Listen, I know that traveling during the summer is easier; warmer weather, schools are out for the year, and many major attractions only operate during the summertime high season. I get it, there’s nothing wrong with that! But imagine if you could visit the Sistine Chapel and witness the masterpiece ceiling without being jostled around by hundreds of other sightseers. Imagine looking out your hotel window to a privileged view of the Eiffel Tower! While high season travel has its perks, low season vacations offer an entirely new perspective on old favorites and here’s the seven best reasons why:
1. Lower Prices
Most travelers know off season vacations often come at a lower price; hotels, airfare, and attractions can all fluctuate greatly from the high season peak prices – and who doesn’t want to save money? You might miss out on a major attraction during the fall or winter, however, with the money you save, you can add a number of other unique experiences to make up for any sights you may miss.
2. A Smorgasbord of Options
One major headache during high season travel is that it must be planned months in advance to ensure you are able to book the hotels and attractions you want. Low season travel offers a solution to this problem – visit when there are fewer tourists! Fewer tourist means hotels won’t be booked, sightseeing tours won’t be sold out, and dinner reservations will be easier to come by. Now your only concern will be decision paralysis!
3. Unexpected Finds
I know what you’re thinking! What’s the point in vacationing during the off-season if major attractions are closed? I’ll tell you the point: without the comfort of the major attractions to fall back on, you now have the option to explore! This is what separates the traveler from the tourist, the willingness to see what others don’t. You may find forgotten pieces of local history or a café that’s been a local favorite for generations. Challenge your wanderlust to find the unique and unexpected!
4. Get to Know the Locals
Anyone who lives in a transient area of the country understands the frustrations the high tourist season causes on a city; the noise, the crowds, and the prices – it’s enough to keep anyone indoors! During the slower travel months, however, you’ll find more opportunities to interact with local residents and, you may find, they are more willing to interact with you.
5. Insta-Ready Photos
No more playing the waiting game as endless tourists dart passed your camera lens in order to get that perfect shot. With fewer people, you can get the perfect picture without interference – or the unwanted “photo bomb.” Take two pictures, three, even! It doesn’t matter, because you won’t be holding anyone up behind you either.
6. Share the Wealth
Times can be rough for local businesses in a tourist-centered area. The slower months bring in fewer patrons, causing steep peaks and valleys in the local economy. You can help to fill in some of the harder months by traveling off-season, giving the local business owners some piece of mind when the crowds have parted.
7. Peace of Mind
The mass crowds of the busy travel season cause more problems than longer lines and fewer hotel options. Large crowds are a treasure trove for thieves and pickpockets as you’re so overwhelmed with the mass of people around you, you hardly notice someone bump into you – while also taking your wallet. Traveling off-season allows you to be more aware of your surroundings, making it difficult for those with lower morals to prey on an unwitting victim.
Top Low Season Vacations for 2019:
7 Day Northern Thailand Adventure from $839
