Americans love to travel during the summer and spring seasons. What’s not to love? The sun is shining, the kids aren’t in school, and the weather is generally agreeable.
The problem with this, however, is that many people have the same idea as you. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, a total of 54 percent of Americans traveled during spring and summer in 2016. Because of this, travel destinations end up crowded and the high demand for flights and accommodations means that airlines and hotels jack up their prices.
With this in mind, you should consider traveling during off-season instead. Of course, “off-season” is dependent on where you’re going, but generally, the crowds die down in many places during winter.
Either way, if you choose to travel during a destination’s off-season, here’s how you can make sure your trip is one to remember:
Look It Up
Once you’ve chosen your off-season vacation destination, do your research. Read up on what a slow season is like in that place so you can plan accordingly. For example, the off-season in the popular Midwest weekend vacation spot Wisconsin is during the winter, but winter looks different in each county there. With the knowledge of the typical goings-on during your chosen vacation time, you’ll be able to plan your trip accordingly.
Prepare a Plan
When traveling during the off-season, some activities that are popular with tourists during peak vacation times may not be available. Plan your trip with this in mind. Let’s take Wisconsin again for example. In Door County, the best things to do is to explore the area through hiking and biking. That’s a bit hard to do in winter. With that knowledge, you can opt to rent a bed and breakfast in Door County and stay warm inside or go join several Christmas festivities such as Christmas by the Bay and Tree Lighting ceremonies.
Dress the Part
Winter in Wisconsin is vastly different from winter in Florida, for instance. This is why it’s important to look up what the weather is like in your destination so you can pack clothes and supplies appropriately. You may also take a cue from the locals when dressing since their clothes are often best-suited for their current climate.
Go Schedule-less
While it’s vital to have a scheduled itinerary in place for peak-season travel, the thinner crowds in your desired destination during the off-season means you don’t have to fight for tickets or tour spots in advance. You basically have the luxury of scheduling your trip as you go. Take advantage of this flexible schedule by mapping out the spots you’re going to visit the day prior. Or, you can even ditch scheduling entirely and do things on the spot. The spontaneity can bring you much more joy than stressing about making it to your scheduled tours.
If you’re working or have kids, the opportunity to travel can be a luxury that you rarely get. That’s why it’s important that you enjoy your vacation. Off-season travel can provide a stress-free and enjoyable experience for you.
