Off-season travel earns a bad reputation. Many people assume that traveling to a summer destination during the winter months is somehow sacrificing the quality of their trip. While some popular tourist attractions may have seasonal closings, most stay open year round. Traveling during the off-season actually has many perks you won’t experience during peak travel season.
Traveling to a popular winter destination? Check out our maps of New York, Boston, Palm Springs, Yosemite Valley, San Diego, and Southwest Indian Country.
Travel in Luxury
Many people associate off-season travel with saving money and stretching your budget. You can afford to travel to destinations that otherwise would have been out of your price range. Hotels and airlines offer drastic savings when you travel during less popular times. Another way of viewing the situation is that you can spend the same budget, but enjoy a vacation well above your normal level of luxury. Tickets to local attractions are commonly discounted in the off-season, but so are other services such as spa packages, private tours, or dinner cruises. You can attend more events, or events that otherwise would’ve been too expensive. Where to find the best discounts varies by location, but sites such as Groupon are a great place to start.
Travel Tip
Make sure to open an incognito tab when comparing prices for plane tickets. Many sites use cookies that track your activity. Every time you return to their site, the airline increases the price slightly to encourage you to buy sooner.
Greater Authenticity
When you travel during peak tourist season there tends to be a crowd of tourists everywhere you go. When you travel during the off-season, this is usually not the case. This means better views (and better photos!) when visiting famous sites. It also means tour groups tend to be smaller, so you’ll be able to ask more questions and get a more personalized experience. People in the service industry will have more time to talk, often offering tips you won’t find online. Whether you like to sit in a cafe and people watch, or constantly be on the go, you’ll be mingling mostly with locals. This often exposes a different side to a city you would not have experienced surrounded by the bustle of other tourists.
Travel Tip
Carry a paper map with you. When people recommend a place to visit, ask them to circle it on the map. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the area and often prompt them to remember other nearby places to visit.
A Different Weather Forecast
Weather during the off-season is not always cold or rainy. Often traveling in the winter means experiencing weather different than what the region is known for. Depending on your preferences, this could be a great thing. If you’re not a fan of sizzling 100 degree heat, winter may be the perfect time for you to visit Palm Springs. The area cools to an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit while remaining bright and sunny. San Diego and Las Vegas are also known for their temperate climates year round. You’ll probably need to bring a jacket to visit the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, but the foliage and scenery are just as beautiful as in summer. For other destinations, such as Yosemite Valley, the snow and cold are part of the appeal. Enjoy seasonal activities such as skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating.
Travel Tip
Consider how much of your trip you plan on spending outdoors before you let weather be a strong deciding factor. Cities with cold and rainy weather are full of people who have learned to enjoy living their despite it. You may find there is plenty to experience regardless of the weather.
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