If you’re searching for a spring break destination or just want to escape to a warmer destination, here are some travel tips to finding affordable destinations to visit in March, April, or May. From history to hot springs, these are fun places for a solo travel, couples, or families.

Discover a Region, Not Just One Destination

Florida is a popular spring destination, but you can do it affordably. The northeast corner of Florida including St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Amelia Island is an affordable gem with three very different vacation experiences. With a plethora of chain hotels, including many that are waterfront or close to the beach, this is a prime area to take advantage of using hotel points or discounts like AAA to save on your stay. With each place unique, you’re able to have a vacation that includes history, urban excursions, and island vibes.

Florida’s Historic Coast centers around St. Augustine. Make a stop at 30°8’N in GTM Reserve where Ponce de Leon first spotted La Florida in 1513 and claimed it for Spain. St. Augustine was established in 1565 and is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in continental U.S. Wandering the streets of Old Town feels like you’ve escaped to a European village filled with historic charm. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument was built between 1672 and 1695. The fort never fell in battle and is the oldest masonry fortification in continental U.S. It’s fascinating to walking around and inside the fort. St. Augustine is also the starting point for USA continuation of the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage in Spain. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s tons of paddling fun in the area. For foodies, dine at Catch 27 for a lovely dinner on the patio.

Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in continental U.S. and has some surprising spots for urban exploration for history and serenity. Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates the short-lived French Huguenots colony in 1564-1565. After visit Fort Caroline, take a stroll around Spanish Pond in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Have lunch on the water at Palms Fish House then drive to Kingsley Plantation in Timucuan Preserve. The main house was built in 1798 and is the oldest still standing plantation house in Florida. Don’t miss the 25 slave cabins that were homes to 60-80 men, women, and children. Kingsley Plantation is considered the birthplace of African American archaeology. In 1968 archaeologists first searched for artifacts reflecting African identity. Do the short hike to Boneyard Beach to see bleached oak trees on the beach. Also take time to tour Catty Shack Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary) and enjoy a quiet stroll around the pond in Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. For great seafood with a view, eat at Dockside Seafood Restaurant. Neptune Beach has a lot of fun dining and drinking spots including Pete’s Bar. The famous dive bar is Duval County’s oldest bar. For an island vibe head to Amelia Island with 13 miles of pristine beaches. Go on excursion with Follow Your Dream Sailing to see Fort Clinch and other sites by water including Cumberland Island where you could see wild horses grazing along the shoreline. Grab coffee at Amelia Island Coffee. Book a lane at Duck Pinz for lots of laughs in this bowling meets skeetball place. Head next door to Timoti’s for a super casual dinner where you order at the counter and eat at picnic tables. Another great option for dinner is Salt Life. There’s often live music.

See Something Unusual at This National Park

Head to Death Valley National Park in California to see a lake in the salt flats. Because of Tropical Storm Hilary last August and the multiple winter storms that have brought excessive rain the Death Valley recelty, Lake Manly has appeared in Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level. The Superbloom should be extraordinary in March through early May. In addition to Badwater Basin, must see colorful landscapes include Artists Drive and Artists Palette. Stay in Pahrump or Baker in Nevada. Baker is close to Rhyolite Ghost Town which is an interesting stop. Shoshone Valley, California is another option on the sound end of Death Valley. The quirky town has hot springs. These small towns are cheaper than the accommodations in Furnace Creek in the park.

Head to the Desert

Spring is a great time to head to Lake Powell to beat the heat and summer crowds. Lake Powell is in Page and Navajo Nation in Arizona’s quadrant of the Four Corners. Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The water in reservoir on Colorado River is still down, but significantly up from its lowest point in summer of 2023. Stay at Lake Powell Resort for breathtaking views of Lake Powell’s stunning sandstone landscape. Get up early to watch sunrise. Sunsets are phenomenal too. Do the boat tour and hike to the very remote Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Book the excursion in advance. These tours sell out daily in summer but in spring you can enjoy a tour without being on a full boat. It’s a wonderful way to experience the water, learn about the landscape and history of the area, and visit one of the most remote National Park Service units in the country. Head into Page to do the short walk to see Horseshoe Bend, an iconic spot on the Colorado River. Book a tour of Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. How the light changes the colors of the incredible sandstone of the canyon is breathtaking. You’re also about 2 hours from Monument Valley so add that to your itinerary.

Look for Alternative to a Ski Town or Resort

If you’re looking for some snow fun or spring skiing, consider staying in a town close to a ski resort instead of in the resort or ski town. Nestled along the Colorado River, Glenwood Springs is a historic wellness destination in Colorado. It’s known for its hot springs. Soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, recently named National Natural Landmark. The WorldSpring section is adults only and features pool inspired by mineral content of famous hot springs around the world. Hanging Lake is one of most popular hikes in Colorado in summer, but in winter and spring you can pretty much have the trail to yourself. You do need a permit year round. The trail is steep and icy in spots. Traction devices and trekking poles are needed through spring. Stay Hotel Colorado where Theodore Roosevelt and Unsinkable Molly Brown were guests. The Molly Brown Suite has two balconies with incredible views overlooking the town. Sip a Molly Gimlet while dining the bar or restaurant at Hotel Colorado. If you want to hit the slopes, Glenwood Springs in an easy drive to Aspen Snowmass, Beaver Creek or Vail and Sunlight Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town.

Book Now for April 8th Eclipse

If you haven’t already book your flight and hotel for the April 8th total solar eclipse, you need to book! Flights are getting close to capacity for cities in path of totality from San Antonio to Little Rock to Cleveland. You can still find hotel rooms in the path if you’re up for road trip. April is a fabulous time to visit San Antonio, one of the first places in the country to the path of totality for the total solar eclipse. Fiesta San Antonio (April 18-28) is a lively time to visit too. San Antonio is known for the River Walk and Alamo. Both are must sees. The Alamo is one of five missions in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. San Antonio is one of two cities in the United Stated designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Mi Tierra is a legendary Tex-Mex eatery and The Pearl is home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America. San Antonio’s cuisine is more than amazing Tex-Mex. From German beer and brats to cuisine that’s a fusion of Asian and Latin American flavors, San Antonio is truly a city to eat your way through. Stay at Hotel Emma in the Pearl or one of the historic hotels like the Menger Hotel in downtown. A couple of lesser-known gems are soaking at Camp Hot Wells and walking around Hot Wells Ruins of swanky wellness resort from the early 1900s and walking along the Skywalk and Land Bridge at Phil Hardberger Park.