Top Off-Peak Destinations for Spring Travel 2013
Destinations that are hot for winter travel and popular in summer offer travelers a magical window of time where they can beat the crowds, enjoy lower prices and still have lovely weather - the spring shoulder season. Here are our picks for top off-peak destinations for spring travel 2013.
MALAYSIA
After monsoon season and before the high season in summer is a great time to visit Malaysia. You'll catch both the balmy weather and deep discounts on flight prices. City lovers can explore the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur, where the Petronas Twin Towers reigned as the world's tallest building for 6 years. Beach lovers can lounge on the sun-kissed beaches of Penang or enjoy the world-class scuba diving around the island of Sipadan. Adventure travel fans can hike the unspoiled rainforests and visit an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo (the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre).
spring shoulder season: (March), April, May
JAMAICA
Winter is a peak travel season for Jamaica, but starting in mid-April/ early May prices start to drop. Spring travelers will catch a window of affordable prices and good beach weather between winter and hurricane season, which begins in June. Famous for its white sandy beaches, visitors can also enjoy canopy tours, river rafting, jungle river tubing and horseback riding.
spring shoulder season: mid-April to May
SAN DIEGO
San Diego offers pleasant weather and plenty to do year-round, but spring kicks off San Diego's festival season, so it's the perfect time to go. Festivals include: ArtWalk, a 2-day festival and the largest art event in the region (April 27-28, 2013); Adam's Avenue Unplugged, an international music festival including Celtic, blues, Cajun, folk and bluegrass on 26 stages (April 27-28, 2013); outdoor music concerts throughout the month of April at The Flower Fields, 50 acres of flowers in bloom covering a hillside overlooking the Pacific (open March 1 - May 12, 2013).
spring shoulder season: February to May
ISTANBUL
Straddling the East and West, Istanbul is an alluring destination where spring time travel provides the ideal combination of pleasant temperatures and lower prices. Wander through the Grand Bazaar, marvel at the incredible architecture of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, bathe in a Hamman (traditional Turkish bath house) and drink Turksih tea or smoke from a hookah at a local cafe.
spring shoulder season: April to June
HAWAII
Hawaii is a year-round vacation hotspot, but travelers can take advantage of the quiet spring season to take a lower-price-tag escape to the islands. According to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, visitors can fly for up to half the price of what it costs to fly there in winter and summer. A warm local culture, lush rainforests and beautiful beaches await visitors to the Aloha State.
spring shoulder season: mid-March to May
Whichever off-peak destination you choose this spring, you can find the perfect place to stay on Tripping.com! From beach houses in Hawaii to villas in Jamaica, we've got you covered. Find the perfect accommodations here.
We've rounded up some of our favorite places to stay in these top off-peak spring destinations here:
MALAYSIA VACATION RENTALS
[caption id="attachment_10557" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Beautiful Batu Ferringhi Island Escape ($35/night)"][/caption]
This Batu Ferringhi Island escape offers panoramic views of the renowned Batu Ferringhi Beach and beautiful sunsets over majestic green hills in the distance. Priced at just $35/night, this Malaysia vacation rental is a great value!
[caption id="attachment_10558" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Kuala Lumpur Room with a View ($84/night)"][/caption]
A private, tranquil escape in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. This elegant furnished apartment is located in a beautiful area and conveniently located near public transport.
Looking for a little pampering? Check out these beautiful Malaysia luxury accommodations near the popular Chenang Beach. 6 unique villas sit amidst tropical foliage along the banks of the Chenang River. You'll enjoy amenities such as a complimentary spa treatment and an infinity swimming pool.
[caption id="attachment_10556" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Malaysia Heritage Resort ($1,147/night)"][/caption]
JAMAICA VACATION RENTALS
Looking for an off-the-beaten path Jamaica retreat? Take a look at this private artists' retreat in the green mountains of Westmoreland, Jamaica. You'll enjoy sweeping views of Bluefields Bay and the lush foliage below. Serenity awaits in this hand-crafted wood island cabin.
[caption id="attachment_10559" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Private Artists' Retreat ($65/night)"][/caption]
Who wouldn't want to stay in a villa in Jamaica with a 'magnificent tropical garden' and a 'panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea'? If you're a single traveler or pair, you can rent just one unit. Or if you're a group, you can rent all 3 units. Each is self-contained with its own entrance and kitchenette. And it's a short 20-minute drive from the Montego Bay airport.
[caption id="attachment_10561" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Villa with lush gardens and ocean views ($75/night)"][/caption]
SAN DIEGO VACATION RENTALS
This La Jolla studio rental has it all: marble floors, a living room/office area, a shared kitchen with your own fridge and a backyard with a hammock, among other amenities.
[caption id="attachment_10562" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="La Jolla vacation studio rental ($70/night)"][/caption]
The perfect San Diego beach vacation rental, Island Court Cottage is a short walk from Pacific Beach. Enjoy the relaxing surroundings as you sit on the patio and let the designated grill master fire up a mouth-watering meal.
[caption id="attachment_10565" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="San Diego beach vacation rental ($110/night)"][/caption]
ISTANBUL VACATION RENTALS
Stay in your own private space in a four-story historic home in Istanbul. Rent multiple rooms if you're traveling in a group, or reserve a cozier spot for one or two travelers.
[caption id="attachment_10566" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Historic Istanbul short term rental (€24/night)"][/caption]
Enjoy the sun and stunning views from the balcony of your spacious Istanbul vacation rental.
[caption id="attachment_10567" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Istanbul rental with city views (€33/night)"][/caption]
HAWAII VACATION RENTALS
Heading to Hawaii? If you're traveling to Princeville, you could stay in this beautifully remodeled studio near Hanalei Bay, Annini and Kalihiwai beaches. If you're looking for white sandy beaches bordered by lush green mountains, this Hawaii vacation rental is the one for you.
[caption id="attachment_10568" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Spacious Kauai studio ($65/night)"][/caption]
Walk the beach or enjoy the amazing sunsets along Kalepolepo Beach from this North Kihei vacation rental. Its central location, full kitchen, tennis court, large pool, laundry and gas grills make it a great place for a short term stay!
[caption id="attachment_10572" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Kihei vacation rental ($69/night)"][/caption]
Happy Travels everyone!