Finding Flowers!
Flora and Flora
There’s nothing quite like the ethereal wonder of witnessing nature spring into color with a breathtaking floral display. From the delicate cherry blossoms of Japan to the vibrant tulip carpets of the Netherlands, flower blooms bring a transformative, energetic vibrancy to adventures both domestic and abroad that give us a front row seat to some of mother nature’s greatest works of art. If you’re a nature lover, a travel enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the seasons, keep reading to learn more about some of the most stunning floral destinations around the world.
Delicate Cherry Blossoms of Japan
Japan is well known for its gorgeous displays of cherry blossoms. With over 600 varieties of cherry trees, the colors of these stunning flowers range from soft to deep pink, or even yellow or green in less common variations. Planning for a trip to see the bloom in full effect must be planned on a tight schedule, because these short-lived beauties only bloom for about one to two weeks starting in Okinawa around January to February, move north peaking in Kyoto around late to early March, and wrap up their final bloom in Hokkaido in May. You can appreciate the views of this iconic beauty by paying a visit to one of Japan’s famous viewing spots including Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Mount Yoshino in Nara.
Here one moment and gone the next, their short bloom is held close to the heart of Japanese culture, and serves as a symbol featured in Japanese art, poetry, and literature representing the beauty of fleeting moments.
Book one of Go Next’s trips to Japan to participate in the centuries-old, beloved tradition of experiencing the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Brilliant Tulip Fields of the Netherlands
The tulips in the Netherlands are world-famous for their vibrant colors, vast fields, and cultural significance. They come in almost every color imaginable, from bright reds, yellows, and oranges to soft pastels and even deep purples or black. The Dutch countryside, especially in regions like Lisse, Noordoostpolder, and the Bollenstreek, burst into a rainbow of brilliant color across the tulip fields every spring. The sight of rows upon rows of tulips stretching to the horizon is breathtaking, especially at Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s most famous tulip park.
Like cherry blossoms, these showstoppers have a short but stunning bloom season—blooming from mid-March to early May, with peak season typically in April. Their short blooming period makes them a seasonal spectacle that visitors from around the world come to see.
The Netherlands has been famous for tulips since the Dutch Golden Age when “Tulip Mania” caused some tulips to be worth more than houses! These vibrant flowers remain an important symbol of Dutch identity and are celebrated with festivals like the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam.
The mild climate of their motherland in the Netherlands, in addition to its rich, sandy soil and flat landscape create the ideal environment for growing tulips. The country exports billions of tulip bulbs worldwide every year, making it the global leader in the tulip trade.
See their bloom during peak tulip season with us on one of our upcoming cruises to the Netherlands.
Sweet Magnolias of the American South
The South is known for its “go big or go home” mentality, whether it’s in food, hospitality, or traditions. Its beloved, iconic flower is no exception. Southern magnolia flowers are huge, often measuring 6–12 inches across. Their creamy white petals contrast beautifully with the tree’s dark green leaves. Some varieties, like the Saucer Magnolia, have pink or purple-tinted blossoms.
Magnolia blossoms have a rich, lemony-sweet fragrance that fills the air, especially in spring and summer. Their scent is often associated with Southern nostalgia and romance. Unlike many flowering trees, Southern magnolias are evergreen, meaning their glossy, dark green leaves stay on year-round.
Magnolias hold significant cultural and historical meaning to the South, and represent strength, dignity, and perseverance—qualities deeply tied to Southern heritage. The trees bearing these flowers can, in some instances, live for over a century and are undeniably tough, thriving in the humid, hot Southern climate. See what makes magnolias the golden child of the American South with Go Next on one of our Southern adventures. Book today.
From the fleeting cherry blossoms of Japan, the endless tulip fields of the Netherlands, and the timeless magnolias of the Deep South, you’ll discover that flowers are more than just beautiful—they tell stories of culture, history, and the ever-changing seasons of life. Book your journey with Go Next and witness these blooms in full splendor!