Festival: Attend the annual Tulip Festival to see the vibrant displays and learn about tulip cultivation.
• Flower Markets: Visit the famous Bloemenmarkt flower market to buy tulips and other flowers.
• Cultural Stops: Explore the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to learn about Dutch art and history.

Road Trip Tip: Rent a bike along with your rental car! Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside have excellent cycling paths, making it easy to explore tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages on two wheels.

Orange blossom (azahar) scent is all over Andalusia in spring. It fills the air with their sweet fragrance, especially in Seville and Cordoba. Aside from orange blossoms, you can also enjoy Spain’s stunning architecture, and lively culture.

Fun Fact: Andalusia’s orange trees may smell amazing, but their fruit is too bitter to eat fresh!

• Seville: Stroll past orange trees, visit Seville Cathedral, and climb La Giralda for epic views. Relax in Parque de María Luisa.
• Córdoba: Walk the Roman Bridge and explore the Mezquita’s stunning arches. In spring, enjoy the Patios Festival’s vibrant courtyards.

• Flamenco Shows: Feel the energy of Spanish dance, soulful guitar, and rhythmic claps in an intimate flamenco bar.
• Tapas Tours: Savor jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and churros dipped in chocolate while hopping between local tapas bars.
• Scenic Walks: Wander through fragrant orange groves or explore Seville’s charming Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Road Trip Tip: Book flamenco show tickets in advance—spring festivals make venues fill up fast! If you’re driving in Spain, watch for narrow streets in old towns, be mindful of siesta hours when businesses close, and use toll roads (autopistas) for faster travel.

Transportation

• Rent a Car: Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Make sure that you have all the documents prepared ahead of time to avoid hassles.
• Use Public Transport: Cities like Tokyo and Paris have efficient transit systems so it’s best to do your research fir

Accommodation Tips

• Book Early: Secure your stay ahead of time, especially in peak cherry blossom season.
• Choose Wisely: Find budget-friendly stays or splurge on luxury hotels.

Safety & Packing Tips

• Check the Weather: Spring can be unpredictable. Pack accordingly.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of traditions, especially at cultural sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection. Don’t forget to bring your important documents as well like your visa, passport, and IDP.