What’s happening this month

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Perhaps there’s no more perfect way to celebrate the spring than at the Keukenhof Gardens, with its epic blooming of flowers from tulips and daffodils to bluebells and beyond. With a landscaped majesty of wooded gardens, shady ponds and winding paths, the world’s largest flower garden offers a serene spring retreat.

Athens, Greece


Take to the sunny skies with your own private helicopter tour of Athens and its southeastern coast. You’ll catch beautiful views of iconic sites such as the Acropolis, Panathenaic Stadium and Lycabettus Hill, as your professional pilot provides commentary.

Amazing floral display at the Keukenhof Gardens


Australia

Find fun for the whole family with great deals that encompass a trove of activities in the land down under. Your kids will delight in unlimited rides at three theme parks on Australia’s famed Gold Coast, or thrill to a behind-the-scenes tour of Sydney Taronga Zoo as led by a professional zookeeper. And classic trips to the Melbourne Zoo or SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (with skip-the-line benefits perfect for keeping youngsters happy) are great go-to getaways.

The Bahamas

Head to the Bahamas to celebrate its first ever spring Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Happening in two separate locations in April and May, the Junkanoo celebration kicks things up a notch with Caribbean fun and carnival flair.

Game of Thrones Tours

“Winter is coming.” Or in the case of Game of Thrones fans, the spring premiere is coming. The perfect way to gear up for season five is to check out the vast European filming locations. Travel north of the Wall in Iceland and beware the White Walkers. Or bow down to the mighty Kahleesi where she comes into power on a Viator Exclusive tour in Split. Pledge allegiance to House Stark on a day trip to Northern Ireland from Belfast to see the kingdom of Winterfell. Expand your knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms on any of these trips as well as learn about the real-life destinations.


Aerial view over Hanauma Bay

Hawaii

Hawaii is beautiful from almost any angle, but bird’s-eye views of the islands are particularly paradisiacal. A helicopter tour over East Maui wows with its views from the Haleakala Crater to the rainforests of Hana, while a helicopter ride over Oahu gives you a fresh perspective on famous sights such as Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay and the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

If you’re relaxing on the island of Maui but feel like catching a glimpse of the most-populous island’s icons, you can take a jam-packed day trip to Oahu that covers Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu, the Arizona Memorial, Iolani Palace and Waikiki Beach, among others.

Italy

Sometimes we could all use a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. An AS Roma match at Stadio Olimpico lets you experience the rush of a live match, with perks including a gourmet buffet and hosted bar. Soar over the hilly Lazio region just outside Rome with a hot air balloon ride. Or drive Italian-style in a vintage Fiat 500 through the Tuscan countryside as part of a guide-led convoy.

Spring deals save you 15 percent on a trip to explore Rome’s countryside, including its famed catacombs, or 10 percent on a day trip to Tivoli that includes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.

And it’s time to start gearing up for the 2015 Milan Expo, which runs from May 1 through October 31. Its many events include everything from workshops and technology exhibitions to demonstrations and food tastings, all dedicated to the theme of “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.”


Christ the Redeemer statue

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Experience Rio by night via the music and dance of the Ginga Tropical Show. Samba, bossa nova, capoeira, live drumming, folklore reenactments and more provide a smorgasbord of live performance to stimulate your senses.

If you prefer a leisurely afternoon excursion, an expedition to Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue gives you access to 360-degree views, and comes with an option to add on a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for a sunset view.

Seoul, South Korea

Sojourn to Seoul, and refresh yourself for spring with a variety of cultural experiences. Take aTaekwondo class and learn the basics of this traditional martial art from a black-belt instructor. Or spend a day immersing yourself in classic Korean culture, including making kimchi, participating in a tea ceremony and donning traditional attire. If you’re more interested in active exercise and relaxation, embark on a combination tour that incorporates a hike around Mt. Bukhan followed by a spa experience at a communal indoor bathhouse.

Tokyo, Japan

Springtime in Japan is practically synonymous with hanami — cherry blossom viewing — as everyone waits in breathless anticipation of the blooming of the ephemeral blossoms. Take advantage of the season with a tour of Tokyo’s best hanami parks, including the Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, which boast more than 1,000 cherry trees each.


Anzac Cove, Gallipoli

Turkey

Between April 21 and April 27, 2015 Turkey will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (better known as ANZAC) landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula to rage war against Turkish forces. More than 100,000 people died, making it one of the nation’s most violent battles. A variety of ANZAC and Gallipoli tours for travelers seeking to commemorate the event leave from Istanbul.

US Virgin Islands

Day trip from St. Thomas to St. John, an island over half of which has been designated a national park. You’ll explore the park, visit a historic sugar plantation and enjoy snorkeling in Trunk Bay.

— Viator Travel Team