Birds are chirping, the snow is melting, and you’re probably going stir-crazy. It can only mean one thing: Spring is here and not a minute too soon! One of the many things that we love about spring is that it’s the perfect season for travel. With fewer tourists, affordable lodgings, and great airfare rates, it’s the best time to take advantage before the peak summer crowds roll in.

To help you shake off the winter blues, as well as maybe take some time to stop and smell the flowers in bloom, here’s a look at five budget-friendly destinations for making the most of the season.

Asheville

Spring is a beautiful time of year in the Appalachian Mountains. Friendly Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect base for exploring the area. This western North Carolina city is surrounded by National Parks and Forests, including the Great Smoky Mountains. But as much of a draw as the outdoors are there’s still plenty of citified sophistication for when you’re in town, including one of the best dining scenes in the South and a vibrant arts district. Nearby attractions such as the massive 19th century Biltmore estate and driving routes such as the Blue Ridge Parkway ensure an amazing time is had by any and all who visit.

Cancun

If your springtime travel means “Spring Break!” then Cancun is the place for you. The party is usually at its most raging through March with university students from across the US and the world descending on the Mexican resorts’ famous white sand beaches. The weeks before and during Easter see swells of visitors as well, but mostly older or Mexican families with children. Despite its popularity, cheap flights to Mexico and affordable rooms are definitely out there. Also, the peso is down considerably against the dollar. So you should see your money stretch further than it would have even just a year ago.

RELATED: 5 Safety Tips to Know before You Go on Spring Break

Kauai

Hawaii’s most budget-friendly isle is also one of its most lush. Whether you’re looking to rough it at one of Kauai’s numerous campgrounds or do it up in grand island style, you’ll be accommodated with a warm aloha welcome across Kauai. With daily high and low temperatures hardly ever going above or below the 70s during April and May and rainfall actually less than much of the rest of the year, spring is a glorious time to experience the wonders of the Garden Island. Plus, hotel rates are at their lowest prices of the year!

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is the perfect place for laidback family vacations. Shopping, golf, amusement parks (including the world’s largest Ferris Wheel), and 60 miles of sandy beaches offer the best of coastal living. This low-key South Carolina town is a great place to try down-home local food like the delicious low country boil as well. Prices are very nice for visits during spring. It can still get a little cool at night and in the early morning, but you should see daily high temperatures hover around 75 and 80°.

Paris

Yip Harburg’s lyrics made famous by the dulcet tones of Ella Fitzgerald sum up best the reasons to see the much-cherished capital of France:

April in Paris, this is a feeling
That no one can ever reprise
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris

And this April might be one of the most affordable yet with the dollar performing especially strong against the Euro at the moment. Despite tragedy in the news over the last couple years, the City of Lights remains an extremely safe and epically romantic destination.

How about you? Do you have a favorite spot for spring? We would love it if you shared your stories and tips about springtime travel in the comments section below.