Best Spring Vacations

Many popular vacation destinations see a dip in tourist traffic between the summer and winter high seasons, meaning that lower rates are sometimes easier to come by during this time of the year. Based on traveler and expert recommendations, U.S. News compiled a list of top spring escapes known for their seasonal deals and festivals. We invite you to explore our spring vacation ideas and pick your favorite places on the list below.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Why go: Every April, St. Thomas offers the perfect remedy from post-winter malaise: Carnival. With its food fair, festive parades and ornate costumes, this island-wide party is one of the best in the Caribbean, and it's certifiable fun for all. Also, with the peak season over, airfare and hotel rates see a significant drop.

Vancouver

Why go: Warm, sunny days bring this outdoorsy city back to life, making spring an excellent time to stretch your legs in Stanley Park. The vibrant festivals taking place in spring bring locals and visitors out of their winter gloom. Plus, this is the time to score the best deals on hotel rooms before the peak summer season.

Grand Canyon

Why go: Why not skip the summer vacation tradition and visit this Arizona wonder in the springtime? You'll have easy access to stunning lookout points along the South Rim, while the North Rim (especially the North Kaibab Trails) will be virtually tourist-free.

San Diego

Why go: In the springtime, spectators can admire San Diego's main attractions at their best. The city's blooms are on display at the annual Coronado Flower Show, one of the largest flower shows on the West Coast. And the San Diego Zoo hosts several family-friendly festivals in April and May.

Washington D.C.

 
Why go: The nation's capital experiences sunny 60- and 70-degree days in the spring, but the city's main draw at this time of year is the thousands of cherry trees that burst into bloom along the tidal basin. More than a million visitors flock to D.C. every year to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Bermuda

Why go: Spring is the last time to snatch up deals from Bermuda's winter hangover. And on this upscale island, lower rates will allow you to truly take advantage of the beaches and expansive golf courses. The waters may be cold, but the laissez-faire vibe will rejuvenate even the weariest traveler.

Orlando/Walt Disney World

Why go: This Florida retreat is great to experience in the spring, particularly because temperatures hover around the pleasant 70s and 80s most days. Plus, lines at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center haven't reached the winding lengths of peak summer season.

San Antonio

Why go: Major attractions like the Alamo, the River Walk and SeaWorld make San Antonio a popular destination for all seasons, but a spring visit guarantees pleasant weather and thinner crowds. Arrive in April, and you can revel in the vibrant San Antonio's Fiesta.

Charleston

Why go: Charleston's cobblestone walks and moss-covered trees delight visitors year-round, but in spring, the city glows. Lowcountry fare is widely served and the nearby shore beckons beach bums. Plus, pleasant temperatures mean that the springtime is perfect for experiencing it all.

(courtesy of U.S. News)

About Alyson Dudek

Born and raised in Hales Corners, Wis., Aly grew up in a community where some of the greatest Olympians in speed skating got their start – Eric Heiden, Dan Jansen and Casey Fitzrandolph have won the most overall medals in the history of the sport. Living near the Pettit National Ice Center, the only indoor 400-meter speed skating oval in the country at the time, Aly was just 7 when her family took her to skate. “We never saw her,” says her mom, Mary Dudek. “She’d take off and leave us in the dust. We signed her up with the local West Allis Speedskating Club. She started out skating long track, but she was always looking over her shoulder at the short track. Once she switched to short track, Aly never looked back.”

Aly’s been determined since the day she was born according to mom. Her strategy has been to concentrate on improving her technique and increasing her speed with experience. In 2006, Aly became a member of the U.S. Junior World Short Track Team, where she established a new 500-meter record. After winning several American Cups in 2007, Aly, just 17 and still in high school, was invited to the U.S. Speedskating Short Track team in Salt Lake City.

In 2008, Aly became the top-ranked U.S. woman in the 500-meter event and holder of the Junior American record. Since then, she has competed on World Cup and World Teams, representing the U.S. in competitions around the world.

After winning the 500-meter event and finishing second overall in Short Track at the U.S. National Championship Olympic Qualifiers in September 2009, Alyson (Aly) Dudek and her teammates brought home the Olympic Bronze medal in the 3,000 meter relay race in Vancouver in 2010. Aly will be competing in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia with the goals of medaling individually.

Aly is working to overcome the pressure and distractions at the Winter Games by visualizing herself in the rink and trying to get comfortable there. “With every race I learn and I carry that to the next race. That is giving me better results.”

Off the track has been a growing experience for Aly as well. Separated from her family to join the U.S. Team in Salt Lake, Aly has discovered she’s a “foodie” and loves cooking. She’s a pretty good negotiator when it comes to buying a car, and is Wisconsin proud. Next to speed skating, Aly is passionate about the Green Bay Packers and teammate Donald Driver. She loves the movies, reading books and writing. When she’s able to steal a few weekends to head home to Hales Corners, Aly loves taking the family dog, Miller, to the park and dining out at local eateries Mia Famiglia and Ann’s Restaurant. Aly is a proud alumna of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee.

Her hometown of Hales Corners, Wisconsin recently opened the Alyson Dudek International Ice Center in her honor allowing others in the community to skate on an Olympic size outdoor rink for free.

Family is where Aly finds her strength. She has two sisters, Maddie and Carolyn. Her dad, Rob, is an attorney with Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP in Milwaukee, and her mom is a third grade teacher. They visit Salt Lake frequently and attend most of Aly’s competitions in the U.S.

“We’re very proud of her,” says Mary Dudek. “She’s done a lot on her own and kept focused. We’ve never talked about the Olympics with Aly. That’s not what got her here. She just loves doing it. How she handles the pressure and being a fair competitor says a lot about her character.”

(courtesy of Alyson Dudek.com)