Traveling Off-Season: The Benefits & Drawbacks

Off-season travel can offer a variety of benefits no matter your budget. While many people focus on the cost-saving benefits, traveling during the off-season brings benefits beyond financial considerations.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, our travel advisors are here to help you have the best travel experience as you explore, relax, and dive into new cultures and experiences.

Below, we’re sharing our favorite destinations to explore during the off-season and hope it can help inspire your next vacation. When you’re ready to plan your next adventure, click below to chat with one of our travel advisors.

Europe Is Ideal For Off-Season Vacations

One of the main reasons we recommend European destinations when our clients want to travel outside of the peak vacation season is that there are always new things to explore, no matter the season.

Not only that but with fewer tourists visiting, you can often enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere as you explore a new culture and environment. Attractions tend to be less crowded and some areas even provide off-season exclusive excursions for visitors.

Barcelona, Spain

Spain is beautiful no matter the season, but visiting from November – March can provide you with a completely different experience when compared to planning a summer vacation.

Barcelona Jazz Festival

For more than 50 years the festival has been hailed as one of the world’s premier jazz festivals. These concerts begin in October and continue throughout December, which makes it easy to attend a performance (or two!).

Carnival

January – March is the season for Carnival, so you can catch the vibrant street festival activities the week before Ash Wednesday. In March, the weather begins to warm up, which makes it an ideal time to explore how the city celebrates and enjoy the unique cuisine.

London, England

Is there ever a bad time to visit London? We don’t think so! However, late spring and summer are typically the most popular times for tourists to descend upon the city. Traveling from January – April or September – November can provide you with a unique and less crowded vacation experience.

Borough Market

During the chilly winter months, visiting the Borough Market is a must. This foodie lover’s paradise is full of food trucks, coffee shops, storefronts, and unique pubs. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and other delicious food while you warm up.

Landmark Sightseeing

Nearly all the well-known landmarks in London are open to the public during the off-season. You can visit Tower Bridge, The Shard, The British Museum, and more no matter the time of year. Even better, these attractions are typically much less crowded than they are in the spring and summer.

France

Whether you want to see Paris, Lyon, or Provence, visiting France from November – March is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Paris

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we maintain that there is never a bad time to visit The City of Light. Fewer tourists, shorter lines, and thinner crowds make traveling to Paris during January – March ideal. You can enjoy some of the best parts of the city and feel like you have it all to yourself.

Lyon

Lyon has a longer off-season than Paris (November – April) and provides a variety of activities and adventures to enjoy. As Lyon is only a few miles from multiple ski resorts, it can be ideal for a winter vacation. You can also spend time at the Museum of Fine Arts, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Provence

Provence is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in France, so visiting during April, May, September, or October can be preferable if you still want to enjoy mild weather while avoiding the crowds. There is a wealth of cultural activities to enjoy, from historic sites to delicious seasonal food.

Greece

Winter is generally considered to be the off-season for vacations to the Mediterranean, so planning a vacation during that time should be anytime from December – March.

The Saronic Islands

These islands are just off the coast of Athens and are beautiful to enjoy even during the colder parts of the year. The landscape is full of beaches, pine trees, historical sites, and lively taverns. Most outdoor eateries use heaters to keep their patio areas comfortable, so you can enjoy beautiful vistas while you indulge in local cuisine and drink.

Thessaloniki

As one of the coldest parts of Greece, Thessaloniki doesn’t attract too many tourists during the winter, but this charming city is beautiful during the colder season. The waterfront area has plenty of cafes where you can warm up while enjoying breathtaking views of the sea. The cobbled streets are quieter, allowing you to soak up the charm and historical sights in ways you can’t experience during the summer.

Italy

Traveling to Italy between November and April is the best way to miss the heat of the summer months, along with crowded tourist areas. During the off-season, attractions tend to have shorter hours, but most are still open and available to enjoy.

Venice

Visiting Venice in the winter is almost like taking a trip into the past, where this popular tourist destination is no longer as crowded Enjoy the annual Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival) held before Lent.

Tuscany

In early spring (March – April), the Tuscan countryside is starting to wake up and the region’s hotels and restaurants start preparing for the warmer months. Annual flower festivals begin to open as April rings flowers blooming across the area. If you’re traveling in the winter months, keep in mind that Tuscany has many hot springs and spa hotels to enjoy.

Portugal

Similar to Italy, Portugal’s off-season tends to be from November – March. Museums, attractions, and performances are still available to visit throughout this time of year, making it a fantastic choice for a winter or early spring vacation.

Hiking In The Algarve

If you still want to enjoy an active vacation during the winter, exploring the Algarve in Portugal is a must. While it’s beautiful during the summer, it can often be too hot to enjoy. Hiking in this area brings you views from Ponta de Piedade, Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and the Fisherman’s Trail.

The Christmas Village

Tucked away in Obidos is one of the best places to visit in Portugal and has a one-of-a-kind Christmas market held inside the walls of a castle. It even features an ice skating rink with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Take Advantage Of “Wave Season”

Did you know that the three-month period between January and March is what travel advisors refer to as “wave season”? This time of year is when many cruise lines tend to offer unique vacation packages and it’s the perfect time to book a cruise with us!

Ready To Plan Your Off-Season Travel Adventure?

Traveling during the off-peak season cultivates a fresh sense of discovery, as you uncover hidden gems and often enjoy a personalized exploration experience. If you’re ready to plan your next travel experience, click below to get in touch with one of our travel advisors.

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