RISMEDIA, Sept. 4, 2008-Be sure to consider the timing and destination when planning your trip. On-season and off-season travel can require very different budget challenges. So consider these practical suggestions as you decide when and where to go on your next vacation. You’ll get the most out of your trip and your dollar.
Think about traveling during the off-season
• Beautiful weather is not the most important part of visiting many cities. In some cities, the greatest attractions include breath-taking artwork, stunning cathedrals and mouth-watering food-and all of those things are enjoyed in the comfort of the indoors.
• If you love taking summer vacations, keep in mind that our northern hemisphere “summer months” are the southern hemisphere “off season” months. Getting there can be a little expensive, but once you arrive you’ll find some very economical prices.
• Don’t assume it’s too hot or too cold until you research the weather. Many cities have weather that’s much more temperate than you think. Tourist traffic goes down and so do many prices.
Getting the most out of peak-season travel
• Fully consider the benefits of traveling during peak season. Some cities take full advantage of the weather. They offer free or very affordable street festivals and outdoor activities that add value to your vacation.
• Think about the timing of your visit. Later in the season you can often find some great deals. You still might be, technically, traveling during peak season but shopkeepers and innkeepers still want to keep sales high and rooms full.
• Consider staying somewhere near your destination that’s less affected by seasonal rate increases. Whether you’re staying the countryside and visiting the city or staying in the valley and visiting the slopes, it’s kind of like two vacations in one.
Consider these on-season and off-season destinations for special seasonal value:
Spring
Amsterdam
Los Angeles
London
Grand Canyon
Summer
Buenos Aires
Rio de Janeiro
Miami
Santa Fe
Fall
Detroit
Seoul
Paris
Berlin
Winter
Venice
Florence
San Francisco
Munich
For more information and travel savings, click here.
