Spring vacation destinations are appealing to more than just the college crowd. Savvy travelers know that the shoulder season is one of the best times to travel, and value for your money and lack of crowds are two of the top reasons to research spring travel. This season is known for getting back outdoors after a long winter and enjoying the pleasures of nature. If you’re more of a city person, many of the best spring vacation spots are cities, where you can easily walk between major attractions and even enjoy the first picnics of the season. Whatever your motivation is for traveling in the spring, there are many offers that will help you save money in comparison to a summer trip.

There is another whole type of trip that is taken in the spring as well. Every year, college students research spring break vacation packages to blow off some steam in the middle of a busy semester. Warm weather getaways are usually the trip of choice, and all inclusive vacations from Mexico to the Caribbean and beyond all design packages to lure masses of college students. Although students will consider these to be the best spring vacation spots, families should avoid these trips at all costs. Partying, drinking, and late nights are the ingredients for this kind of trip. There are many spring vacation destinations families can enjoy without crowds of college students.

While there are travel agents and web sites that specialize in spring break vacation packages, there are also those that specialize in alternative forms of spring fun. Some of the top spring vacation destinations showcase Mother Nature, and allow families or groups of friends to reconnect with nature. The springtime is the perfect time to plan a hiking expedition, when the wildflowers are in bloom and trees are just coming back to life. Explore your local state park, go biking in the mountains, or rent a cabin on a lake where you can give fishing a try. From the Adirondacks to the Smoky Mountains to the Rockies, there are many national parks that are ideal for spring exploration.

The best spring vacation spots for cultural travelers might be a little different. Europe is very popular in the springtime, as the cold weather of winter gives way to sunny, longer days and the crowds still haven’t arrived. Cities such as Paris or London have a real buzz in the spring as locals come out of winter hibernation, and the coastline from Spain to Italy to Croatia begins to wake from their winter slumber. You might find locals most welcoming during the spring months, when they are happy to have the business in hotels and restaurants. Many travelers who make the trip to Europe every year would only visit in the spring and fall, when crowds are smaller and the weather is most pleasant.

While some travelers might assume that spring break vacation packages are the only deal available in this season, that isn’t the case. Cruises for example have great packages in the spring, and are often excellent value for families. Between cruise vacations, resorts, and deals on vacation rentals from owners, there is not a single reason to avoid travel in the spring. Instead of waiting for the heat of summer to come around, plan a spring vacation. Whether you choose hiking, exploring culture and history, or kicking back on a cruise, your wallet will thank you.

Spring Golf Vacations

Spring golf vacations are a popular trip for those looking to thaw out from the winter chill and spend some time outdoors. With a variety of plush golf courses scattered around the world, avid golfers will find great deals that are hard to turn down. Although golf trips can be popular winter vacations, in destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Southern California, the spring season opens up many more options as the ground thaws and the weather becomes more pleasant in many areas. The best places to golf in the spring are mostly concentrated in the United States and Europe. Ranging from the southern states of South Carolina and Florida to the Californian coast, golfers will not have to look hard to find a great deal this spring.

One of the best spring golf trips is heading down to South Carolina. This hospitable state a great spot for spring vacations, as it's famous for its southern charm, quaint towns and cities and impeccable golf courses. Often referred to as “The Golf Capitol of the South,” South Carolina boasts more than 350 courses in a variety of settings from the coast to the inner mountains. There are courses for golfers of all levels with outstanding public courses made for beginners to advanced holes designed by the golfer big wigs such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Some of the best courses to check out during your spring tee time are The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, Harbor Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, the May River Golf Club on Palmetto Bluff and The Heritage Club on Heritage Plantation. The variety of beautiful courses to choose from makes the Palmetto States one of the best places to golf in the spring.

Florida is also known for its outstanding selection of golf courses that are perfect for spring golf vacations. The weather in Florida during the spring months is close to perfect with plenty of sunshine and not too hot temperatures. It is the ideal time to get a few rounds of golf under your belt before the courses become crowded. No matter if you plan on traveling to the Panhandle or further south to Naples or Palm Beach, there will be a variety of posh golf courses for you to choose from. The best spring golf trips in the Panhandle are at the Nature Walk Country Club in Lynn Haven and the Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola. When heading south, be sure to check out Fiddler’s Creek and Naples National Golf Club in Naples, Emerald Dunes in West Palm Beach and the PGA National Resort and Spa courses in Palm Beach Gardens for fantastic spring golf vacations.

California has always been a popular spot for being home to some of the best places to golf in the spring. With upwards of 1,100 courses to choose from and radiating sunshine during the spring months, golfers of all levels will certainly find a course that suits their need. The majority, and the best, of these courses are scattered in the San Diego, La Quinta and Palm Desert areas. The Bighorn Golf Course and Stone Eagle Golf Club, both in Palm Desert, offer outstanding courses. If you are in the La Quinta area, be sure to check out either SilverRock Resort or The Madison Club for fantastic course options. San Diego also offers some of the best spring golf trips with the Eastlake Country Club, Eastlake Course, Coronado Municipal Golf Course, and Sycuan Resort, Pine Glen Course.

If you’d rather spend your spring vacations in Europe, then the British Isles are the place to be for great golf trips, though the weather can be a bit less reliable. Scotland, particularly the 600-year-old course at St Andrews, is known worldwide as a top destination for a golf vacation, and Ireland has its own share of great courses as well, particularly in County Kerry and outside Dublin City. If you’re dreaming of a European vacation and you also love golf, these destinations are well worth looking into.

Cheap Spring Vacations

Cheap spring vacations are easy to come by no matter where you choose to travel to during the mild months. Springtime is an ideal time to travel after the drag of the cold months. The sun is starting to peak through, the weather generally becomes warmer and there are many travel deals available. Although many associate spring vacations with infamous cheap spring break trip options for college students, travelers will be surprised at the variety of affordable options available. Ranging from Europe to the Caribbean and Mexico, those looking to warm up from the winter months will find budget-friendly all-inclusive spring packages, discounted hotel rates and cheaper airfare.

Travelers will be pleasantly surprised to find great cheap spring vacations available in the cultural centers of Europe. London, Spain, Greece, and the major cities of Italy all seem to wake from the winter hibernation and welcome the sun during the spring months. Beginning at the end of March and through early May, endless travel deals are available for those looking to travel across the pond. Also, these months tend to see less traffic and tourists, making it ideal for those who don’t enjoy traveling during the peak season, whether because of prices or large crowds. Travelers will find cheap flights to London, resort deals on the coast of Spain, bargain prices on cruises to Greece and unbelievable hotel deals throughout Italy. With the weather mostly a perfect temperature, you won’t have to worry about becoming too cold either.

If you are a college student, there are a variety of cheap spring break trip itineraries to choose from that are packed with plenty of sun, booze and people. Although destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean are always popular, possibly the best cheap spring break destination is Mexico. Known for its slew of spring break destinations, such as Cancun, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico offers sunny beaches, turquoise waters, a cheap exchange rate and many all-inclusive packages. Cancun, perhaps the ultimate best cheap spring break destination, has long been known for its party atmosphere, rows of cheap, comfortable hotels and an ever flowing supply of tequila. Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas also offer unbeatable deals with party passes, luxurious pools and large hotels.

The Caribbean is also a popular spot for anyone seeking a cheap spring break trip, whether you are looking to party or to just relax on a white sand beach with a frozen cocktail. The Dominican Republic is the go-to destination for those looking for an all-inclusive resort with unlimited alcoholic drinks and plenty of sun and sand. Punta Cana and Puerto Plata both offer it all with Vegas-style casinos, buffets, plenty of booze and nightlife that roars far into the wee hours of the morning. Those looking for more relaxing cheap spring vacations in the Caribbean should check out the Bahamas and Aruba. Coming off the winter high season, the spring months tend to bring cheaper flights and unbeatable hotel deals at luxurious resorts, such as Sandals and Atlantis.

Whether you are looking for the best cheap spring break destination or a more cultural experience in the various countries of Europe, you will find the spring to be an ideal time to book your trip. With less crowds, great hotel deals and reduced airfare, it’s wise to look into planning vacations during this in-between travel season!