Blog With Gigi

While you might still be enjoying the beauty of winter and its gazillion fun activities, you may also be wondering where you should spend your summer vacations. What about a famous continental big city like New York or Chicago, or a more western typical destination like the Grand Canyon or Sedona?

Well, you better think again, cause summer isn’t the best season to visit these amazing places, and it’s not only the heat! The most touristic destinations are ovecrowded in summer, as domestic and international tourists swarm these American landmarks during the warm season. You should definitely plan a trip in springtime. Why? Well, let me guide you through these exceptional places and tell you exactly what to expect in the beautiful spring season there!

New York City

The city that never sleeps is one of the most incredible and well-known city to visit. I’ve called it my home for more than 12 years. Being a “local” for this long, I could really appreciate all that the Big Apple has to offer, so trust me when I’m telling you that summer isn’t the most enjoyable time to experience it. The summer months are really hot and humid, and the streets are too often reeking of the foul-smelling rotten trash people put out on the sidewalks. So here are my takes on why a spring trip to NYC is a smart choice:

• Even if NYC is always full of tourists, they are less enclined to visit in spring, so the famous places are more accessible during that time of year (Lady Liberty, Staten Island, Empire State Building…).
• The weather is mostly clear with a light breeze, the temperatures are in the 60’s 70’s F°. The air is fresh, and there’s no need of heat or AC.
• Flowers are in bloom everywhere! The city does it’s best to be beautiful, and it works. The parks are gorgeous and colorful, and yes, way less crowded than they’ll become in summer.
• As the usually harsh winter comes to an end, people tend to be happier and the general atmosphere is really good.
• People can eat out again, as terrasses, rooftops and picnic areas are enjoyable again. Nightlife parties are a thing again, mostly on rooftops.
• It’s the perfect season to visit NYC by foot, by far the best way ever to experience this cosmopolite city. Put on some good comfy shoes and walk around the different neighborhoods to see for yourself what New York City is all about!

So go ahead, visit New York City and beat the crowd, it is really worth it! The best months to go are April and May.

Grand Canyon National Park

I’ve been to this worldwide favorite landmark more than 5 times already, and at different moments of the year. If you really want to avoid the huge flow of tourists this unique place attracts year in and year out, then winter is the right choice. However, it can be really cold and windy. If you want to enjoy the beauty of this jewel of nature more comfortably, settling for springtime might be the best move. Here’s what to expect then:

• If more people go visit the Grand Canyon than in winter, spring is still a less crowded period of time. However, avoid school breaks if you can, as it gets so crowded that you will probably wait in lines to visit or even enter the park itself. Go when it’s not spring breaks, and even on week days rather than week-ends.
• It is the better time for hiking, as the cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable.
• Depending on what section of the park you want to go, the weather can be quit different in spring, so it won’t always be accessible. You should inquire about the open sections when planning your visit.
• SOUTH RIM: the spring season there is from March to May, with temperatures in the 60s during the day, and low 30s at night.
• NORTH RIM: opens only mid-may, due to heavy snow coverage. The temperatures are lower there, ranging from 30 to 60 F° in the daytime.
• WEST RIM: the warmer part of the park, with comfy 50’s to 80’s F° temperatures. It is only a 4-hour drive from Las Vegas!

Chicago, IL

I was a Chicagoan for 6 years, and believe me, if this city’s nickname is The Windy City, there is a hell of a good reason why! I’ve lived the worst winters while living there, with temperatures below freezing levels, bitterly cold winds, heavy snow drops, icy roads and sidewalks being the norm. So when spring showed up, it was a more than welcome blessing. Here’s why:

• You can enjoy a mostly crowd-free lakefront, as the tourists are not there en mass yet.
• Summers can get really hot and humid, even worst than in NYC. So, between the freezing and windy weather on one hand, and the tropical-like one on the other, springtime is a real treat to enjoy the place!
• The famous Chicago Botanic Garden is in bloom, without a doubt the best time of year to have a look!
• Nothing like St-Patrick’s day in Chicago…
• Baseball is a must-see event in Windy City! Famous for its Cubs team, this season’s opening day is March 30th as they host the Milwaukee Brewers at famous Wrigley Field. Opening day is always special, book early! More of a ChiSox fan? Check the White Sox (and other teams) schedule here! You can book most games directly through the schedule of the MLB page!

Sedona, AZ

Another very popular destination, people are rightfully attracted by its vortexes, the red rock formations, the amazing hiking trails, the spas or the numerous jeep tours around the desert and the mountains. Why choosing springtime to go there?

• It’s the perfect time to enjoy the wonderful hikes, with temperatures between the 60’s and the 70’s F°.
• The contrast with the land and the new plants is strikingly phenomenal, as the flowers will be in full bloom.
• Sedona is a great place for stargazing. To enjoy longer nights, try to go before or not too far from the vernal equinox, around march 20.

The best time to visit Sedona is between March and May.

Santa Fe, NM

The capital city of the Land of Enchantment, founded more than 400 years ago by Pedro De Peralta, Santa Fe is a favorite tourist destination. Its downtown is an attraction by itself, with its square market and its adobe architecture. It’s a real time travel experience! On top of that, the destination offers a lot of kids friendly adventures!

• You can enjoy the warm weather and still ski
• If you go there before mid Arpil, you can ski in Taos, just 70 miles away!
• If you go later on, you can attend the Taos Lilac Festival
• It’s a great time to visit the pueblos near Santa Fe. Make sure you check in advance for the visit time though.

New Orleans, NC

Often listed in the top ten most visited cities in the U.S., New Orleans has tons to offer. A spring visit there will not necessarily means that it will be less crowded, but the weather will definitely be cooler and less humid, meaning your visits to historic plantations and bayous around the city will be way more comfortable. You will enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this jewel city nestled along the Mississipi River even more in March-April. Here are a few reasons why:

• If you avoid Spring Break, you will enjoy a less crowded visit in famous places such as the French Quarter, Bourbon Street… than you would in summer.
• You will have less mosquitos while visiting the bayous… which is always nice!
• New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is held April 28th to May 7th… you won’t want to miss this! Everything you need to know about this amazing event (line-up, booking, facilities, accommodations…) on nojazzfest.com

Any desert area in a well-known park

There are plenty of national or state parks in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California or Colorado that are just too hot and too crowded to really enjoy in summer, and that you should visit in springtime. You can contact me at USAWITHGIGI.COM to find out more, and to find the best destination according to your likings and style. We can plan weekend getaways, week getaways or whatever you need, with or without kids!

These are but a few well-known touristic destinations you want to visit in spring. For more destinations ideas or infos, find me at USAWITHGIGI.COM!