The Benefits of Off-Season Travel

The off season is the time of year in between the peak tourism times. Usually after the "best" weather or after a holiday/festival. Too often, people miss out on travelling to a country or region because they think that they come across some less than desirable weather during their stay.

Of course, you wouldn't want to be trekking high in the Himalayas in a foot of snow, or in the South of India in 45-degree heat, but for the most part, traveling during the off-season is the way to go. Here's why:

Cheap Prices

Outside of the high-season, hotels, tours, transportation companies and even restaurants lower their prices. This is the time of year when you'll have great bargaining power! Rooms can be as much as 50 percent off and the cost of flights will be much lower. Especially if you're planning to travel to more expensive parts of the world, (Caribbean, Europe, North America) your dollar will go much further than if you travel in the high-season when prices are raised significantly.

No Crowds

There's nothing wrong with tourists, or being around people, but isn't it nice to have a slice of paradise all to yourself once in a while? Travel in the off-season and you'll experience just that. Famous sites will feel deserted compared to the high volume of visitors in the peak-season.

Pristine beaches will be virtually empty, giving you lots of room to spread out a towel and enjoy the peace and quiet. Hikes and treks won't feel like you're walking heel-to-toe and you'll be able to soak up the nature with minimal disturbance from others. Fewer people also means a better chance of getting a ticket on a train, or a seat at a busy restaurant.

PHOTO: Enjoy famous sites without the crowds in the off-season.

Great Weather

This is supposed to be one of the reasons why people prefer to travel in the high season. However, these days you just can't predict the weather and you'll most likely find yourself in a country during the "perfect" time, but still enduring a torrential downpour!

Even if you do arrive in a country during the rainy or hurricane season, it'll typically rain for a couple of hours a day, then the sun will come out. Who's to say which season is the best anymore? It seems like when it's supposed to be hot, it's cold. When it's supposed to be dry, it's wet. These days, it's best to travel when you want to and not worry as much about the weather.

Meeting Locals

In the southern hemisphere, the summer months are considered the off-season. The weather is great in the northern part of the world, so why come south? Well, many people have the summer months off to enjoy various festivities. Schools are out and everyone's having fun on their summer vacation. This is a great chance to meet local people traveling around their own country.

You'll be able to gain a better insight into their way of life, have some great conversations and possibly make lifelong friends. Not to mention the fact that there will be hardly any other tourists around — you'll have the locals all to yourself!

PHOTO: Meeting local people is the best part of travel.

Unless you're interested in taking in a particular festival, witnessing a scheduled event or you can only take time off of work at certain times of the year, consider off-season travel. You'll come back home feeling more refreshed from the peace and quiet, plus your wallet will be happier!