Beat the Crowds With a Spring Trip to These 20 Summer Hotspots

Don't wait until summer to take your next vacation. Traveling in the spring is a great way to not only shake off the long and brutal winter but avoid the hefty cost and crowds that can otherwise turn you off to your favorite summer hotspots.

Spring is a fantastic time in the Big Easy as the Mardi Gras revelers have cleared and the weather is cool and comfortable. What's more, travelers can rest assured that there will be plenty to see and do as New Orleans' hosts more than 130 festivals a year.

Beat the crowds to sun-soaked Malta by planning a spring trip. The Mediterranean archipelago won't be quite as warm as it is during the summer but the average April high temperature is still a balmy 67 and that figure jumps to 75 in May.

Don't wait for the school year to end to visit New York City. The Big Apple is beautiful as it thaws out from the long winter season and fewer crowds mean the potential for better deals. The destination is also always turned on so there's no need to worry about a lull in the action with events like May's 9th Avenue International Food Festival to look forward to.

Like New York, the nation's capital sees an influx of visitors in the summer when the kids are out of school. Therefore, spring visitors can avoid the crowds and the uncomfortable humidity while catching Washington, D.C.'s iconic cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

The Texas capital ushers in spring with the annual South by Southwest film, media and music festival so travelers may want to consider arriving after mid-March. High temperatures in April and May range from 80 to 85 degrees so you won't need to pack a ton of layers to experience Austin's many green spaces and charming neighborhoods such as the SoCo District comfortably. The city's famous 6th Street entertainment district won't be lacking excitement either.

Denmark is one of the top value destinations for Americans and Copenhagen is at its best come the spring season, when travelers will find solid deals on airfare and accommodations. Even though temperatures are likely to be on the chilly side, attractions such as Tivoli Gardens will see fewer hordes of tourists compared to the summer.

Spring in the U.S. signals fall in Buenos Aires and there's a lot to love about autumn in the Argentine capital, including lively local festivals, pleasant temperatures and affordable prices on hotels. By April, the high season crowds have mostly dissipated.

March, April and May are the ideal months to visit Montreal as the weather is beginning to warm up and hotel rates plummet. Springtime visitors can also participate in a handful of exciting festivals this time of year, including a lively St. Patrick's Day Parade.

While travelers shouldn't expect to warm up in Boston the way they might in other U.S. cities during the spring, New England is incredibly scenic this time of year and visitors can take advantage of discounted hotel rates. Meanwhile, April marks the start of popular events such as the Boston Marathon and the Boston International Film Festival.

Sunny San Diego is pretty much gorgeous year-round but the spring is cooler, less crowded and more affordable. Visitors can still make the most of popular attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo without breaking the bank or trying their patience.

A springtime visit to Orlando is a no-brainer as fewer tourists and a more comfortable temperatures boost the appeal of central Florida's iconic theme parks. Families who are able to take the kids out of school for a few days will also save on hotels while having a chance to experience fun festivals and events such as the 90-day Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

You certainly won't regret visiting Las Vegas between March and May, when crowds thin, temperatures rise and hotel rates drop. The spring also marks the start of pool season as well as marquee events like Viva Las Vegas and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Although it might not satisfy spring breakers in search of sizzling sun and fun, Chicago is a year-round destination that offers far fewer crowds between March and May. Spring visitors can also kick off the city's summer festival season at Mayfest during the third weekend of May.

Spring shoulder season from April to June is an excellent time to head to Oahu. Getting there will be cheaper and getting around will be much easier. There'll also be less rain to contend with. The only drawback is missing some of the island's marquee summer festivals and events.

Even if you miss March's Canada Blooms-the country's largest garden and flower festival-April and May in Toronto are guaranteed to satisfy you. Toronto's summer festival season draws visitors in bunches but the spring months are ideal for sightseeing and saving on travel.

Springtime visitors to Myrtle Beach shouldn't be surprised to bump into the occasional reveling college student. Nonetheless, this summer hotspot is quite pleasant in the spring when lesser demand from vacationing families drives down room rates and means more beach for you.

Budget-conscious travelers with a passion for adventure should start planning a spring trip to Auckland when crowds dwindle and thus prices decline. Visitors will discover lots to do downtown as well as on nearby islands offering wineries, hiking, zip lining and more.

If you can't wait until the fall shoulder season months to experience Paris, consider a trip between March and May to capitalize on fewer crowds, decent weather and discounted accommodations. Sports fans will want to plan their visit around the French Open tennis tournament. The two-week-long major championship kicks off in late May.

While the Riviera Maya is popular with both tourists and locals alike around spring break and the Easter holiday, the region's high season doesn't arrive until July and August. Traveling before May also ensures you'll avoid Riviera Maya's rainy season.

London's busy season kicks off in May so plan your getaway before late spring to beat the crowds at the city's most popular attractions. Not sure where to begin? Consider one of the many things that separate London from the world's other iconic cities.