Author Patricia Schultz Discusses Her Favorite Springtime Getaways

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA.com) — Patricia Schultz, author of the New York Times best seller, 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die, stopped by the KCAL9 studios Friday to talk about her book as well as some of her favorite springtime getaways.

Patricia also told viewers about the LA Travel & Adventure Show at the Long Beach Convention Center, Jan. 12-13.

5 of Patricia's favorite Springtime getaways:

Hill Country, Texas

• The springtime bluebonnet flowers cover the fields in the hills outside of the great city of Austin. Texas is known for its array of Springtime flowers and people come from all corners - often starting first at the lady Bird Johnson Center in Austin, then weekending in the Hill Country where there is wine-tasting, antiquing, music, and a German influence in towns like Fredriksburg (great B&Bs and inns), and cowboy country to be experienced at the dude ranches.

Charleston, S.C.

• When the azaleas and magnolias are in bloom, there is no better place to be south of the Mason Dixon Line. Twice a year - in the Spring and Autumn - the city's finest private homes open their gardens and front doors to the public (reservations necessary) - this is some of the finest antebellum architecture in the US - with a number of beautifully restored plantation homes just outside of town as well on the Ashley River.

Holland - Tulip Route

• If you don't have the budget or time to go to Japan for the Cherry Blossoms, Holland and its seas of tulips will not disappoint. Flower markets in Amsterdam hint of what awaits outside the city: everyone heads to Keukenhof Flower Gardens, only opened 2 months every year (late March to May), and considered the world's largest spring display - over 7 million spring flowers on 70 acres, predominantly tulips in every color and variation. The drive from Amsterdam takes you through and past fields of commercial flower farms all abloom.

Galapagos, Ecuador

• The country takes its name from the Equator which it straddles, so it is one of the few year-round destinations that is inviting in the Spring - and the other 3 seasons as well. Great for the kids as well as for 3 generations of family --- for the blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, marine and land animals and bird life not intimidated by homo sapiens, all in a pristine ecology that is a rarity in today's world. Ecuador is getting lots of attention these days: fly into the beautiful colonial city of Quito (a Unesco world heritage site), as well as the rain forest just outside town before heading to the islands.

Caribbean Islands

• Bermuda (not really part of the Caribbean - it is farther north) is warming up and its pink sand beaches - yes they really are pink - set this island a part. Any of the Caribbean islands are a perfect place to go in the Spring to get a jump start on summertime water sports and swimming. Caribbean summer heat has not yet kicked in (and hurricane season doesn't start until June), and shoulder rates and off season prices make it attractive. Favorites? St Lucia, which looks a little but like Bali Hai, and Anguilla for white-sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.