A holiday in spring is a real treat, but it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Often this time of year is perfect for family outings, romantic getaways and all-out adventure trips. The season is reminiscent of new beginnings, so seek out new places to go – there is lots of choice when it comes to the top holiday destinations available on a budget.
Europe in the Spring
Travelling in Europe in the summer is expensive but in the off-season there are some incredible deals available on airfares, plus museums, trains and restaurants will be much less crowded and more enjoyable. There may be special deals on accommodation and eating out at this time of year too.
There is no better time of year to visit Holland, where the flower fields dazzle visitors with their fabulous colours, and Paris is a springtime destination loved by lovers – it has many romantic corners and intimate bistros. The cultural attractions include a selection of wonderful museums, such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Rodin museum, which has charming gardens. There are lovely places to walk, free of charge – the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries, for example. The whole city seems to bloom in the springtime.
If culture and the arts is a particular passion, there are other European cities that offer a great selection of galleries and museums. These include Madrid, Florence and Berlin, which is one of the cheapest of the European cities to visit. Berlin offers a great party nightlife as well, as does Prague, where jazz clubs are popular and the cost of living is very low.
North American Adventure
For a cheap longer-haul getaway, Las Vegas in the USA is surprisingly family-friendly and has reasonably priced accommodation available this spring. The city itself is fun, with plenty of ‘kids eat free’ diners, plus the nearby Grand Canyon makes a great day out, with many of the bus tours providing lunch and a drive over the Hoover Dam Bridge. Other city destinations that are affordable this spring are New York, San Francisco and Chicago.
For a North American holiday that saves on accommodation, consider a spring camping trip – in a tent or a yurt if the weather is mild, or in a climate-controlled cabin with home comforts. Virginia State Parks offer fabulous sites with a great range of amenities.
Getting the Best Holiday Deals
Check the deals on offer that can create a package to suit. Look for great prices for flights – even long-haul trips can be much cheaper in spring, rather than summer or autumn.
Budget accommodation in most countries now includes hostels, bed and breakfast establishments and self-catering apartments, as well as cheap hotels. The costs of eating out can be balanced with eating in every now and then.
Look for special deals on restaurants, such as ‘kids eat free’, two meals for the price of one, a free bottle of wine with a meal, or ‘all you can eat’ buffets.
To get around a city or holiday destination, always check out public transport and whether passes are available for buses and trains. Remember, a cheap flight, hotel and car hire deal will take care of several issues in one affordable package.
