5 Places Around the Globe to Visit in April

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon
Photo by Luca Sartoni

Though this region is susceptible to rain 7 days out of this month, the temperature rises to an average of 65 degrees. Moreover, you may get to experience the celebration of Semana Santa Holy Week, aka the week before Easter. During this time, fairs, festivals, and religious parades take place. Or, if you’re willing to travel an hour south to Obidos, you will come across the International Chocolate Festival. You could also partake in a Secret Food Tour, being guided to some of the best local eateries and book a ticket to the Belem Tower or the Castle of S. Jorge.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu, Greece
Photo by Neil Thompson

April can be considered one of the best months to visit Corfu, Greece, due to the enjoyable weather and smaller crowds. Not to forget about the beautiful beaches and the distinguished rock formations that you can view while renting a boat, stopping at ancient monasteries, swimming at Love Canal, and sipping a cocktail at a beach bar.

Queensland, Australia

Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.
Millaa Millaa Falls – Photo by Steven Penton

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia is usually around 72 degrees during this month, with little rain. A road trip from there to Sydney might be something to look into, or just a day trip to the Gold Coast. If you would rather stay in one area though, an interactive art gallery, such as QAGOMA, hopping on a segway tour, getting on rides at Warner Bros Movie World, taking a kayak tour, or relaxing on Margate Beach may be of interest.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid
Photo by Phil Fiddyment

Mild and sunny weather takes over Madrid, Spain, in April, perfect for appreciating the terrace bars and open parks. The Festimad Music Festival will be taking place at this time of year, if you listen to alternative rock. In terms of sporting events, there is live football matches, the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon!

Bali, Indonesia

Photo by Kimberly McNeilus on Pexels.com

Being the beginning of dry season, April is great for traveling to Bali, Indonesia. It is an excellent month for swimming or surfing in the warm ocean. Though this is the beginning of peak season, the nightclubs become lively and you are not going to want to miss the Ubud Food Festival! The Bali Zoo, partying and staying overnight on Kuta Beach, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Uluwata Temple are a few favorite tourist locations too.

Which place would be your #1 choice out of the 5? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

18 Essentials for Your Next Road Trip

Going on a road trip soon? I’ve gathered a list of products that you’ll need when you travel.

  1. USA National Parks: Land of Wonder

Attention, avid hikers; this book is for you! It discusses all 62 national parks located in the United States. It will let you know what makes each park unique, along with maps, facts, what to do, and where to go.

2. First Aid Kit

It’s always nice to be prepared! This kit featured above contains medical grade equipment such as bandaids, prep pads, bandages, an emergency blanket, scissors, tape, tweezers, a towel, flashlight, etc.

3. Road Trip Planner & Journal

This planner/journal is the best way to keep your road trip organized. The pages have checklists, a travel calendar, a route planner, budgeting sheet, and more!

4. Durable Backpack

Here’s another product that those going on long hikes are sure to need. A durable backpack will be very helpful in carrying water, snacks, the first aid kit, and anything else you need to bring.

5. Portable Phone Chargers

Either a wireless or a car charger is necessary for your mobile device for navigating the roads, playing music, or in case of emergency.

6. One Car Jump Starter

The purpose of this 5 star item is to jump start your car without the help of another car. It could really come in handy if you break down on the side of the road.

7. Portable Cooler & Warmer

You have the option to keep drinks or your skincare products cool in this mini fridge, or keep anything warm, such as food, just by flipping the switch!

8. Car Air Vent Organizer

Cup holders are full and have no where to put your accessories? This car air vent organizer would be great for holding your keys, sunglasses, and phone!

9. Camera

When traveling to beautiful destinations, you’re going to want some high-quality pictures.

10. Games


What better way to pass the time of the long car ride than by playing some fun games?

11. Backseat Organizer

Keep your car clean by storing your extra belongings in these organizers that attach to the back of your seats.

12. Trash Can

Pretty self-explanatory.

13. Travel Kit

While you can get several different travel kits, this one includes a razor, shaving cream, tooth brush, tooth paste, feminine products, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, mouth wash, and a few other products too.

14. Medicine

It’s always smart to bring Advil, Tums, or Dramamine (for motion sickness), in case you start to feel sick.

15. Snack Packs

These variety packs are good for when you get hungry along the way.

16. Sunglasses

Having a pair is most necessary!

17. Thermos

Gotta prevent your water from getting warm – that’s the worst!

18. Compact Picnic Blanket

Conveniently being pocket-sized, this blanket can be pulled out anywhere that you’d like to stop for a picnic.

I hope this list was helpful for you!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole

Best U.S. Hiking Spots to Hit on Your Next Road Trip

If you need a getaway but also would like to maintain social distancing, a road trip might be the perfect solution for you. There are alternatives to staying in a hotel that may be safer. You can rent an RV/camper, rent a private cabin or Airbnb, or go tent camping. Here is a list of amazing spots that you can take a road trip to throughout the United States:

Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, consisting of almost 3,500 square miles. It contains geysers, canyons, rivers/lakes, hot springs, forests, and hiking trails, all scattered throughout. The most well-known destinations located within the park are the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Old Faithful Geyser.  

The Canyons of Arizona

Grand Canyon - South Rim - Mather Point
Grand Canyon, South Rim, Arizona

The famous one that everyone should already known about is the Grand Canyon. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has the greatest views and is the most suitable path for hiking. Much further north is the Antelope Canyon, which is described as a slot canyon with upper and lower sections. The Upper Antelope Canyon is easily accessed, as it is located on ground level. Meanwhile, Lower Antelope Canyon is a more difficult hike, even with the stairs for visitors to walk down, but draws people in due to the beauty of the spiral rock arches. 

Blue Ridge Mountains 

Blue Ridge Mountains Aerial 2 - Near Asheville NC
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

These mountains get the name from their blue tint that is seen from a distance. It is located in the eastern part of the United States, from Pennsylvania, down to Georgia. The highest peak of the mountains is Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina. In this range are the popular national parks, Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, and has trails leading to waterfalls, mountains, and limestone caves like Luray Caverns. From the overlooks, you can get gorgeous views of the sunrise or sunset. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mountain range along the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee. It has scenic valleys, nature trails, rivers, and waterfalls. 

Appalachian Trail

Sunrise at Great Smoky Mountains
Clingmans Dome

From Maine to Georgia, there are countless places to start hiking on the Appalachian Trail. It has various types of scenery on this 2,200 mile path. Hikers have arguably ranked McAfee Knob, Mount Katahdin, and Clingmans Dome as some of the top places to visit. 

Mount Rainier National Park

Tolmie Peak, Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier & Eunice Lake, Washington

Mount Rainier itself is an active stratovolcano located in the state of Washington. Besides mountains, the park is filled with waterfalls, glaciers, blue lakes, and wildflower fields (only in July and August). Scenic gondola rides are offered with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. Tipsoo Lake Loop and Snow Lake Trails are must-sees while you are there.

Glacier National Park

Two Glaciers, tarn lake and waterfall
Upper Grinnell Glacier, Montana

This national park is located in Montana, right on the United States/Canadian border. It has over 700 miles of trails for visitors to hike on, as well as, part of the Rocky Mountains. Glacier National Park is filled with hundreds of lakes and waterfalls. The largest lake in it is Lake McDonald. In it is an abundance of naturally colored rocks that can be seen from Apgar Village. Some recommended paths are Hidden Lake Trail or Grinnell Glacier Trail.

Acadia National Park

maine 18 jordan pond
Jordan Pond, Maine

Acadia is on the coast of Maine, consisting of rocky beaches, ponds, and forests. Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountains, and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse have excellent views of the sunrises and sunsets. The best time to visit would be September to November if you are interested in colorful fall foliage.

Zion National Park

Sunrise on Angels Landing, Zion NP 2014
Angels Landing, Utah

Located in Utah is Zion National Park. The red cliffs, waterfalls, hanging gardens, and emerald pools are  what draws visitors in. You will want to see the Lower Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and The Narrows while in that recreation area. 

Arches National Park

Arches National Park Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch, Utah

Arches National Park is in Grand County, Utah. It is such a unique location with over 2,000 natural red arches. The Delicate Arch Trail is rated the #1 in the park. 

Olympic National Park

Waterfall Along Hoh River Trail
Hoh River Trail, Washington

The beautiful national park is found in Washington state. Inside it are alpine areas, rainforests, and the coastline. If you are looking to explore a temperate rainforest, Hoh River Trail is a great option. If you take the Third Beach Hike, you will end up on the pacific coast.

Silver Falls State Park

Middle North Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Middle North Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

In Oregon is Silver Falls State Park. If you love waterfalls, like myself, you will really enjoy this recreation area. Along the Trail of Ten Falls is 7.9 miles of 10 incredible waterfalls.

There are so many breathtaking parks to choose from all over the United States. I would love to visit them all!

Thanks for reading 🙂

-xo, Nicole