Top five off-peak destinations for spring
— -- If you're willing to forego typical spring-break spots, you can save a bundle on your vacation this year. Vibrant festivals and events, plus cheaper airfare, hotels, and vacation packages are guaranteed to make you glad you skipped traditional destinations in favor of new places. This year, let San Antonio replace South Padre Island, substitute Toronto for Montreal, or choose Oaxaca as an off-the-beaten-path choice in Mexico over Cancun or Cabo. Rounding out the list are perennial favorites Hawaii and Seattle, both with springtime specials and activities.
Hawaii
Hawaii is paradise all year round. But, spring is one of the quietest travel seasons, making it an excellent time to visit the islands. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau reports visitors can fly for half the price of summer or winter airfare, and hotel rates also drop $15 to $20 per night. May is the best month to visit for cheap prices, according to CheapTickets' latest "Cheapometer Report."
Aside from lower prices, the islands are hosting plenty of cultural festivals and events in April and May. The Big Island's Merrie Monarch Festival runs from March 30 to April 5, with music, large-scale parades, and a hula competition. The Kokua Festival, a benefit concert at Oahu's Waikiki Shell, seeks to promote environmental awareness on April 19 and 20. Performances include Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, and several local musicians.
Also on Oahu, the Hawaii Romance Festival presents 10 days of live music from local and international musicians, from May 2 to 11. For two weeks later in May, Maui hosts the International Festival of Canoes, showcasing the development of canoes, and featuring carvers from Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, and more.
Airline seat capacity for Hawaii flights is reportedly up nearly 4%, with added seats in Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Oakland, San Diego, and Seattle. Additional capacity equals more seats, and often, cheaper fares. I found savings of a whopping $202 on May airfare when compared to fares available in August.
Off-peak fares are based on travel from May 5 to 12, and peak fares are based on travel from August 18 to 25. Prices were found on Travelocity and include taxes and fees.
Go Hawaii is a great resource for comprehensive trip-planning information on all the islands, complete with a downloadable free guidebook.
San Antonio
With temperatures in the 70s and 80s, spring is an ideal time to visit San Antonio—perfect for exploring the city's River Walk and eclectic neighborhoods. With three airlines adding flights to the city this spring, this year is a great time to go since new air service usually equals great airfare sales.
Try to plan your visit in time for Fiesta San Antonio, held this year from April 18 to 27, when the city bursts alive with celebrations. Carnivals, fireworks displays, art exhibits, food festivals, and River Walk parades comprise the 100 events taking place over 10 days.
Early May is another vibrant time in San Antonio. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated from May 2 to 5 with music and Tex-Mex food in Market Square, San Antonio's colorful Mexican marketplace. A few days later, May 8 to 10, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the annual Tejano Conjunto festival with live music performances from more than 20 artists.
Register online and you'll have access to valuable coupons and discounts in the S.A.V.E., or San Antonio Vacation Experience, section of VisitSanAntonio.com. Hotel specials start at $45, and discounts to popular attractions like SeaWorld, Six Flags, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, and the Natural Bridge Caverns are available.
You'll find big spring discounts on airfare-and-hotel packages, even during busy times such as Fiesta San Antonio. In fact, I found savings of up to $110 compared to summer package prices.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include taxes and fees.
This spring, several airlines are adding flights to San Antonio. On April 14, Spirit is introducing service between Ft. Lauderdale and San Antonio, just in time for travelers to fly in for the Fiesta celebration. Look for deals from Spirit in the next few months, which often offers round-trip sale fares for just a few dollars. In early May, Northwest plans to add flights between Indianapolis and San Antonio, while US Airways will link the city with its Charlotte hub.
VisitSanAntonio.com is a good place to start planning your springtime trip.
Seattle
Seattle begins to emerge from its winter gloom in spring, and as days get longer, sunnier, and warmer (think 50s and 60s), time spent outside is infinitely more pleasant. Luckily for springtime visitors, Seattle's downtown is mostly walkable (save for a few steep hills), and outdoor activities abound. Mt. Rainier is less crowded in spring than during summertime, so you can take in the postcard-worthy views and hike or bike the mountain's trails without the crowds.
In addition to outdoorsy activities, food and wine are highlights of any Seattle visit. Taste Washington, a two-day wine festival, starts on April 5 and showcases Washington's best varietals. Local artisans, live music, and, of course, food are highlighted at the Pike Place Market Street Festival on May 31 and June 1, a long-running event that is a must-see for visitors.
Seattle Super Saver is a good place to browse accommodations; it offers discount rates at more than 80 properties around the city. The CVB also has a coupon page with a few select lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions offers.
Check into the Seattle TourSaver guide if you plan to take in some of Seattle's various tours and attractions. Two-for-one offers for Seattle proper, including whale-watching, museum admissions, and accommodations, plus specials in the San Juan Islands and nearby Victoria, British Columbia, add up to $3,000 in savings. Normally the TourSaver costs $79.95, but it is currently on sale for $59.95 (though March 15 only). For $39.95, CityPass is another option, and includes a harbor tour and admission to the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Flight, and Woodland Park Zoo.
Spring hotel rates in Seattle are less expensive than in summer, and when comparing prices, I found savings of up to $138 per night.
Prices are per night based on double occupancy and were found on each hotel's website.
Seattle service on Virgin America starts March 18 from San Francisco, and April 8 from Los Angeles. Alaska's massive California-to-Seattle expansion takes effect on April 27, with new flights from Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Ana. AirTran will link Seattle and Milwaukee beginning May 6.
You can find trip-planning information on Seattle's CVB website, VisitSeattle.org.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca has long been considered a gem in southern Mexico, a Spanish colonial city with indigenous Zapotec roots. Unfortunately, the city suffered from turbulent political unrest in 2006 and 2007, with widely-publicized tales of violence and crime in the normally safe, vibrant city. Though the uprisings ended last year, tourists have mostly stayed away from Oaxaca, leaving it an off-peak destination during much of the year.
A great choice for those seeking the authentic Mexico, Oaxaca City has largely escaped Cancun-ification. With fewer tourists, you'll have the city to yourself as you enjoy its restaurants and markets. Oaxacan folk art is a popular draw, and you'll find a huge selection of handmade pottery, textiles, and wood pieces, as well as an up-and-coming gallery scene. The city's traditional foods, particularly thick, spicy mole sauce, can be found in restaurants and food stalls all around the region. Visit Central de Abastos and Benito Juarez Market, Oaxaca's fantastic major markets, for traditional Oaxacan foods and crafts.
Large festivals and parades are major components of Oaxaca's colorful culture, particularly its Santa Semana (Holy Week) and Easter celebrations. Though Easter is early this year, in March, several smaller festivals are scheduled for May.
Hotel rates are always reasonable in Oaxaca, and spring is a particularly affordable time to visit, though prices may spike during major holidays. I found spring savings of as much as $30.
Prices are per night based on double occupancy and were found on each hotel's website.
Oaxacainfo.com provides details on visiting Oaxaca, including information on restaurants, markets, and special events.
Toronto
Toronto begins to thaw out in spring, and as flowers start blooming, residents and visitors alike enjoy brisk or even warm temperatures. As one of Canada's southernmost cities, Toronto enjoys springtime temperatures ranging from mid-50s to mid-70s—not bad for outdoor explorations.
Several popular events take place in spring every year. The Toronto Wine and Cheese Show, featuring tastings and pairings of both, runs from April 4 to 6, and is open to visitors age 19 and up. The 40th annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival runs from March 7 through April 6, with demonstrations and tastings, plus kid-friendly pony rides and crafts. From June 6 to 15, LuminaTO celebrates Toronto's diverse artistic side, with hundreds of music, dance, theater, and other arts-oriented events.
Tourism Toronto's special offers page is worth searching for discounts. It features packages and specials for hotels, attractions, sports, and shopping.
Airfare in spring is generally much cheaper than during summer. In my searches, I found off-peak savings of up to $157 when comparing flights in April to those in August.
Off-peak fares are based on travel from April 28 to May 2, and peak fares are based on travel from August 18 to 22. Prices were found on Travelocity and include taxes and fees.
In May, Air Canada will add non-stop flights from Austin and Richmond to Toronto. Low-fare carrier Skybus begins serving nearby Niagara Falls, NY, from Columbus, OH, on April 8. If you can snag one of Skybus' $10 fares, a rental car and 81-mile drive from Niagara Falls may be worth the extra cost and hassle.
Passports are now required for air travel to Canada. If you choose to drive, you must present a passport or both a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
For more information on planning an off-peak sojourn, visit Tourism Toronto and download the site's free visitor's guide before you go.
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