Most of us look for the value in any purchase, so if you’re looking to stretch your travel dollar, think of the benefits of travelling off season. If you don’t like crowds of tourists and want to feel special and privileged, without long lineups, you will have a more genuine experience in a destination when you travel off season. Imagine St. Mark’s Square in Venice without any tourists – heaven! And then heading off to a small café in the back streets where a warming cup of hot chocolate and blanket await you.
Weather is usually the issue, but don’t let this stop you. Want to avoid hurricane season in the Caribbean (Sept/Oct) then go to Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao which are outside the hurricane belt. A delightful time to scuba dive and soak up the sun.
There are some amazing festivals and events held in “off season” to attract tourists. A Tulip Time river cruise in The Netherlands in March/April is spectacular, and the Winter Christmas Market river cruises are another site to behold – with great prices during this off season time in Europe.
Treat yourself to a waterfront villa in Maui in off season (Jan-April) which also happens to be the primary season for viewing pods of humpback whales. Imagine sitting on your balcony with a Mai Tai in hand and watching the whales go by at sunset. Even over-the-water-bungalows in Bora Bora are more affordable during Tahiti’s off season (Nov-Apr).
Spend some of the extra money you save and splurge…. perhaps an upgrade to business class air, which will be cheaper in off season too. The question to ask, is it worth it? My most memorable trip ever was Paris in the winter, so for me …. Yes!