This article
originally appeared in the April issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe
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There are numerous benefits to offseason travel, including
milder temperatures, fewer crowds and cheaper flights. But did you know it’s
also a more responsible way to travel? Not only does traveling during the low
season help protect local ecosystems; it also provides stability to tourism
economies.
Here, USTOA members share some of their favorite off-season
itineraries that will inspire your clients to give off-peak travel a try.
Tours From USTOA Members
Two million cherry blossom trees bloom in Spain each March,
which, combined with comfortable temperatures and thinned crowds, makes spring
the perfect time for Insight Vacations’ Highlights of Spain tour. Clients start
in Barcelona with a guided tour of the city’s flamboyant modernist
architecture. Next up is a trip through the famous orange groves of Valencia
and a scenic drive through the gleaming white villages of Seville, followed by
a few days spent exploring Madrid.
For those looking for a destination with a summer low
season, G Adventures recommends visiting the Philippines between May and
October. Known as the country’s green season, this traditionally less popular
time to visit the country offers lush jungles, quieter beaches and a more
relaxed pace. During the Best of the Philippines tour, travelers will eat their
way through Manila’s Chinatown, hike through the jungle at Mount Purro Nature
Reserve and cruise through Puerto Princesa’s famous underground river.
EF Go Ahead Tours has a full collection of Off-Peak
itineraries for clients seeking a quieter, cooler Europe experience. The
operator’s Off-Peak France: Paris & the French Riviera tour begins with
three days taking in the sparkling sights of Paris. Then, it’s off to Nice,
where travelers will bask in the golden glow of this French Riviera city known
for its picturesque landscapes, stunning neo-Gothic churches and quaint cafes.
With travel dates between November and March, travelers will love experiencing
France’s landmarks without having to fight the summer crowds.
September brings springtime blooms in Cape Town, and Exodus
Adventure Travels highlights September, October and November as the top months
to visit for mild weather and whale-watching season. Its Cape Town & the
Garden Route itinerary kicks off with a four-hour game drive through Addo
Elephant National Park. Clients will also get to hike the rocky coastlines and
fairytale forests of the Garden Route, explore the 20-million-year-old Cango
Caves and toast to their travels in South Africa’s wine region.
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