Spring is a time when most travelers stay put and try to save for that long-awaited summer getaway, but if you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck on your upcoming vacation, the first thing you need to do is to rethink your schedule.
Visiting some of the world’s top beach destinations smack dab in the middle of summer is far from ideal since the timing guarantees that you’ll be dealing with sky-high prices and insufferable crowds.
That’s why Kayak’s “Best Time To Travel” tool, an algorithm based on the latest data surrounding destination prices, weather, and traveler numbers, suggests that several amazing warm destinations are best visited in the spring.
For example, if you’re thinking about going to Hawaii, Phuket, or Cartagena this summer, what you’re about to read might convince you to take that vacation a bit earlier than planned.
Hawaii
Those who want to keep their travel domestic this spring can’t go wrong with Hawaii, where the paradisic weather and movie-like beaches are bound to get you officially out of that wintery mindset.
These upcoming months, return tickets to Hawaii will start at just over $110, giving all travelers, no matter their budget, a chance to hike along the lush trails, snorkel on the crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge around the soft-sanded shores of the 50th state.
Hotel prices in Honolulu, Hawaii’s beating heart, will hover a little over $200 a night, and remember, most of these places are all-inclusive resorts where several meals are included in the upfront fee.
However, I do want to note that scheduling your trip a bit later on in spring might be a smart choice, at least if you want to avoid peak-season crowds.
According to Kayak’s data, December and March are the most popular months in the state, so those looking to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing experience will want to plan their trip in April or May instead.
And I’m not even getting into how dreamy the weather gets this time of year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s (24-29°C).
Phuket
Are you itching to go somewhere warm and remote this spring? Phuket might just be the place for you.
From March through May, the Thai gem offers everything you could wish for and more, from great prices to fantastic sightseeing opportunities.
Plane tickets to Phuket reach their annual low in March, when a round-trip will cost roughly $859.
In comparison, the same exact ticket would set you back $1322 if you were to schedule your trip in July, marking a remarkable $463 difference – money that would be much better spent toward fun experiences or better accommodation options.
While airfare to Phuket will be steep no matter the time of year, the good news is you can save quite a bit on accommodation instead.
Stays in the city during April and May have an average daily rate of $37, but depending on the neighborhood, it can go as low as $21 a night—that’s less than what most of us are paying for a fast-food meal!
Now that the holiday season has officially passed, you can explore the region’s gorgeous beaches and cultural attractions crowd-free while enjoying the sweet 82°F (28°C) weather.
Cartagena
While the Caribbean coast of Colombia offers the type of picture-perfect views that can be enjoyed all year long, April is hands-down the best month you can choose for your Cartagena getaway.
That’s when the winter crowds have subdued and local beaches enjoy what you’d consider the ideal sunbathing weather – with temperatures that range from 75°F to 88°F (24-31°C).
Value-seeking travelers will be delighted to learn that flight and accommodation prices are at their lowest, too – airfare will cost you around $195, while hotels and short-term rentals have daily rates that rarely go over $75.
So, if you’ve been dreaming about strolling through Cartagena’s cobbled streets, exploring its Old Town, and seeing the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, scheduling your visit this spring will guarantee that you get the best bang for your buck.
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