Spring is firmly marked in our calendar as a time for vacation trips. In recent years, we have especially taken advantage of April to embark on exciting road trips. Last year, for instance, we went on a truly wonderful road trip through Scotland. The stunning Highlands, the Isle of Skye, and charming cities like Edinburgh completely captivated us.
Before that, we explored Campania, including Naples, the Amalfi Coast, the dreamy island of Ischia, and Pompeii. It was a delightful mix of culture, the bustling energy of a big city, and natural beauty. Going even further back, our spring travels took us to Morocco, Florida, the East Coast of the USA with New York, and the Canary Islands.
What Mattered to Us: Sun, Safety, and an Exciting Road Trip
This year, we had a particularly hard time deciding on a destination for April. Several factors were important to us. We wanted to fly directly to a warm destination and ensure that we could enjoy swimming as well. In previous years, we had great road trips in Scotland and Campania, but the weather wasn’t warm enough for a beach experience in April.
Additionally, the region needed to be suitable for a road trip and offer reasonably safe conditions. Destinations in conflict zones were not an option for us.
Our Thoughts on California and Vietnam for Our Vacation in April
Initially, we considered Vietnam and California as potential destinations. However, we quickly realized that while the weather in California would be pleasant, it would definitely be too cool for swimming. Additionally, the high hotel prices* were another factor that made us hesitate.
Vietnam seemed promising at first, as the weather would have been warm enough. However, the country is not ideal for a road trip. The distances between key attractions are vast, and driving there is said to be quite challenging.
Chaotic traffic alone wouldn’t have discouraged us, but the combination of heavy traffic and long distances led us to rule out Vietnam for now. That’s not to say we won’t visit the country in the future, and the same goes for California. Both regions remain very exciting to us.
Other Potential Road Trip Destinations for a Warm Vacation in April That We Considered
While searching for a suitable destination for a road trip in April, we explored several other options.
The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Morocco, and Mexico, unfortunately, were not viable, as we had already visited these destinations.
Israel and Jordan were excluded due to the uncertain political situation in these regions.
Sri Lanka and the Seychelles would have been beautiful destinations, but the distance was simply too great for us this time.
Instead, we considered alternatives like Malta, Madeira, Crete, Sardinia, and the United Arab Emirates. After comparing these options, the UAE stood out as the destination that seemed to meet all our requirements.
Why We Chose the United Arab Emirates for Our Vacation in April
The United Arab Emirates offered the perfect combination of warm sea temperatures, excellent infrastructure for a road trip, and relatively short flight times. We were especially drawn to the opportunity to combine desert landscapes, modern cities, and beautiful beaches in one trip. The sea in April is pleasantly warm, and the conditions for self-driving are outstanding.
We haven’t finalized our route yet, but Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Al Ain will certainly be part of it.
We are excited to explore the diverse facets of this country, experiencing both relaxation and adventure along the way. For us, spring is officially planned!
