20 places to travel to this spring

<p> For a late-season ski trip and a city break rolled in one, head for Lebanon, where you can explore bustling Beirut and get active on the ski slopes at Cedars Ski Resort, located less than an hour away. This spring, <a href="http://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/lebanon/beirut/gefinorrotana" target="_blank">Gefinor Rotana</a>, in the centre of Beirut, is offering stays from &pound;61 per night and a special ski rate (transfers, ski passes and ski rental) from just &pound;54 per day. Lebanon is a lesser-known ski spot and is home to six ski resorts and 30km of pistes. Gefinor Rotana is home to a rooftop pool, so you can enjoy days in the sun and the sea is nearby too.</p>

<p> Desperate for sunshine? From 23 March, <a href="http://www.vueling.com/en/" target="_blank">Veuling </a>is operating a new flight route from Heathrow to Mallorca, giving you the perfect excuse for an early island escape. Check in to <a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Mallorca/Jumeirah-Port-Soller-Hotel--Spa/" target="_blank">Jumeirah Port Soller</a>, which offers luxury on the ruggedly beautiful northwest coast of Mallorca with stunning mountain or sea views from every room. The family-friendly hotel offers access to a cyclist's paradise, as well as shopping and culture galore. Don't miss a tram ride and exploring the lively port of the old town.</p>

<p> After a long winter, the sun returns to the far north of Norway and you can experience blue light during dawn and dusk and Northern Lights during the hours of darkness. March is high season in Spitsburgen, when you can enjoy snowmobile safaris and ice carving with the return of the sun. <a href="http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hurtigruten</a> offers an ice caving break in the heart of the Longyear Glacier from &pound;811 per person, including a 45km snowmobile safari in the Arctic Desert and a wilderness evening at a local camp.</p>

<p> This spring you can enjoy a luxurious train journey in Pembrokeshire, with <a href="http://www.orient-express.com/" target="_blank">Orient-Express</a> celebrating the beauty and history of Wales in March and May. Journeys on the Northern Belle will take in the stunning coastline and there is a special excursion to St Davids, Britain's smallest city. You'll enjoy the best views in Wales while sipping champagne on a timeless train ride. The St Davids journey from Cardiff and Swansea takes place on 2 March and the Pembrokeshire coastline trip is from Bath, Bristol and Cardiff on 9 May. From &pound;340 per person including a special Bellini brunch on the outward journey followed by a four-course gourmet meal with champagne and wine on the journey home.</p>

<p> With the intensity of the Australian summer over, March is a great time to visit South West Australia and this year you can test your peddling power on a new off-road cycling trail, with brilliant wildlife opportunities through magnificent forests, coasts and bushland. The Munda Biddi Trail stretches over 1,000km from Perth to Albany and opens its final section this spring. It's the perfect place to spot western brush wallabies, emus, kangaroos and possums - especially near the lush rock pools along the trail. <a href="http://www.austravel.com/" target="_blank">Austravel</a> offers return flights and accommodation in March from &pound;1,589 per person.</p>

<p> Never thought you'd hear the word 'cheap' and 'Paris' in a sentence? Explorer and entrepreneur Neil Laughton launches new airline <a href="https://www.brightoncityairways.com/cgi-bin/flightbooking" target="_blank">Brighton City Airways</a> this March, bringing Paris closer to those living in the South of England, without the hassle of travelling to London. The cost-effective airline offers daily flights from Shoreham Airport to Paris Pontoise with VIP service, spacious cabins in LET-410 planes that seat 19 people and check in just 15 minutes before take-off. Prices start from &pound;69.</p>

<p> Spring for us is autumn in Namibia and it's a particularly wonderful time to visit when April and May are dry with a freshness in the air and greenery in the landscape. It doesn't have to be expensive either, as <a href="http://www.wildaboutafrica.com/namibia/northern-namibia-camping-safari/overview" target="_blank">Wild about Africa</a> offers an 11-day affordable trip to Namibia from &pound;1,847 per person, with camping in scenic spots, meeting local Himba people, enjoying game drives through Etosha and visiting the Africat Foundation. Flights from Heathrow and three nights at a guesthouse are included.</p>

<p> Croatia joins the EU this year and is set to become an exciting destination for European breaks. The airlines know it too and are launching new flights to this stunning corner of Europe. <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en" target="_blank">Ryanair</a> is launching flights from the East Midlands and Liverpool to Zadar from April and <a href="http://www.norwegian.com/en/" target="_blank">Norwegian</a> starts its routes from Gatwick to Split and Dubrovnik in April. Explore Croatia by sea with <a href="http://www.sail-croatia.com/" target="_blank">Sail Croatia</a>, which offers seven-night trips from &pound;319 in April and May, taking in Split, Dubrovnik, Mljet and Hvar. <a href="http://www.croatiaholidays.eu/" target="_blank">Explore Croatia</a> offers beautiful villas, farmhouses and luxury apartments if you're looking for a relaxed stay on land.</p>

<p> Never has a theme park been so cold - until now! <a href="http://www.seaworldparks.co.uk/" target="_blank">SeaWorld Orlando</a> is launching an incredibly cool attraction this spring, Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin. The brilliant new ride takes you to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica through the eyes of the world's most loved bird, the penguin. The state-of-the-art interactive ride combined with an animal attraction, offers a journey like no other to the coldest and most barren place on earth.</p>

<p> You don't have to travel too far for an exciting experience this spring as the largest zip wire attraction in the Northern Hemisphere opens in Wales this March. The exhilarating new experience in Bethesda, near Bangor, will see visitors fly through the skies for over a mile at speeds of up to 75mph. Located in the world's largest old slate quarry, <a href="http://www.zipworld.co.uk/" target="_blank">Zip World</a> takes you over a mountain lake with panoramic views over Snowdonia, the Isle of Anglesey and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. From &pound;45 for adults and &pound;36 for children.</p>

<p> Thanks to <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb" target="_blank">British Airways</a> launching new flights to Colombo this April, Sri Lanka is looking even more attractive to travellers in search of a varied holiday destination. A new highway linking the capital to the south cuts road journeys to the southern beaches and the wildlife in Yala National Park by half. Combine a relaxing beach break with a safari in Yala National Park or the temples and cultural sites to make the most of Sri Lanka this spring. <a href="http://www.wandotravel.com/holiday/sri-lanka/multi-centre/private-tour-featuring-sigirya-kandy-and-tea-country-by-private-vehicle-with-driver-guide/" target="_blank">Western &amp; Oriental</a> offers a 14-night Sri Lanka Tour including a Yala safari and the beach near Galle from &pound;2,145 per adult.</p>

<p> Once a pricey holiday destination, Moscow is now accessible for all as this spring <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en" target="_blank">easyJet </a>launches cheap flights to the Russian capital from London Gatwick and Manchester for as little as &pound;47.49. The weather is mild, the days are long and the city's trees and parks begin to bloom in spring. Be sure to visit the spectacular Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, Old Arbat and the department store GUM.</p>

<p> Travellers from Edinburgh Airport can get a taste of the South of France this spring as <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en" target="_blank">Ryanair</a> is launching flights to Beziers in April. Just 30 minutes from the pretty French town's airport, lies the stunning <a href="http://www.lescarrasses.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Les Carrasses</a>, nestled in the heart of the unspoilt Languedoc region. Spring is the ideal time to visit, with the warm Mediterranean climate, clear blue skies and low season prices. Take advantage of two nights for the price of one, including a three-course dinner, three-course lunch and two breakfasts from &pound;150 per person until the end of April.</p>

<p> Get the best of the end of season snow and pop your shorts and T-shirt on for a hike in Utah, where you can ski, kayak, and ride in places like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument Valley. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the array of activities on offer and discover this magnificent part of America. <a href="http://www.skisafari.com/Ski-USA-Utah-and-Las-Vegas-Safari-Details.aspx" target="_blank">Ski Safari</a> offers a Utah and Las Vegas package, which allows you to sample Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Deer Valley, Snowbird and much more over 14 days from &pound;1,295 per person.</p>

<p> Canada's iconic <a href="http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_GB/" target="_blank">Rocky Mountaineer</a> adds a new destination to its First Passage to the West journey this spring. Spectacular Lake Louise will be introduced to the route on 24 April, enabling guests staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise the luxury of a quick and direct transfer to their hotel. The stop marks the return of passenger rail service to Lake Louise for the first time in over two decades, giving you the perfect excuse for a scenic holiday by rail.</p>

<p> If you failed being healthy at the start of the year and want to spring clean your lifestyle, this May sees the first yoga resort opening in Europe. Zening Resort in Cyprus is dedicated to yoga, meditation and wellness with classes that run throughout the day for any willing participants. The team is made up of nutritionists, personal trainers, spa therapists and yoga masters, and you can take full advantage of the eco-resort's facilities, such as the smoothie bar, culinary classes and the swimming pools. A week's yoga holiday including flights and transfers starts from &pound;949 per person with <a href="http://thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk/travel-blog/2012/12/22/zening-eco-resort-in-cyprus/" target="_blank">The Healthy Holiday Company</a>.</p>

<p> Hit South Africa this spring and enjoy a safari holiday at <a href="http://www.kwandwe.com/" target="_blank">Kwandwe Game Reserve</a>, with lovely sunny days, warm evenings, wild flowers in bloom and new beginnings for the animals, when springbok, Red hartebeest and gemsbok all drop their young. Kwandwe offers luxury safari lodges for couples and families. If you're travelling with little ones, they can be taken on special children's safaris to spot non-dangerous animals and take part in 'poo safaris', Minnow fishing trips and 'Big Five' cookie baking.</p>

<p> Always wanted to take a road trip in a retro VW camper van? For a funky and affordable spring holiday in France, rent Pucci, Jardi, Fleur, Gary or Hippy from <a href="https://wedubyou.com/" target="_blank">WeDubYou.com</a> for fun travels around the historic villages of Issigeac, Monpazier and Monflanquin or the cool surfing towns of the west coast. The camper vans are equipped with iPod music, stylish tableware and bedding, and you can opt for the VIP add-on to have the fridge stocked with local goodies and champagne. Seven nights in a camper van costs from &pound;375, based on pick-up and drop-off at Bergerac Airport.</p>

<p> If you like full-on heat, you should visit Jamaica in the spring before the first rainy season sets in from May to June. But if you like the short, tropical showers that provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat, travel in May, when you can also discover Caribbean fashion at Style Week Jamaica in a five-day extravaganza in capital city, Kingston, with fashion shows, cocktail receptions and after-parties. <a href="http://www.caribtours.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caribtours</a> is offering a seven-night package at Strawberry Hill from &pound;1,635 per person, including flights, accommodation, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick.</p>

<p> It may still be cold for some, but the snow melting and 10C means spring in Stockholm, with the Swedes celebrating the milder weather. Restaurants and bars start setting up their outdoor seating in April and there are wonderful events and festivals to enjoy throughout the season. This May, the ABBA Museum is set to open at the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, marking the band's career from 1970 until 1983. Travel for three nights with <a href="http://www.taberhols.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taber Holidays</a> from &pound;543 per person. If you're planning on spending extra time in Sweden and want to explore more of the country, spring marks oyster season in West Sweden and the Nordic Championships in Oyster Opening (4 May) sees contestants racing to open 30 oysters at impressive speeds. Stay at <a href="http://www.tanumstrand.se/uk" target="_blank">Tanums Hotel</a>, overlooking Grebbestad harbour, from &pound;188 per person for two nights.</p>