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GenX-ers often have the misconception that in order to come back with good travel stories, they need to go when everyone else does and when "everything is happening." Take Spring Break in Cancun for example. Or summertime in Western Europe. It happens year after year, and without fail each annum throngs of young travelers complain of high prices, crowding and general travel headaches.
No matter what time of year it is, it's an off-season somewhere in the world. Travel between peak and off seasons (generally going by the name shoulder season) and get a taste of fleeting peak season weather along with evaporating tourists. It's just a matter of thinking carefully about how the seasons in various places affect tourism. For example, March is a cheap time to go skiing or snowboarding in Colorado or Utah as the peak winter ski season dwindles at American resorts. Another example: the rainy season begins in May in Central America, a great time to go cheaply if you don't mind the afternoon thunderstorm (and everyone you'll meet taking shelter in the local bar!). Just one more example: snowbirds leave Hawaii and the Caribbean come April and deals abound for on-the-cheap island-hoppers. Firstly, the cost-savings of traveling in the off-season is obvious. (I waited until September to fly from the United States to Europe and saved hundreds of dollars; if I had flown in the month of August, summer prices would have still been in effect. Check bucket shops like http://www.cheaptickets.com or http://www.hiadv.com to learn when airlines change "seasons.") Sometimes, airline tickets go for less than half the price in the off-season than what they would in the peak season. Furthermore, getaway packages (often including air, hotel and rental car) from bargain travel agencies cost even less. Train and bus lines, too, drop high-season surcharges during low travel times. Hotels cut room rates. Even hostels sometimes lower their prices in the winter and early spring to encourage visitors. Secondly, if personal sanity is high on your list, definitely travel in the off-season. Ask yourself this question: Isn't relaxing what vacation is all about - regaining sanity lost in real life? There's no reason to battle long ticket lines at museums, overcrowded trains or full guest houses when you don't have to. And the other travelers you do meet will be less harried, too. An added bonus: not having to worry about making any overnight reservations! Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article The best trips come to those who wait - for the off season in Alternative Travel is owned by Colleen Kaleda. Permission to republish The best trips come to those who wait - for the off season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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