To this travel guy, nothing signifies that spring is here more than the words “play ball!” Spring and baseball are synonymous to me. It is that time to start fresh on a new season one filled with promise and expectations.

Major league baseball’s spring training camps offer even the average fan the opportunity to get up close and personal with America’s pastime.

The atmosphere here is much more relaxed and the players are more approachable. It is not uncommon to see multiple players signing autographs at the practice fields or by the dugouts on the main game field.

There are two distinct geographic options for spring training baseball. You can opt for the heat, humidity and level lush tropical greenery of Florida’s Grapefruit League or the dry desert mountain oasis of Arizona’s Cactus League. It is either Cuban sandwiches or Native American flatbreads.

Starting in mid February and running until the end of March the spring training complexes become alive with the sounds of balls and bats. Early in training camps you’ll get to see more of the up and coming talents with a few regulars mixed in. Later in March the starters are on the field more getting in shape for opening day.

Each region has its own advantages and disadvantages. Besides baseball there is certainly something for just about every type of travelers.

Attractions vary from Florida’s theme parks to Arizona’s frontier heritage and Native American culture. Golfers, shoppers, family vacationers and sun enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do during their journey to both locales.

You can mix and match the teams and camps you visit or take a more focused approach like I do and just follow with your favorite club.

It’s watching the Cleveland Indians for me, traveling to their home and away games. The Indians share the Goodyear Ariz. training complex with the Cincinnati Reds so it is a win-win situation for Ohio pro baseball fans.

Goodyear is about a half a drive west from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport and is easily accessible from Interstate highway 10.

However during peak drive times expect plenty of traffic on the roadways. The road network is set up on the grid system so I found navigation around town simple but congested.

Sky Harbor offers a wide range of flight options with nonstop service from Columbus and Cincinnati. I use www.travelocity.com fare watcher tool to track airfares.

I load my departure and arrival cities into it and then let the computer track Phoenix fares for me. When the price drops into my comfort range I purchase the tickets. If you’re trying to redeem airline award miles give yourself plenty of advance planning time as the seat availability for free tickets changes daily.

Most carriers will load their schedules 11 months in advance so for February/March travel I’d start checking in April/May.

Rental cars are plentiful but you’ll find a hefty surcharge tacked onto your final bill. You have to be able to pay for those nice new stadiums and we tourists have been asked to pick up much of that burden. When renting a car be sure to check the fine print and get a good faith itemized quote of all additional taxes and fees. By doing this in advance you will not experience the rental car return price shock that many unprepared travelers are presented with.

After numerous trips to spring training out west to the “Valley of Sun” I recommend staying on the west side of I-17 and north of I-10. This location allows for easy access to the Goodyear complex plus many other West Valley training camps.

There are plenty of lodging options ranging budget Motel 6 hotels to upscale resorts like the Camelback Inn.

This year we managed to snag a three bedroom two bath fully furnished condo for only $100 per night.

Yes that’s $100 per night not $100 per person per night. Located in the Desert Breeze complex off of W. Indian School Road this location was perfect and offered all the major amenities-swimming pool, exercise facility, BBQ grill and great freeway access.

And should I mention that it was about a 3 minute drive to the Villa de Paz golf course. I’ve already held space for next spring’s journey.

With a night away game on the schedule another discovery this year was the historic district of Old Scottsdale Ariz. Scottsdale seemed like a blending of Santa Fe New Mexico and Hollywood California’s Rodeo Drive.

The charm and hospitality of the old frontier days mixed with the energy and sophistication of a city on the move.

Here you’ll find upscale shops, restaurants featuring acclaimed chefs, dozens of wine bars, lounges, art galleries and performing arts venues. You’ll also discover fine museums and some of the region’s most luxurious resorts and challenging golf courses.

Just strolling the streets of Scottsdale and window shopping was a pleasurable way to spend the day before the evening’s ball game. Schedule permitting we’ll be back here.

I have just covered a few of the bases of an Arizona spring baseball trip. Each year we’ll continue to explore and discover what the portion of America’s Southwest has to offer.

Now it is time to “play ball” for real as the first pitches of the regular season have already been thrown. Go Reds! Go Tribe!

Got travel? E-mail Steve Call at the travelprofessor@gmail.com or dial 740.550.9540.