Off-Season Travel

When people think of travel, they typically think of summer vacation, spring break and the December holidays. But, off-season travel definitely has its perks.

Here are some off-season vacations to consider:

Europe:
November and January-March are great times to visit Europe. When visiting in the fall or winter, there will be fewer crowds, shorter lines to see historical landmarks and the prices may even be cheaper. Just be sure to pack your winter clothes as it will definitely be cooler. I loved my river cruise to Europe in March. I may never travel to Europe in the summer again.

Ski Resorts:
I think the best time to visit a ski resort is during the summer. Of course, I don’t ski. During the summer, many ski resorts offer hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining and even outdoor concerts. Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, Aspen Snomass in Colorado and Zermatt in Switzerland are just a few that offer summer activities.

Caribbean:
Late April through Mid-June are great times to visit the Caribbean islands. Spring break is over and the hurricane season has not begun. The weather is typically dry and warm. And since there are fewer tourists, you can explore the ruins in Mexico, the UNESCO World Heritage in the Dominican Republic and the majestic Blue Mountains in Jamaica in a more relaxed pace.

National Parks:
Spring, fall and winter showcase the national parks in a different light. Wildlife tends to be more visible and easier to spot with fewer tourists. The cooler temperatures and snowfall offer a beautiful landscape with great photo ops. And skiing, snowshoeing and stargazing are also great reasons to visit in the off-season.

If you have the flexibility, off-season travel can be wonderful. Fewer crowds, lower prices and more availability make it a great time to schedule your vacation.