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A common misconception is that the United Kingdom (UK) and the sun don’t often belong in the same sentence.

Full disclosure: every time I write a UK-based article (including this one), it takes extra time to find sunny photos that fit the theme.

Don’t worry, though. I sweat it out and found some goodies, so you know we’re not full of you know what…

In fact, our local source claims this easy getaway from London encounters “low rainfall and the ‘highest spring sunshine hours’. It’s home to its waterfront that glistens in the sunshine, where there are cafés and bars to enjoy a drink or lunch al fresco”.

I’m sold, aren’t you?

The bottom line is, we at Travel Off Path have found the UK’s springtime unicorn — and it’s under 1 hour by train from London, making it more than worthwhile to check out, even for a day trip.

Ipswich: The UK’s Sunny Hideaway

Long gone are the everyday gray skies that the UK is, fair or not, commonly known for across the globe.

Ipswich may not be the cure for winter blues, but it’s the poster child for spring in Suffolk.

It’s one rare place in England where you can leave your umbrella behind, freeing up a hand to take more pics of this surprisingly gorgeous hidden gem.

There are so many day trips or weekend escapes to launch from London, but this one is a true local secret that guidebooks and AI miss the mark.

Straddling at least 3 scenic bodies of water across town (Ostrich Creek, River Orwell, and Neptune Marina), it’s practically calling visitors and residents alike to enjoy the outdoors.

While many Americans are beginning to set off for spring break, Ipswich is better suited as a late spring getaway, when average temperatures hover in the 60s and you can soak up the sunshine over tea, a proper pint, or by deciding for yourself whether British cuisine deserves its bad rap — all from one of the many cafe and restaurant patios dotting the town’s storied streets.

Ipswich Is Woolly Cool

You may have heard of a startup in Austin, TX, striving to revive extinct species, such as woolly mammoths.

To that gargantuan task, we tip our hats and say good luck.

However, well-preserved mammoth remains were discovered in the city of Ipswich actually in the 1970s, and this is only scratching the surface for the surprising attractions you’ll find in this virtually unheard-of town.

Once it reopens at an undisclosed date in 2026, you can find a full-size wooly mammoth on display in a new gallery at Ipswich Museum.

‘Til then, you’re not exactly settling for the city’s other attractions, especially for what’s likely to be a short add-on to your London vacay.

A great place to scope out the sights is Christchurch Park, a popular Ipswich gathering spot since the late 1800’s.

That’s not to be confused with the Christchurch Mansion within the park grounds, except it’s approximately 300 years older (and free to enter).

Of course, “when in Rome”, it’s all but obligatory to hit up a local pub. Ipswich is teeming with some true classics.

Our pick is The Spread Eagle. Oddly enough, the most vulnerable position to find yourself in is the only place you want to be here as they pour a great selection of incredibly cheap local brews compared to London.

Overall, Ipswich is one of the UK’s most underrated getaways for a weekend or day trip away from the city grind.

How To Get Here From London

As you navigate London endlessly on “The Tube”, you can get away from hordes of crowds and touristy prices altogether with one slick move:

A ride aboard Greater Anglia’s “fast” train from London Liverpool Street.

The fastest train takes just 58 minutes, while the longest takes around 90 minutes.

No transfer is needed — this is a direct route to make your trip even more seamless.

While it’s always best to plan ahead, you can buy tickets directly from the station.

Though short, Greater Anglia does offer wifi on all train routes, so you can bookmark this article and read it again to refresh your mind before you arrive!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Whenever the urge for a Caribbean getaway strikes, one thing’s guaranteed: blazing sunshine, soft sand, and turquoise waters all year long.

Not to do our best Al Roker impression, but some destinations really are sunnier than others this time of year — and just a few extra degrees can make a big difference for your tan… or that crazy aunt who somehow sunburns no matter what.

The expert team at Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) released an insightful report for those of us scoping out April vacation spots, no matter if it’s a splendid paradise island or one of many hotspots lining the Mexican Caribbean shoreline.

At Travel Off Path, we strive to take the guesswork out of planning and spotlight the destinations that shine brightest — this time, literally.

As such, these are the Caribbean’s warmest and sunniest beach destinations for April, starting in the 80s and into the 90s:

Aruba (Average Temp: 88°) 🇦🇼

Aruba may have its own flag, but hey, so does Slowjamastan. In reality, Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island nation lying outside the hurricane belt.

April is one of the best times of year to visit for that very reason, in addition to being just far enough away to avoid a majority of rowdy spring break travelers.

The sun is always shining in Aruba, creating a postcard-worthy masterpiece as your daily backdrop. With stunners like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, there’s no shortage of beach days worth bragging about.

Not only is it gorgeous year-round (especially in spring), it’s also one of the Caribbean’s safest vacation destinations.

After the unexpected chaos in Mexico recently, it’s safe to say travelers are prioritizing their well-being when booking international escapes.

For peace of mind, our audience backs up safety data with their own real-time take, giving Aruba a current safety score of 90/100 on our very own Traveler Safety Index tool.

Cancun (Average Temp 88°) 🇲🇽

Take it from someone (me!) who just got back home from Cancun — this is primetime to visit Americans’ favorite beach getaway.

It’s in the Goldilocks zone of being not too hot, not too cold, but just right for bathwater swims with minimal seaweed, all-day pool lounging, and endless margaritas at your all-inclusive of choice.

While you will begin to see an influx of every possible traveler from here on out, Cancun is arguably Mexico’s most reliable escape for Vitamin D and stress-free vacays..

Just like Aruba, Cancun continues to be one of Mexico’s safest vacation spots too. I was here during the raucous of Puerto Vallarta and the likes and never once felt sketched out given the heavy police presence in all the right places.

Cancun is currently one of the highest-rated destinations on Earth on our Travel Safety Index, matching Aruba with an impressive score of 90/100 as of this writing.

Travel tip: Keep in mind, a new report does call out Cancun as an inevitable hotspot for sargassum this spring.

Turks & Caicos (Average Temp: 91°F) 🇹🇨

If you want to visit the Caribbean you’ve seen flash across your screensaver, there’s arguably no place more pristine than Turks & Caicos, hence many ‘one-percenters’ opt to vacation here…and stash their cash as a tax haven.

Oops. Did I say the quiet part out loud?

This dynamic duo of islands offers powder-white beaches, incomparable shades of turquoise, and luxe resorts often without crowds, given the high price tag — the one negative mark that deters tourists.

That said, the old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true here with various posh amenities such as the island’s glitzy yacht culture.

Turks & Caicos is another of the Caribbean’s safest paradises, scoring an 85 just a touch below the aforementioned Aruba and Cancun.

Barbados (Average Temp: 91°F) 🇧🇧

As Jamaica is still in the midst of recovering from the hurricane aftermath, there’s arguably no better alternative mixing culture, island vibes, and everlasting sunshine.

Take it from Barbados’ most iconic native Rihanna and lounge beachside under your very own umbrella-ella-ella.

I admit that one was too easy…

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the island’s Atlantic or Caribbean side; the sun is beaming, and the shoreline is picture-perfect with otherworldly pink-sand coves and paradisal swaying palms.

Barbados may not be quite as well known as the others, but it is peak season right now for cruisers, and those wanting to escape the crowds of Punta Cana or don’t want to risk disappointment in Jamaica.

It’s also considered very safe, but travelers are rating it the lowest of all 4 destinations we revealed today.

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We’re less than 2 months away from spring at this point, but if you think that’s far too early to start planning your next Eurotrip, not every place across the pond is as rainy and damp as London well into July, mi amigo.

Costa del Sol is possibly the warmest destination in mainland Europe, and trust me when I say, if I were you, I wouldn’t touch it in summer with a ten-foot pole.

This coastal region in the South of Spain boasts summer-like temps as early as early April. I’m talking daytime highs of 73–75 °F, so unless you can run into the next AC-cooled room every 200 meters, I’d strongly suggest steering clear in July/August.

Now, if you’ve officially had it with the bleak weather and soul-sucking suburbia views back home, and you’re itching for an adventure bigger than, hem, a Caribbean all-inclusive, here are 5 incredible Costa del Sol spots to visit in spring for those Old World, Mediterranean vibes—without the usual buzzing crowds.

PLUS: I’ve built a quiz for you at the end of the article to find your perfect match, so stick around!

Marbella

There’s no bringing up the aptly-named Costa Del Sol without its sun-drenched darling Marbella: compact, pretty, and boasting a lively social scene, it’s the glamorous end of Andalusia, and the tourist trap you won’t mind splurging your hard-earned dollars on:

Perhaps not as traditional or quaint as the odd culture buff might expect, but sometimes, all you need is a stress-free long weekend, with plenty of tapas and sangria overlooking a yacht-packed harbor, and a postcard-ready, golden Playa de la Fontanilla.

My favorite part of Marbella, however, has to be Casco Antiguo, its walkable, timeless Old Town. From the orange-tree-dotted Plaza de los Naranjos, to the magnificent Baroque Iglesia de la Encarnación, and every pedestrian-friendly alley between them, you can cover all bases in a single afternoon.

By the way, you’re craving that Iberian jamón and ice-cold beer, preferably in a quintessentially-Spanish taverns, Taberna La Niña del Pisto is that cozy Old Town spot hiding in plain sight only locals seem to know about.

Nerja

One of those laid-back resort towns you either briefly drive past on your way somewhere, or you drop your bags and linger for a long, idyllic weekend, Nerja is where I typically go for sunset walks, hidden coves with only a small fraction of the Marbella crowds, and ‘chiringuito’ aperitifs.

A ‘chiringuito’ is a street-corner Andalusan bar serving cheap tinto de verano and grilled fish. If you ask me, the absolute best chiringuito in town is not the overpriced Chiriguinto Mauri, nor Ayo on Burriana, but Chiriguinto El Molino, set against dramatic coastal cliffs a 10 min drive east of town.

Speaking of beaches, the aforementioned Playa de Burriana is a long, scenic sandy stretch wedged between your usual zero-frills beach bars and an azure sea, and it’s all the R&R you need after a full day of sightseeing along the coast.

The town is also home to Balcón de Europa, or Europe’s Balcony, a cliffside lookout offering breathtaking views of Costa Del Sol and an open Mediterranean, and if you’re staying overnight, make sure you check out the Cuevas de Nerja, a system of prehistoric slactite caves covered in ancient paintings.

Frigiliana

A short drive 10 min drive inland from Nerja, nestled up in the verdant Andalusian hills, Frigiliana is, in my book, the prettiest of Costa Del Sol’s Pueblos Blancos, and an absolute must-see if you’re beach-hopping in the region in spring… even though, mind you, it’s not on the beach.

Not only does it boast a beautiful architectural ensemble—picture a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with white houses and front porches decked out with elaborate flower pots—but it also holds a fascinating, yet largely unexplored history.

It just happens to be one of the best-preserved Moorish towns in the region (as in, Islamic-era Spain). The adorable ‘Barribarto’, a medieval core with its stone steps and winding alleys, is effectively a portal back in the time, and don’t get me started on all the picturesque plazas.

Every corner here is insanely photogenic, so my recommendation to you is that you simply get lost in the streets, take your time savoring some pitch-black coffee and dates in a café terrace, and take in the sights.

Estepona

The sweet spot between a bustling resort town with all the necessary amenities, and a laid-back coastal retreat that still feels lived-in and local-frequented, Estepona is the perfect alternative to a much-busier Marbella to the east.

They may be separated by a mere 30 miles, but the Casco Antiguo on this has the kind of whitewashed townhouses that have not been fully converted into seasonal rentals, with well-tended flowerpot-adorned windows, and those café-bordered plazas that never feel suffocatingly-busy.

The main highlight here is the beautiful wall art scattered throughout town, with unique artistic interventions that breathe even more life into the otherwise-monochromatic townscape. What can I say? I’m not immune to the Insta-worthy corners myself.

Oh, this is Costa Del Sol, after all. Of course the town is equipped with a long promenade, running parallel to a beautiful sandy beach, and seafood here doesn’t disappoint, I’ll tell you that much—for a life-changing arroz caldoso, pop by Restaurante El Pescador right on the waterfront.

San Luis de Sabinillas

On the quieter end of Costa Del Sol, with far fewer tourists than Marbella or Estepona, San Luis de Sabinillas has that authentically-Andalusian, low-key vibe you might be seeking towards the end of your holiday.

It’s not overbuilt, far from being flashy, and when locals smile at you, you know they’re warm and genuine. The main beach, named after the town itself, is one of my go-to spots for soaking up the sun when in Costa Del Sol: wide, extensive, and hugged by warm, shallow waters.

You’re far more likely to hear more Spanish being spoken than English or German, too, which believe it or not, is quite rare ’round these ends, and for the wine lovers like me, the coastal roads leading to San Luis are peppered with vineyards right by the sea.

Stop by Nilva Enoturismo and sample their award-winning Moscatel de de Alejandría, grown right on the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, or if you’re short on time, just hit one of the many chiringuitos—you know the word—on Paseo Marítimo, the palm tree-dotted boulevard running along the ocean.

Fly Nonstop To Costa Del Sol From The U.S. This Spring

I saved the best for last.

Unlike most European hidden gems that are multi-stop flights and long train journeys away, you no longer need to touch down in either Madrid or Barcelona, than travel all those hundreds of miles overland to reach Spain’s sunniest coast.

Starting April 30, 2026, Americans will be able to fly nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Málaga (AGP), the largest city on the coast, and the gateway to the paradisiacal beaches and those magical pueblos blancos:

Airline	Flight	Days of week	Departure (EWR)	Arrival (AGP)	Flight time	Average roundtrip fare (USD)
United Airlines	UA350	Daily seasonal (May–Sep)	5:55 pm	07:35 am +1	7h40m	$1,000–$1,400
Lufthansa (codeshare)	LH8851		5:55 pm	07:35 am +1	7h40m	Similar to UA350

Seeing you’ll already in Andalusia, why not take a little detour inland?

The incredible Seville, Andalusia’s inland capital, is only 2h by train from Costa Del Sol, and if you’re basing yourself in Málaga, you can even take day trips to the castle town of Granada (1h), or the ancient Ronda, with an iconic bridge spanning a deep gorge.

So which one is perfect for you? This quiz will tell you

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With its year-round warmer temps, laid-back culture, amazing food, and of course, easily-obtained expat visas that make it that much simpler for Americans to relocate, it’s hardly a shocker that Portugal is Europe’s top digital nomad country right now.

Croatia may have been the first EU nation to launch a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), all the way back in the pandemic, and Albania may be the darling of bureaucracy-wary young entrepreneurs, but they were never a match for the Iberian gem.

At least that’s what a new research report concluded, with Portugal placed at the helm of Europe’s digital nomad scene—ahead even of community darling Spain.

Portugal’s Top 3 Digital Nomad Hubs

This is largely due to the near-perfect balance of accessibility and infrastructure it offers: its one-year, renewable DNV has an arguably fair application fee, and the monthly income requirement of €3,280 (roughly $3,879) can be met by a majority of nomads.

That’s not exactly news, as Portugal has been on the expat radar for some years now, but the one thing that sparked our interest in this study is the fact that they’ve namedropped not just Lisbon, but two other emerging Portuguese hubs that recent arrivals have been flocking to.

Of course, the City of Seven Hills is a guaranteed feature, but if you’re curious about the full podium, here’s the wider top three:

Funchal

Madeira Island

The capital of Madeira, a digital nomad paradise we were lucky enough to experience ourselves through the Nomad Island Fest a couple of years ago, Funchal is your go-to spot if you thrive in subtropical climates, and you don’t actually mind missing out on the passing of the seasons.

Madeira, its parent island, sits on the African tectonic plate, hundreds of miles away from the European mainland, and when it comes to temperatures, let’s just say it isn’t nicknamed ‘Land of Eternal Spring’ for nothing.

Funchal in particular boasts a yearly average high of 72°F, with temperatures seldom dipping below 68°F. On top of that, the sun shines gloriously for around 250 days a year.

Think sun-drenched calçadas, colorful street markets with a surprising variety of homegrown fresh fruit, and a long oceanside promenade licked by the azure waves of the Atlantic.

Those are all good-enough reasons for most nomads to pick Funchal, but then, the city’s also home to a thriving expat community, which makes integration and socializing as a newcomer easier, and its plethora of laptop-friendly cafés and affordable living are equally big draws.

Cost Of Living In Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

Category	Average price range (USD)
Takeout meal / fast-food combo	$8.00–$10.50
Regular meal (inexpensive restaurant)	$15.00–17.00
3-course meal (mid-range eatery)	$50.00–$60.00
Average internet speed	90–95 Mbps
Monthly rent (downtown 1-bed, single)	$1,200–$1,500+
Monthly public transportation ticket	$32–$45

Porto

The cultural heart of Northern Portugal, Porto is a vibrant hub distinguished by its landmark, double-deck iron bridge, used by both pedestrians and regular traffic, and historic bairros.

In Ribeira, the most traditional of Porto’s districts, you’ll find a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful merchants’ houses dating back to the Middle Ages, and a number of Baroque, azulejo-clad churches with lavish interiors and gilded carvings.

Most of Porto’s tourism buzz takes place along the northern shore of the Douro River, including the stunning Romanesque Cathedral and the free-standing Clérigos Tower.

If you’re moving here, and you’re looking for some peace and quiet, within arm’s distance of the lively Old Town, but distant enough you can enjoy some wine and bifana at night without running into the usual British or German weekenders, try Vila Nova de Gaia:

Across the river from Ribeira, it’s where most locals themselves live, and it has a more lived-in feel, with quieter backstreets and authentic wine lodges.

Cost Of Living In Porto, Portugal

Category	Average price range (USD)
Takeout meal / fast-food combo	$8.00–$10.00
Regular meal (inexpensive restaurant)	$10.00–15.00
3-course meal (mid-range eatery)	$40.00–$50.00
Average internet speed	80–95 Mbps
Monthly rent (downtown 1-bed, single)	$1,000–$1,400
Monthly public transportation ticket	$35–$45

Lisbon

Portugal’s undisputed Digital Nomad Capital, as well as its actual capital, Lisbon, has been the sweetheart of American expats for at least half a decade at this point.

Granted, the opening of the Lisbon housing market to expats and digital nomads has led to a sudden gentrification decried by natives themselves, and it’s no longer the super-welcoming, ‘come one, come all’ sanctuary it once was, but it still packs quite the punch.

You just can’t beat waking up early in the morning for a run along the Tagus riverfront, with views of the imposing Belém Tower in the distance.

As a follow-up, a quick stop at one of the many riverside bakeries for a sneaky pastel de nata, or then, working from a patio on one of Lisbon’s many miradouros, with views over its red-tiled roofs, pastel-colored buildings, and the imposing Moorish castle up the hill.

Prices are rising, sure, and you’d better ditch the awkward Spanish brush-ups and learn some proper Portuguese if you don’t want to feel completely ostracized by Lisboenses, but there’s no denying that pretty, sunny Lisbon is still a top choice for remote working.

Cost Of Living In Lisbon, Portugal

Category	Average price range (USD)
Takeout meal / fast-food combo	$8.00–$11.00
Regular meal (inexpensive restaurant)	$12.00–18.00
3-course meal (mid-range eatery)	$45.00–$65.00
Average internet speed	85–100 Mbps
Monthly rent (downtown 1-bed, single)	$1,300–$1,700
Monthly public transportation ticket	$45–$55

Other Portuguese Cities For Your Consideration:

• Faro: the capital of the southern Algarve region, and a laid-back coastal city within short driving distance of beautiful golden-sand beaches
• Portimão: the ‘Miami of Portugal’, also in the Algarve, with high-rises lining a pristine beachfront and boasting a thriving social scene
• Coimbra: a historic university city in the north best known for its student life and youthful vibe—it’s also significantly cheaper than many of the mainline cities, with rent averaging $480–$750
• Braga: a ‘mini Porto’ of the sorts, dotted with regal Baroque palaces and home to a vibrant student population of its own
• Viseu, a calm inland city offering cobblestone streets, great cafés, and one of the lowest cost of living rates in the country