It’s hot out here, and even we self-professed beach bums and lovers of the sun have to admit that the heat is getting to us. Rising global temperatures are not only affecting day-to-day life but also reshaping travel trends and how we plan our vacations. Yes, the heat plays a big role in why most travellers are seeking cooler weather destinations, but there is also an ever-growing desire for cosier, shoulder-season getaways and a need to steer clear of crowded tourist hotspots during peak summer travel.

So whether you’re hoping to bag a cosy cottage like Cameron Diaz in The Holiday or want to experience cooler seasons abroad, here are our suggestions for your next spring or autumn getaway.

1. See the tulip fields in Amsterdam in spring

A woman walking between long, vibrant rows of purple tulips in a field in the Dutch countryside during the spring blooming season.
Walking through the Dutch countryside in April feels like stepping into a painting—minus the mid-summer crowds. (Image by Rockwell branding agency)

April showers bring May flowers, and Amsterdam’s tulips are the stars of the spring season. Blooming between late March and early to mid-May, these stunning blossoms draw people from all over the world to witness them in all their beauty. From well-known attractions like the Keukenhof Gardens to local flower fields nearby, you can join tours and festivals or rent a bike and head out into the colourful tulip fields.

2. Celebrate spring in Da Lat

A group of people enjoying cherry blossoms at a scenic lakeside in Da Lat, Vietnam, with vibrant pink blooms reflected in the water.
Da Lat in its signature “Eternal Spring” attire; the lakeside cherry blossoms offer a romantic escape that feels worlds away from the heat. (Image by Quang Nguyen Vinh)

Da Lat is known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, beloved for its French colonial buildings, mountain resorts, pine forests, and spring flowers. The highlands’ cooler temperatures make it the perfect romantic escape for visitors hoping to see cherry blossoms in bloom. Spring starts early here, making January and February the best time to visit when the streets are covered in a blanket of pink petals. The city is in festive spirits during this time as spring and the Lunar New Year are celebrated, inviting visitors to join in local festivities and special events.

3. Escape to the Scottish Highlands for a cosy autumn

The historic stone ruins of Kilchurn Castle near a lake in the Scottish Highlands under a soft grey autumn sky.
Kilchurn Castle in its autumn mood—where the grey skies and quiet lochs invite you to slow down and embrace the “cosy” side of travel. (Image by Connor Mollison)

If rain, gloomy weather, and grey skies fill you with a certain joy, look to the Scottish Highlands for a cool and cosy getaway. The landscape truly comes alive as temperatures drop, leaves change colour, and everything around you grows quieter. Dramatic views, steeped in myth and folklore, make this a destination like no other. Book a trip between October and November before it gets too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Although there are plenty of accommodations, including hotels, Airbnbs, local inns, and lodges, we suggest making reservations early.

4. Welcome spring in Shanghai

The iconic white and blue architecture of Shanghai Disneyland Park seen through the branches of trees during the spring season.
Even the most bustling cities find a softer rhythm in spring; Shanghai Disneyland is transformed when the blossoms begin to frame the architecture. (Image by Karen Zhang)

Speaking of April showers, Shanghai is a treat to experience in springtime. The rain brings milder temperatures, making the city perfect to explore on foot. Many parks and gardens come alive with blooming cherry blossoms, tulips, purple wisteria, and magnolias. Visit a botanical garden or make your way to the Shanghai International Flower Show, which runs between mid-April and early May, to truly experience spring in the city. As the weather may be wet and unpredictable, wear appropriate footwear and carry an umbrella when heading outdoors.

5. See the canola flowers bloom in Jeju Island

A field of yellow rapeseed canola flowers blooming in front of a mountain landscape on Jeju Island, South Korea.
Jeju’s golden hour lasts all day in spring, thanks to the rapeseed flowers that turn the base of the mountains into a yellow sea. (Image by IRa Kang)

If the first thing that comes to mind when booking a holiday is an island getaway, Jeju Island offers plenty to see and do in spring without straying far from its beautiful beaches. The start of spring is marked by a dusting of golden buds known as canola flowers. Looking like something out of a postcard, these striking yellow blooms sweep across the island from mid-February to April. Some of the best places to see them are coastal fields near Seongsan Ilchulbong and at the base of Sanbangsan Mountain. You can also take a scenic drive along Noksan-ro Road, where flowers blossom on either side of the route.

6. Rent a cottage in the Cotswolds during autumn

A scenic view of a small historic town in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom, with a rainbow arching over stone buildings during the autumn season.
A rare autumn rainbow over the Cotswolds—the ultimate sign to swap your summer sun lounger for a cottage retreat and a slower pace of life. (Image by Colin Watts)

Lying on a sun lounger on the Amalfi Coast is nice and all, but a retreat to a cottage in the Cotswolds may have you swapping your one-piece for soft knit jumpers and house slippers. Quaint villages, boutique shops, and historic towns are only made better when autumn paints the landscape in orange and amber hues. Picture long countryside walks along leaf-strewn roads, getting lost in a good book with a warm drink in hand and moving at a slower pace of life. It’s one of the loveliest ways to escape the hustle and grind.

Shoulder season isn’t just about escaping the heat. It’s about travelling more intentionally, more comfortably, and often more affordably. With fewer crowds and cooler days ahead, spring and autumn might just become your favourite time to pack your bags.