In case you missed the memo last month, famed groundhog and part-time meteorologist Punxatawney Phil did not observe his own shadow this year, which supposedly means we’re headed for an early spring.
If that doesn’t jibe with what you’re seeing at home, there are plenty of places you can escape to where spring is already underway. And, best of all, getting there doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are a couple of sunny getaways to consider.
Cheap Spring Vacations to Warm Weather Destinations
Close and Inexpensive: Cancun
Not only is Cancun incredibly easy to reach from most major U.S. airports, but fares tend to be fairly reasonable throughout the year. Hoping for something a little more off-the-beaten-path than a cluster of mega-resorts? Don’t limit yourself to Cancun proper. There are plenty of smaller spots scattered throughout Quintana Roo and nearby Merida, most of them easy to reach by shuttle bus or car from Cancun airport.
For anyone who doesn’t consider themselves much of a beach person, the Yucatan jungle is just under an hour away from the coast.
Average March High: 84°F
For the lowest available airfares to Cancun (CUN) right now, click here.
Poolside in Palm Springs and Surrounding Desert Cities
Ok, so flights to Palm Springs aren’t always so cheap, especially for last-minute trips. But it’s certainly less than what it once was, thanks to increased service from carriers like JetBlue and Sun Country. If low-cost options aren’t available to you, Los Angeles is 99 miles to the west and, depending on traffic, a relatively painless drive. Spring temperatures in Palm Springs are just under 90F, ideal for lounging around the pool with a book and an icy cocktail.
Nearby high desert communities such as Joshua Tree, Twenty Nine Palms, and Pioneer Town are also worth the drive, with unique homestays, roadside motels, and even camping options to help keep expenses low.
Average March High: 81°F
For the lowest available airfares to Palm Springs (PSP) right now, click here.
Related: The Shortest Transatlantic Flights For People Who Hate Flying
Orlando and Elsewhere in Florida
Flights to Orlando are reliably cheap year-round from pretty much any pocket of the U.S. While there’s plenty to keep you occupied in and around Orlando, some of Florida’s best beaches are within a short drive. Why not grab a rental and hit the road? St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, is just an hour and a half away, with beaches far less crowded (and much cheaper) than you might find farther south. On the Gulf side, quiet Sanibel Island is just over 3 hours, an hour longer than Sarasota.
Average March High: 79°F
For the lowest available fares to Orlando (MCO) right now, click here.
Puerto Rico Still Needs You
Particularly from the East Coast, flights to San Juan are some of the most affordable in the Caribbean. West Coast cities get in on the action too, with the average lowest flight at around $330 round-trip. Local hotels and resorts have mostly bounced back after a devastating storm in 2017 and, more recently, an earthquake, but the island has yet to recover entirely. Your tourism dollars are still very much needed.
Average March High: 81°F
For the lowest available fares to San Juan (SJU) right now, click here.
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