Spring and early summer travel tips: three dream destinations you must experience!

April: Osaka

Osaka completely transforms during cherry blossom season – a time known in Japan as "hanami." This spring celebration is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and the cherry blossoms bring out the beauty of the city and its charming parks at their best. One of the city’s most picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots is Osaka Castle, where the surrounding parks are filled with blooming cherry trees. Cherry blossom season in 2025 is expected to peak from the end of March to early April.

"I live in Venice, and half of my mother’s side of the family lives in the Osaka area, so we visit Japan every year. Last time, my sister and I flew from Venice to Osaka via Helsinki, and we got to use Finnair’s unaccompanied minor service. It was a pleasant experience. They even took us to visit the Moomin Coffee café at Helsinki Airport because my sister is a huge Moomin fan.

Osaka is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a vibrant metropolis where modern lifestyle meets traditional Japanese culture. The city is famous for its delicious food, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and its bustling shopping streets, like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. If you want a break from the city buzz, traditional spas (onsen) are the perfect escape.”

– Naoki, Finnair customer

May: Nice

In May, a lot is happening on the French Riviera – the Cannes Film Festival in mid-May transforms the entire atmosphere of the city. Although many events are reserved for invitees only, several film screenings are also open to the public. Additionally, the Nice Spring Festival (La Fete de Mai) will be held on every Sunday during May, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in nearby Monaco takes place 23-25 May, 2025. The Nice Spring Festival is a celebration of music and dance, while the Formula 1 Grand Prix is a thrilling event that attracts racing enthusiasts from around the world.

“Nice and the French Riviera are full of history, culture and stunning landscapes – a perfect destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. Nice’s unique atmosphere captivates all the senses: the seaside city offers beautiful beaches, charming streets and excellent restaurants to enjoy local delicacies. From Nice, it is easy to take a train to visit beautiful smaller towns for a day trip or even a couple of nights. The French Riviera is full of colourful and unique little towns brimming with art, culture and food.

I love the city of Nice, but I always head to Villefranche-sur-Mer by train to enjoy the cosy little street bars and restaurants and the historical locations tied to James Bond films and the Rolling Stones' recording studios. From there, I travel to Menton, the capital of lemons. All these places offer delicious seafood, friendly people, swimming, and of course, pétanque and pasta."

– Timo Arndal, Chief Information Security Officer

June: New York

June is a great time to visit New York, as the city has lively summer vibes. You can enjoy outdoor events such as free Shakespeare in the Park theatre performances or the SummerStage music festival. The famous New York Pride Parade will occur on 29 June, 2025. The New York Pride Parade is one of the largest in the world, with over 25,000 participants and 2-3 million followers each year.

“New York has something for everyone. New York is the perfect destination whether you want to see a Broadway musical or watch a major league sports game. Explore the city on foot and visit famous places you’ve seen in movies or TV shows. If you want to go shopping, head to 5th Avenue or one of the nearby outlets. New York has so much to see that you can visit it repeatedly.”

– Riku Kohvakka, Manager, Flight Planning