Top five bargain destinations for spring 2012

— -- Everything is greener in spring, including your wallet if you choose your travel destination wisely. Squeezing in a vacation before the onslaught of summer means fewer crowds and lower prices—a winning combination by any standard. This spring, sip a coconut cocktail under a palm tree or explore one of Europe's oldest wine regions.

I've monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargain values for the coming season. Below you'll find examples of deals currently available for spring trips. Like all deals, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book.

Seattle

New airline service from three low-cost carriers, plus deals all around, make Seattle an appealing springtime bargain destination. This year, the city really shines—sun or no sun—with two major (and limited-time) museum exhibitions.

Not just one but three low-cost carriers will debut service to Seattle this coming season. On March 12, Alaska kicks off service from Kansas City. On June 3, AirTran launches service from Baltimore, and on the same day, Southwest (which is acquiring AirTran) begins flights from Houston. It's a win-win for travelers, since not only does more service mean more choices, it also increases the competition and the chances of better prices.

Amtrak, meanwhile, is enticing train passengers with 15% off round-trip tickets to Seattle from any point on its Cascades (Eugene-Seattle-Vancouver), Coast Starlight (Los Angeles-Seattle), and Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle) routes. The offer is available for travel through April 29 when booked by April 22.

This spring, Seattle plays host to two noteworthy exhibitions. The Seattle Art Museum is the only place in the U.S. to host Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, which features nearly 60 of the artist's paintings and sculptures. More than a dozen hotels have special packages that include accommodations and tickets to the show, which runs through April 29. And starting May 24, the Pacific Science Center will be the final U.S. stop for Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, which features objects never before displayed in the U.S.

Hawaii

Hawaii hasn't gotten any closer to the East Coast, but it might seem that way with the start of two new nonstop routes to the islands. Throw in some new service from the West Coast with hotel and vacation-package sales, and you've got a spring destination worth its weight in sunscreen.

Nonstop options from the East Coast to Hawaii have long been in short supply, so new service from New York City and Washington, D.C., is good news for the Aloha-starved. Hawaiian begins service between New York/JFK and Honolulu on June 4. The airline has also announced a partnership with JetBlue that will seriously boost route and booking options for passengers. Then, on June 7, United will debut what is, for now, the only nonstop service between Washington/Dulles and Honolulu.

Service from the West Coast to Hawaii has been gradually rebuilding since the 2008 demise of both Aloha and ATA. The recovery continues on April 10, when Alaska Airlines adds flights from Oakland and San Jose to Honolulu.