Nothing quite captures the joyous arrival of spring than cherry blossom season.

Ancient hanami (flower-watching) celebrations in Japan may be the first image that springs to mind when you think of this fleeting floral spectacle. However, there are plenty of destinations along the East and West coasts where you can view firsthand those puffs of flawless pink and white blossoms.

From Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin to the serene Japanese Garden of Portland’s Washington Park, sakura displays are accompanied by elaborate Japanese cultural events and traditions.

It’s a poignantly short window of opportunity — and Mother Nature is notoriously unpredictable — but you can expect peak blooms to occur in late March and early April, with slight variations from north to south.

The National Park Service forecasts peak bloom in Washington, D.C., between March 22 and 25, though (depending on the weather) you can expect to see blossoms both before and after those dates.

Here are eight of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S. this spring.

Washington, DC

The capital’s annual three-week National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 to April 16. More than 3,000 trees span fields and gardens within city limits, but the headline act unfolds at the Tidal Basin, where blossoms photogenically frame some of the nation’s most cherished landmarks. Over 1.5 million people converge on the city each year to witness the spectacle, so be prepared to jockey for a good viewing spot.

The festival is a pink petal extravaganza featuring elaborate parade floats, marching bands, a kite festival, celebrity entertainers and a “Pink Tie” ball. Along the banks of the Anacostia River, “Petalpalooza” on April 8 showcases local musicians and artists with live performances, art walks and installations, as well as family-centric activities and a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.

Celebrations culminate on April 15 and 16 with the Japanese Street Festival — the largest of its kind in the U.S. Along Pennsylvania Avenue (between Third and Seventh streets), you’ll find martial arts demos, J-pop, traditional food and beverage vendors and a Ginza Marketplace. A one-day pass is $10, and a two-day pass is $15.

If you want to see gorgeous blooms — and beat the crowds — head to the U.S. National Arboretum, about 30 minutes from downtown.

Macon, Georgia

One of the nation’s most extravagant and proudest cherry blossom displays occurs in Macon. It’s celebrated with a 10-day-long International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 17-26), which dates to 1982.

More than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom from mid-to-late March while the “pinkest party on Earth” features hundreds of events, including the Cherry Blossom Ball, wiener dog racing, tribute bands and dance parties.

Nashville

Nashville might be better known for its country music scene, but it also plays host to the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival on April 15. It features a 2 1/2-mile Cherry Blossom Walk, which begins in Nashville Public Square. There are also children’s activities, martial arts, sumo suit wrestling, a “Pups in Pink” parade, traditional Japanese music, dancing and purveyors of Japanese specialty fare.

The city’s passion for cherry blossoms dates to 2008 when the Japanese Consulate-General for South-Central U.S. transferred from New Orleans to Nashville and donated 1,000 cherry blossom trees.

Fairmount Park, Philadephia

Philly’s Fairmount Park is home to over 1,600 sakura trees, which were donated to Philadelphia by the people of Japan in 1926 as a gift to mark 150 years of American independence.

Held April 15 and 16, the family-friendly Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia draws over 17,000 visitors over two days. It features kimono dressing, origami tutorials, sushi-making classes, martial arts, taiko drumming, live music performances and a traditional tea ceremony.

Japantown, San Francisco

You’ll find cherry blossom trees throughout San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and cascading photogenically over the bridges and jewel box tea house of its beloved Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. (it dates to 1894).

Spring’s top event is the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the Japantown neighborhood and second only to Washington, D.C.’s in size, drawing more than 220,000 people over the first two weekends in April.

Cultural activities include taiko drum performances, bonsai displays, tea ceremonies, doll making, flower arranging, a Japanese food bazaar with a beer garden, a dedicated Children’s Village and traditional art vendors and workshops. Most events take place on Post Street.

Seattle

The Emerald City ushers in the spring season with a three-day celebration of Japanese culture along with cherry blossom viewing at a handful of locations across the city. Across the Pacific Northwest, cherry blossom season generally peaks the third week in March.

The largest and oldest festival of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival dates to 1976 when then-Prime Minister Takeo Miki of Japan donated 1,000 cherry trees in honor of the U.S.’s bicentennial. Held April 14-16, cultural events include traditional music performances, silk threading, origami demonstrations, kibori wood carving, Japanese cuisine and games.

The best place to view the blossoms is at the Liberal Arts Quadrangle at the University of Washington, where 130 Yoshino cherry trees line the quad’s stately lawns and Gothic buildings. At Washington Park Arboretum, you’ll also find cherry trees along Azalea Way and alongside bridges and walkways in the Japanese Garden.

Portland, Oregon

The best place to see cherry blossoms in Portland is Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which fronts the Willamette River. More than 100 cherry trees bloom across the park’s northern recesses, adjacent to the Japanese American Historical Plaza, which commemorates the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were deported to internment camps during World War II.

In the hills of Portland’s Washington Park, the city’s beloved Japanese Garden is hailed as the nation’s most beautiful. It hosts a number of sell-out cultural workshops, including ikebana (flower arranging) and wine tastings.

At the end of March, cherry blossoms explode along serene walkways that lead visitors to pagodas, bridges, waterfalls and koi ponds. Reservations are recommended, and tickets cost $19.95 for adults. The striking Umami Cafe, designed to resemble Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera temple, is a lovely spot for traditional Japanese tea.

Brooklyn, New York

At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 26 cherry tree species fringe the green lawns of the Cherry Esplanade. One of the highlights of the season is the double-flowering Kanzan cherries, which generally bloom toward the end of April.

The Cherry Walk winds behind the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, one of the oldest and most visited Japanese-inspired gardens outside Japan. It’s dotted with traditional architectural elements, including a red wooden torii, ornate bridges, stone lanterns and a Shinto shrine.

“Cold weather might be a problem on any hiking trip at any time of year, not just in the dead of winter. Depending on your location and the area you’re hiking in, you may come across chilly weather at any time of year, which might make your journey uncomfortable or, worst yet, result in a significant injury or disease,” says Gayatri Mohanty.

Check the weather and trail conditions in advance

Being aware of the weather is one of the most essential winter hiking tips because it can affect the trail by covering it with new snow, which can be quite confusing while you are hiking. Knowing the weather conditions also makes it easier to avoid hiking when there are strong winds, chances of heavy snowfall, or poor visibility. It is therefore advisable to be aware of the anticipated temperatures and wind speed ahead. You can always hike safely in the snow if you follow our advice.

Maintain Constant Hydration

When trekking in the cold, always make sure you have an insulated bottle and a bottle sleeve with you. If you do this while hiking in bitterly cold weather, the water won’t freeze. If you forget to bring an insulated bottle on your trek or don’t have one, you can also use a spare sock or wrap the water bottle in a towel to keep it warm and insulated.

Carry the Proper Winter Hiking Equipment

If your upcoming trip includes hiking paths, you must pack the appropriate winter hiking equipment. When hiking, wearing the appropriate shoes, bag, jacket, and even jeans can make a big impact. The most important thing to remember when trekking in the snow is to keep yourself warm. You can begin by donning a base layer, followed by a fleece jacket that serves as your intermediate layer, and finally a jacket or down jacket that will aid in insulation and safeguard your body from the cold. Softshell trousers are typically advised when trekking in the winter because they are great at maintaining body heat at all times and shielding you from severe winds and snow.

Pack extra equipment

A fire starter, first aid kit, pocket knife, emergency blanket, waterproof matches, and a waterproof backpack are a few other items you can bring with you on your trek. Bringing an extra kit on your hike will always come in handy and be beneficial for surviving in adverse weather. When you are trekking in snow, all of these things will make a huge impact. Since trekking in snow can be slick and slushy when the snow is melting, they also give you protection and a better grip on the snow.

For your winter hike, bring snacks

During your hikes, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated and energised at all times. Your body often needs twice as many calories to stay warm and hydrated while trekking in the winter as it does at other times of the year. In order to keep energised at all times, be sure to pack yourself some meals that are both very nutritional and protein-rich. Organic pumpkin seeds, granola bars, protein bars, and even your own homemade trail mix are all suitable for carrying as cold-weather snacks.

Consistently keep your feet warm

While snowshoeing, it’s crucial to keep your feet warm. Make sure you include several pairs of wool-based hiking socks that will keep moisture off of your damp skin. In the event that it gets wet while you’re hiking, it dries rapidly and also aids in heat insulation. When trekking, snow is kept off of your feet at all times by donning hiking boots that go up to the ankle. A pair of gaiters, which save your feet from getting buried in the snow, is another item you can get. As you’ll be spending a lot of time in your boots during your winter excursions, it’s ideal to wear comfy ones.

Hike during the daytime

When we hike on our trails in the summer, we often try to stay out of the sun. In contrast, hiking in the winter is completely different. To feel the warmth of the sun in the chilly months, we would basically do anything. You’ll be able to stay warm and have a better time hiking if you plan your hikes for when the sun is out and blazing brightly in the sky. Due to the drop in temperature in the evening, it is also recommended that you schedule your hikes so that you begin early and finish before the sun sets.

Going on vacation and taking a break from your hectic life can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Know from an expert, how taking regular vacations helps in keeping one mentally healthy.

With our busy social lives and today’s high-stress environment, it could be difficult to find time for a vacation. Travel has a significant connection to brain health and provides a number of cognitive benefits when you step outside your comfort zone and interact with new people and settings. People tend to become more reflective and introspective when they travel, possibly to the point where they reassess their priorities and goals. Therefore, going on vacation and taking a break from your busy schedule can make a big difference in your overall physical and mental health.

Ekta Mohanani Kamra, Travelling Enthusiast and Founder of Hop and Bop, shared some amazing benefits of taking regular vacations for your mental health.

1. Vacations reduce stress

One of the main factors that cause mental and physical sickness is stress, but you may actively combat this by travelling more. You can relax and recharge on vacations by taking your mind off of your regular activities. Travelling makes the stressors in your daily life seem far away, which makes them easier to understand when you go home.

2. Makes one resilient

We all understand that vacations aren’t always easygoing because of unforeseen costs, flight delays, and logistical difficulties. Although at first, this could seem frustrating, the uncertainty of travel adds to its exhilaration, and these challenges help you become more resilient.

3. Vacations help one connect with others

Many of us form close bonds with the familiar social networks we have at our homes, families, and places of employment. However, when you travel, you eventually come across strangers who may not appear, sound, or behave like you or the members of your usual social circle. We have fantastic opportunities to learn about various cultures and ways of life while on vacation.

4. Helps achieve peace of mind

Your cure is to travel! Travelling can make you disengaged from your daily routine. Once you quit the repetitive pattern, pack your things, and depart, your mind might reset. Through travelling to new places, meeting new people, and overcoming challenges, you could even come to value what you have left behind. It can help you take a moment to think about the things and people you miss. You can think back on all the good things that have happened to you and get a new perspective on your life.

5. Enhance your creativity

The fact that travelling forces you to step outside of your comfort zone is one of its biggest advantages. Everything appears new and fresh when travelling, especially if you are going to a place you have never been before.

6. Improves cognition

Travel improves cognition by providing the brain with unique experiences. You need the ingenuity to find a solution when you run into fresh challenges. The result is that the brain creates fresh neural connections that result in unique cognition.

In general, being able to travel is a true blessing. Many people lack the opportunity to do it. Those that get the chance experience excitement in their lives and gain new knowledge as a result. No matter how enjoyable or unpleasant your travel experience is, it will definitely teach you some valuable lessons about life.

Travelling has two sides. On one hand, it proves to be enriching and fulfilling for the mind and body, while on the other hand, it can be stressful. Sudden changes in environment, diet, and lifestyle, while travelling can lead to digestive issues and improper bowel movements.

Difficulty in moving bowels while travelling can immediately bring a fun trip to a halt. However, due to changes in place and time, it is entirely common for our bodies to take time and adapt to new surroundings.

Hence, we may face issues of constipation till our bodies adapt to the changing environment. But thankfully, with the proper introduction of a few changes in diet and lifestyle, you can keep your gut healthy while you are on the go.

So, to keep yourself from dealing with digestive issues, consider the following expert tips:

Handwash

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or sanitiser before you sit to eat at a restaurant. The change in habit will help you avoid spreading germs and illnesses. Keep a sanitiser handy.

Drink adequate water

Drink as much water as possible. Whether you travel by car, plane, or any other mode, as we move around, our bodies get weak and dehydrated, so drinking water while vacationing is a must.

Choose high-fibre food

To maintain your bowel movements, eat lots of fibre. The best sources to include in your diet while travelling is fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans.

Best time for bowel movement

To move bowels, go to the washroom at a particular time in the day, preferably right in the morning after you wake up. If you do so, your body will get used to it and make it a daily habit.

Pick your beverage wisely

Avoid overconsumption of drinks, which are high in sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Such drinks can irritate the GI system, especially for those with a sensitive stomach.