Lots of choices tempt for thrifty spring trips

Looking for a budget-priced spring vacation? Here is a potpourri from which to choose:

Skiing in the Alps can be cheaper than skiing in the Rockies this year, with such budget-priced locales as Chamonix, France; Interlaken, Switzerland; and Cortina, Italy. To learn what’s available, go to four Web sites: www.valhol.com, www.advonskis.com, www.ski-europe.com or www.centralholidays.com.

This spring and later in the autumn, the cost of renting a fully equipped country cottage in England, capable of housing four people, is often less than $500 a week. The stay can be economical -- especially if you take advantage of current low-cost transatlantic air fares. To see photos of dozens of available cottages, log onto www.welcome.cottages.co.uk.

The French Riviera remains a top destination in winter and spring. Though temperatures average 50 degrees, it’s still pleasant, and the grand avenues and tiny cafes regain their charm when they’re not thronged with tourists. Call France Vacations at (800) 332-5332, www.francevacations.net, for a five-night stay in Nice, from December to mid-March, for $769, including round-trip air fare on Air France from Los Angeles.

Few Americans are aware that Canada has a low-cost airline called Tango, which emulates Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and AirTran in the low price of its tickets. And Tango, which is owned by Air Canada, will let you book one-way flights at cheap rates. Contact Tango at (800) 315-1390 or www.flytango.com

If you have ever played a string instrument, you can get important travel benefits by obtaining a membership in Amateur Chamber Music Players, which has both national and international directories. When you travel, consult the lists, find like-minded musicians at your destination and enjoy a session of chamber music in which you also pick up budget tips for enjoying the community. Many of the members listed in the directory will lend you instruments, like a cello, to play. Log on to www.acmp.net.

I’m not a fan of frequent-flier programs, but since they’re apparently here to stay, you’ll benefit by signing up for an airline’s program even if you use the carrier only occasionally. That’s because some companies grant awards for as few as 500 miles of frequent-flier credits. A Web site called www.milepoint.com will allow you to redeem as few as 500 airline miles for magazine subscriptions, various household products and even for discount purchases made on Amazon.com. When it comes to airline miles, don’t overlook the small stuff.