14 Travel Destinations You Should Visit in the Off-Season
Traveling during peak season can be like a concert stampede, long lines, crowded attractions, and high prices. However, what if you could go through the chaos and enjoy a more relaxed experience? Travel during the off-season frees you from the crowds, the hustle and the bustle to explore far flung destinations that provide you with a different perspective on popular sites and local cultures.
Off peak times are a great option whether you’re looking to avoid the crowds or save a few bucks. If you’re looking for your next off season adventure, grab your passport and let’s go to some enticing spots.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a dream for those who want a little bit of history and a lot of modern flair. Alfama is a popular tourist destination. You can visit during the off season and walk through the colorful streets without being jostled by crowds. During milder winters, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the famous tram routes and enjoy that pastel de nata. Plus, you’ll also get hotel rates that won’t hurt your wallet so you can splurge on that fancier dinner with a view of the Tagus River.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Picture strolling through the ruins of Machu Picchu, surrounded by misty mountains. It is breath-taking. When it’s cooler and there are fewer hikers you can get the perfect Instagram shot without a sea of people in the background. Pack your sense of adventure and your camera as you’d want to capture every moment.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans in the off-season is like a jazz musician playing a solo: intimate and captivating. Fewer tourists means you have the time to stroll through the French Quarter and drink in the live music found in the bars all around town. Take your time sampling some delicious cuisine and savoring the vibrant culture at Café du Monde. Also, if you go during the off season, you can score some awesome deals on accommodations, which means you’ll have more money to spend on gumbo and jazz.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, but visiting in the off season means you can walk down its busy streets with a bit more calm. Harajuku is a great place to visit in the late fall or winter, when you’ll find fewer tourists and can explore everything from serene temples to quirky shops in Harajuku. The beauty of seasonal festivals and the opportunity to try warm ramen without the sweltering summer heat. Local restaurants and shops are also more likely to have time to chat with you, and so you’ll get a deeper connection to this vibrant culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes have made Bali famous, but going in the off season is the perfect opportunity to explore a hidden paradise. Some parts might be a little rainy, but the crowds will be down and you’ll be able to enjoy the island’s serene temples and breathtaking rice terraces. Don’t forget the spa treatments, who wouldn’t want to get a massage with a view of the sun peeking through the clouds?
Florence, Italy
A feast for the eyes, Florence is best visited out of season when you can really appreciate every sight without the throngs of tourists. You won’t feel rushed strolling through the Uffizi Gallery or marveling at Michelangelo’s David. It also brings you hearty Tuscan dishes to eat in cozy trattorias in this same season. With fewer visitors you might even strike up a conversation with a local artist or shop owner, making your Italian adventure a little more personal.
Iceland
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes are even more stunning out of season. The Northern Lights are on display during the winter months and there are fewer tourists fighting for space at the famous Blue Lagoon. Plus, snow covered volcanoes and icy waterfalls are just magical. It’s also a little more relaxed for the locals, making it easier to connect over hot chocolate and share tips on the best spots to see in this stunning country.
Savannah, Georgia
Visiting Savannah during the off season is all about charm and Southern hospitality, and you can do it in a more personal way. Beautiful architecture and shady parks for leisurely strolls, these are the treasures of the historic district. Less people means you have the time to enjoy the stories behind the city’s beautiful landmarks. When you’re in the South, don’t forget to try some classic Southern comfort food at a local diner, your taste buds will thank you!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica in the off season is your ticket to paradise if you dream of lush jungles and pristine beaches. The rainy season might scare some, but the rain breathes life into the landscapes rendering everything green and vibrant. With fewer tourists, you can get those beautiful beaches all to yourself. The animals are more active during the rainy months, making spotting wildlife easier too. So get your rain jacket and dive in!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s castles and cobbled streets are majestic, but visiting the city in its off season gives you a chance to see it at a slower pace. You can also take your time to explore the historical sites in Edinburgh without being surrounded by so many people. Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile offer spectacular views and history. Slip into a warm pub and tuck into some traditional haggis and a pint of local ale. You might even see a local festival without the hordes of summer tourists.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a city with urban life and nature in perfect harmony. Visiting during the off season means you get to enjoy the views of the mountains without the summertime rush. The cooler months mean more indoor adventures like checking out the local galleries, or visiting the many restaurants and tasting different foods the city has to offer. If you’re ready for some outdoor fun, use the quieter trails for hiking or snowshoeing, depending on the season.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, is less frenzied during the off season when you can quietly savor it’s beauty. Fall months are spectacular for fall colors and the famous grape harvest. Go to local wine festivals, relax and get to wander the hilltop towns at a leisurely pace. During these times you’ll find you have more locals around to show you their favorite spots and hidden secrets.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is famous for its glitz and glamour, and visiting in the off season means you can take your time and enjoy its attractions at a slower pace. The fall and winter are cooler temperatures that make exploring the Burj Khalifa or the bustling souks a lot more pleasant. With less tourists you can walk through the Dubai Mall or go on a desert safari without being rushed. Plus, you can get great deals on accommodations so you can afford to have a little luxury.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must
