Holidays in April are all about islands, be those Mauritius, the Seychelles, Fiji, French Polynesia or last but far from least Japan, which is completely à point at this time of year as the fabled blossom season sweeps northwards through the islands.

On the other side of the Pacific, stay closer to home and enjoy the April music festivals in California, Nashville and New Orleans. This is also a great time of year to visit the Stateside National Parks, before the crowds kick in.

Finally, the Spaniards give the Brazilians a run for their partying money, and Seville during Feria is one enormous street party. The fun begins two weeks after Semana Santa (Easter) and involves a constant whirl of processions, bullfights, flamenco dancing and general over-consumption of sherry and tapas.