Destinations for Spring Budget Travel

When you travel the streets of Atlanta in spring, you will see dogwoods in full bloom. The threat of winter ice storms is almost gone, but the heat of summer has not yet fully arrived. Atlanta makes an excellent base from which to discover the north Georgia mountains, which are also beautiful in spring, and somewhat less visited than in the festival times of autumn.

Amsterdam is frequently jammed with college students during spring break, but other times during the season offer a chance to see the city without as many crowds as are likely during the summer peak months. Amsterdam is a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside at tulip time, and spring weather can be warm enough to enjoy some great cycling trips at pre-peak season prices.

Southern Methodist University in Highland Park (close to Dallas) and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offer a wide range of concerts, plays and other quality events. Look for cheap meals in their cafeterias or in nearby restaurants catering to student budgets. If you want to splurge on entertainment, three of the metroplex's four professional sports teams are in action during the spring.

Avoid early spring, when snow could linger and force closure of rim roads. But later in the spring, it will be easier to find reservations and lines for provisions at local stores will be shorter than in the summer months.

How about a brisk but invigorating walk in London during the spring? There is value in some simple tour advice--take a walk. London Walks offers a variety of tours priced at £5.50 ($11 USD). These are guided trips on foot that last roughly two hours. Most leave in the vicinity of an Underground stop. Look for a guide holding up the company's white sign. For more about budget travel in London, take a look at accommodations you can afford, getting around the city on a budget, things to do that won't break the bank, and affordable dining.

Visits to Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park, San Diego Zoo and Seaworld Adventure Park will be more enjoyable with smaller crowds and cooler weather. Looking for something to do outdoors that's free? How about a spring stroll down Venice Beach or the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Los Angeles has a lot of free outdoor attractions for you to enjoy this time of year.

Winter might be the cheapest season in Shanghai, but is it the best overall value? Much depends upon your plans. If you'll be outside exploring this exciting city, winter temperatures can be uncomfortably cold at times. Spring is far more mild, and spares visitors the warm, muggy temperatures of summertime. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to look for lower hotel rates on weekends.

Few cities in America love baseball the way people in St. Louis love the Cardinals. Whether winning the World Series or suffering through a sub-par year, fans here create a unique atmosphere you'll enjoy, even if you're not a big baseball fan. Spring is also a great time to visit St. Louis Zoo, which is one of the last major free facilities of its kind in America.

In April, San Antonio stages its own version of Mardi Gras, and the famed Riverwalk can be quite crowded. But in general, spring offers a chance to explore this wonderful city without the long lines and staggering heat that can be found here during the summer months.

Cherry blossom time draws plenty of visitors to the shores of the Potomac. Other times in spring are relatively quiet at national monuments and museums, so in spring you can maximize your time with shorter lines at the many free attractions.