7 Destinations for Spring Travel That Are Actually Affordable

04.03.2024 - 22:07 / cntraveler.com

It's that time of year when our bodies and minds begin screaming for a vacation, unleashing a deep desire to defrost from the winter chill and all the burdens that come with it. While we'd argue there's never a bad time of the year to book that plane ticket—spring 2024 is looking like an especially good one.

That's because airfares are becoming much more affordable compared to last year; average airfares for March are down 3% compared to 2023, and April airline tickets are 8% cheaper than last year, according to data from travel search site Kayak.

While airfares are down across the board, some destinations offer a better deal than others. So, we asked travel search and booking sites for their latest intel on destinations where airfares are dropping for March and April. Whether you’re craving a beach getaway or you’re in need of a city visit to soak up art and culture, there’s an affordable spring destination for you.

Here are seven destinations—both international and domestic—you can visit this spring without blowing your travel budget, according to the latest data. From US and Canadian urban hubs to coastal getaways in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, the results might surprise you.

For a budget-friendly getaway this spring, consider heading to Nashville: Average airfare to the bustling country music haven is just $277 round-trip in March, according to Kayak's data. Aside from Honky Tonk Row, the famous lineup of live music joints and dance halls along Broadway, there’s plenty else to explore in Music City. Pop into the National Museum of African American Music or the Jefferson Street Sound Museum to learn about the history of the city’s Black music scene, then take a guided tour of RCA Studio B—where icons like Elvis recorded their albums—and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Where to stay: Check out our guides to the best hotels and Airbnbs in Nashville, from lively modern stays to historic boutique hotels like The Russell Nashville.

Take advantage of cheap airfare to Central America and enjoy a coastal getaway to Belize City.

Airfares to Central America are down 11% from this time last year and down 6% from 2019, according to data from travel booking site Hopper, meaning the region is an ideal destination for a tropical vacation that won’t break the bank. Take advantage of the price drops by booking a flight to Belize City, where airfares are averaging $546 from the US, data from Priceline says. With your savings, continue onto a puddle-jumper flight to Placencia and book a suite at one of the luxe beachfront resorts on the peninsula.

Where to stay: Out of our readers' favorite hotels in Central America, 9 out of 20 are located in Belize, including Placencia's Sirenian Bay Resort &