April

April is when Japan steals the show. Cherry blossom is moving north through the country, but the secret is not simply knowing when it blooms — it is knowing where to be when it does. Rather than chasing the crowds in Tokyo and Kyoto, we might take you into quieter corners of the country, timing your route around the forecast and the places our specialists know are worth the detour.

In Namibia, the desert is beginning to emerge from summer. The dunes are softer in the morning light, temperatures are more comfortable and the landscape can still carry a hint of green after the rains. It is an especially beautiful time to take the long road between Sossusvlei and Damaraland.

April is also a particularly good month for Peru. The wet season is easing in the Andes, the landscapes are lush and the crowds have yet to reach their high-season levels. Take the scenic route through the Sacred Valley, spend time with local communities and approach Machu Picchu as part of a wider journey rather than simply a tick on a list.

And in Italy, spring is quietly magnificent. The gardens of Tuscany are coming alive, the countryside is green and tables begin to move outside. Before the summer rush, it is a chance to experience the Italy our Travel Designers return to time and again.