The spring and fall seasons can be a fun time to travel. You can dodge the larger crowds plus avoid the extreme weather that summer and winter brings. It’s worth considering these destinations if you’re traveling as a family or a couple and want to avoid the college students out on Spring Break.
Most U.S. colleges go on “spring break” between February 22 and April 11, 2020. You will want to avoid traveling to common college spring break destinations during these dates and especially during the entire month of March for a tranquil vacation. Also, waiting until early to mid-April to travel means you are more likely to avoid a final surprise winter storm for most spring destinations.
Here are a few destinations to consider.
Key West, Florida
While there’s never a bad time to visit Key West, Florida, the spring weather can be more temperate than the Florida panhandle beaches. Also, the panhandle can turn into a giant college frat party during certain spring weeks. Plus, Key West is as close as you can get to a tropical vacation without a passport or flying to Hawaii.
Depending on when you arrive, you can tour historic homes and garden, partake in fishing tournaments, or enjoy other festivals. You might want to enjoy the pristine beaches and explore the Dry Tortugas or Fort Jefferson National Park as well.
You don’t need a passport to visit the Florida Keys if you’re already in the United States. You can drive to these islands from the U.S. mainland. The easiest way to reach Key West is by flying into Miami and renting a car if you live far away.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Did you know that Southwest Airlines flies to the Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the Caribbean? You can stay at an all-inclusive resort, enjoy the beach and snorkeling. “The DR” and other Caribbean islands may also be more affordable than more well-known Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico destinations with similar climates.
Punta Cana is an exquisite Caribbean destination. Spring can be a nice time to visit this part of the globe by plane or cruise before the official hurricane season starts. Other fun activities include renting a catamaran, ATV buggy rides, and touring the historic city of Santo Domingo.
April is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean. December through April is not the official hurricane season for the Caribbean zone. This means the weather and the seas tend to be calmer. Plus, temperatures are not as hot and intense as the peak tropical heat and humidity haven’t arrived yet.
If you’re planning on going on a Caribbean cruise for the first time, April can be one of the best months to go because of the historically calm weather.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon National Park needs little introduction. Whether or not you’re brave enough to step out onto the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim, this place is mesmerizing for all ages.
Most park visitors head to the park’s South Rim area which is open all year. The National Park Service recommends arriving before 9 am to beat the crowds. Starting March 1, 2020, the free shuttle service from the Tusayan community to the visitors center begins.
The 2020 opening date for the North Rim is May 15, 2020. Don’t worry though. There’s plenty to see in the South Rim area if your travel dates are before mid-May.
You can also visit the iconic Skywalk in Grand Canyon West. This attraction is outside the national park and operated by the Hualapai Tribe. During your visit, you can consider taking a historic train ride, taking a sunset tour, or getting a birds-eye view with a helicopter tour.
Depending on how much time you have, you may also sightsee other nearby landmarks like Sedona, the Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
While most people think all Atlantic or Pacific coasts are home to the ideal spring destinations, the U.S. interior has some hidden gems. One of these national treasures is Big Bend National Park in west Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border.
This is one of the least-visited national parks due to its remote vacation. Approximately 300,000 people visit the park each year. But if you love camping and exploring nature, it’s worth visiting Big Bend.
There are plenty of driving and hiking trails you can visit. Key landmarks within the park include Santa Elena Canyon, the Rio Grande River, and fossil exhibits.
March is this park’s busiest month, so you may want to plan ahead if traveling while school is out.
Although it’s on the other side of the state map, South Padre Island is another paradise to consider if you prefer the beach. It can also be a fun experience if you have never stayed in the Gulf of Mexico before.
Montreal And Quebec City, Canada
A Canadian getaway in late March or April can be worth if you head to Montreal. While you will still need to pack a warm jacket, you can avoid the brunt of winter. You can also enjoy the English and French cultures that call Canada home.
You might time your visit around a certain festival. Old Montreal lets you enjoy the city’s historic charm and cobblestone streets. Maybe you’ll take a carriage ride or relax in park Mont-Royal.
Another exciting way to soak in the Montreal culture is by taking a food tour and/or craft beer tour. Smoked meat and poutine are two culinary staples. You will find plenty of quality restaurants and coffee shops that can rival the best cities in the United States.
Time permitting, you can split your trip between Montreal and Quebec City. This second city is three hours northeast of Quebec and is an overlooked gem in Canada. Most people have Banff, Quebec, Toronto and Vancouver on their bucket list, but not necessarily Quebec City.
Quebec City has plenty of history and less hustle-and-bustle than Montreal. You will also enjoy the awesome city views and outdoor activities if the weather is right.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona in the spring is also one of the best times to visit Europe. This cosmopolitan city can have picture-perfect weather and there aren’t as many tourists as the summer months. It’s also full of history. Often, people who visit want to come back to Barcelona a second time.
Holy Week (April 5 to April 11, 2020) and the Feria de Abril (late April into early May) are two popular spring cultural events. Other sites to see in Barcelona include La Sagrada Familia, “La Rambla” market district and the botanic garden (Jardi Botanic).
Sports fans may also consider carving out time to see a Barcelona FC soccer game. As one of the world’s elite soccer squads, this can be a lifetime experience. You can also visit one of Barcelona’s beaches. However, the beach weather can still be slightly cool until late April or early May.
Summary
Spring is the favorite time to travel for many. The weather is finally getting warm, nature is blooming and it’s not peak tourist season yet. These spring destinations can be easy to reach and fun for couples and families.
