Once the winter holidays are over, many of us begin to look forward to summer. After all, the summer months afford the best weather, not to mention longer days to enjoy it. Moreover, a good number of people usually plan to take their vacations during the summer - so there's often a getaway to look forward to. But in the midst of all those thoughts of fun in the sun, there's an all-too-blunt reality: it's actually still winter!

That's right: if you usually take your holiday during the summer, you have about five months to count down before you can start packing your bags. After all, you have been committed to your summertime vacations ever since you were a child, when your parents used to take you along with them to sunny destinations. But does that really mean you have to stick to the same summertime holiday mould? The answer is simple: no, you don't. So what's the alternative?

While most people choose to travel in the summer, there is a wave of holidaymakers who know better: springtime travellers. These holidaymakers have a number of advantages over those who choose to vacation in the summer. For starters, those who travel in the spring beat the summertime "rush" of people. Can you really imagine travelling without hordes of tourists roaming the streets alongside you? It's certainly possible - if you travel during off peak times of the year. Transport and accommodation prices are also usually lower in the spring, so you can anticipate an abundance of great deals and packages on the travel market.

Even so, what about the weather? After all, warm weather has a lot to do with why people choose to travel in the summer. But the truth is that springtime weather can be even better than that of the so-called glory days of summer: summertime climate can often be too hot, depending on where you go - which means you may have to sweat it out to get a bit of sightseeing in. But if you choose to travel in the spring, you'll have the advantage of being able to bask in the sun without having to brave intense heat.

If you're considering taking your vacation in the spring this year, you'll find plenty of hotels - such as Hilton Homewood Suites - which can provide superb accommodation. And because you'll be travelling during the off-peak season, you're likely to be able to find some special deals, packages or promotions. So beat the summer rush and start exploring your springtime travelling options. With so many advantages, what have you got to lose?