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 Off-season, low season, off-peak – whatever you call it, visiting a popular vacation spot when most people stay home can save you money. Lower cost, smaller crowds, what’s not to like? If you’re not careful, plenty.Many off-season travelers have stories of idyllic vacations ruined by unforeseen circumstances. But with helpful tips and good planning, you can have a budget trip with priceless memories. What to Look Out For It’s called off-season for a reason – and weather is often the main one. The tropics have a monsoon season and winter wonderlands can be too frigid to enjoy. Plants and wildlife are affected by seasonal changes that leave rainforests seemingly lifeless or beaches teeming with stinging jellyfish. Your best bet is to check with the national weather service for your destination and find the average monthly temperatures and precipitation. Travel brochures won’t highlight just how much it rains or how cold it really gets. Hot or cold temperatures may not be an issue for you, but serious weather problems could rule out a destination. Smartertravel.com recommends going online to check the local tourist bureaus to find out when the off-season travel periods are – and why. There are links to tourism bureaus in all 50 states, many cities, regions and countries around the world at The Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory, www.towd.com. Off-season is also prime time for hotels and resorts to refurbish facilities. There’s nothing like construction noise to ruin a peaceful stay, so when investigating accommodations, call and find out if any construction is planned on or near the property during your visit. Attractions and restaurants make adjustments for off-season as well. If you’re interested in a particular museum or activity, go online or call to find out if or when it’s open, as well as if any renovations will limit visitor access. Where to Go If you’re not sure where to take an off-season trip, there are plenty of online resources to help. • At www.away.com you’ll find monthly trip guides organized by interest. There are ideas for family trips, romantic getaways, beach vacations, national park visits, adventurous outings and more. • Smartertravel.com has a series of articles on the best off-season travel destinations for each season. • At budgettravel.com, you’ll find off-season recommendations such as visiting one of Utah’s five national parks in May. Early spring means snow and mud, while summer means big crowds. In May you can hike along beautiful trails and see mule deer, elk and dozens of bird species at Bryce Canyon. At Zion, hike up to Weeping Rock, a grotto where water weeps down tall sandstone walls overgrown with hanging gardens. Before hiking the Zion Narrows along the Virgin River, however, ask a park ranger about flash flood dangers and water conditions. Whether it’s the mountains in summer or the beach in winter, taking a little time to find out the pros and cons of off-season travel can pay off with a great trip that doesn’t cost a fortune.
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