Top Five Bargain Destinations for Spring 2013

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque has long been known for its hot-air-balloon festival, but more recently, it's been on the radar as an affordable destination. In fact, Fodor's named it one of the top 25 places to go in 2013, citing the city's excellent value, particularly for nature lovers and families. Upcoming events include the 30th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow from April 25 to 27, with singing and dancing competitions and Native American foods and music. Early June brings the 26th Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque, featuring some of the world's best flamenco artists.

With hotel discounts and new service from low-cost carriers, convenience and value open up vacation possibilities this spring. New JetBlue nonstop service connecting New York and Albuquerque begins April 22, and third nights are free at dozens of participating properties through the end of April.

Morocco

This spring, European low-cost carrier Ryanair will kick off a major hub expansion in Morocco, making it vastly easier and cheaper to reach the North African destination from major cities in Europe. The carrier will add seven new routes to Marrakesh, four to Fes, and several flights to two new airports in Essaouira and Rabat starting in late April and early May.

To take advantage of cheap fares to Morocco from cities in Europe, you've first got to get to Europe inexpensively. Luckily, we're seeing a trend with spring airfare sales—in recent weeks, we've covered short-window sales to major cities in Europe from Air France, Delta, and Icelandair. Right now, Lufthansa has prices as low as $489 for round-trip flights to various European locales if you book by March 12. Look for more sales in the coming weeks and possibly months, but don’t wait too long, since high summer prices are just around the corner.

Looking for a little guidance on the ground? Intrepid Travel is offering 10 percent off family trips booked by February 28. Morocco options include an eight-day Kids in the Kasbahs trip for $740 (pre-discount) per person.

Las Vegas, Nevada

New flights from two low-cost carriers plus a slew of spring deals make Vegas a bargain this upcoming season. Throw in discounts on tours and shows (including Cirque du Soleil) and you've got yourself a winning deal.

On April 25, Spirit kicks off new service to Las Vegas from Baltimore and Philadelphia. And Virgin America introduces thrice-daily nonstops to Las Vegas from Los Angeles starting April 22. New service not only offers passengers more options but also the potential for better pricing, particularly during multi-airline fare wars.

At press time, both Orbitz and Travelocity are running Las Vegas hotel sales, with discounts up to 50 percent off. And LasVegas.com has show deals, such as $43 off tickets to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil and $20 off David Copperfield tickets.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is getting a reputation as a tropical paradise that offers visitors serious value for their money. In fact, Orbitz recently named the country a value destination with some of the Caribbean's best prices. Add new service from AirTran debuting this spring and you've got beachy bargains all over the island.

AirTran kicks off new nonstop service between Chicago and Punta Cana on April 14. The Dominican Republic was included in AirTran's most recent Caribbean sale, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for sales in the next few months.

Expect to pay less than full price at beach resorts in the Dominican Republic this spring. Expedia and RIU Hotels & Resorts are offering up to 50 percent off rates for stays at seven all-inclusive resorts through April 30. And if you book by February 24, Orbitz will give you up to 50 percent off stays at beach hotels in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Orlando, Florida

Work around the most popular family spring-break weeks and you'll find deals galore in Orlando this spring. Spring-break blackout dates vary by provider, but they generally include all or part of March.

For stays from February 18 through March 23 and from April 2 through June 14, Disney is offering 15 to 30 percent off at Disney Resort Hotels. It also offers bundled discounts on room-and-ticket packages. Marriott Vacation Club has 40 percent off villa stays between April 8 and June 30 that are booked by February 28. VisitOrlando.com lists other discounts around the Orlando area, including a number of nightly rates under $100.

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