Are you tired of facing crowded destinations packed with throngs of tourists while on vacation? It's time to rethink your travel plans. Embarking on a journey during the off-peak season offers a world of advantages. From lower costs to more authentic travel experiences, trading in the bustling crowds for serene backdrops can be the ultimate travel upgrade. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local culture, and savor the freedom of exploring without the frenzy. Uncover the many perks of off-season travel and the best destinations to escape the ordinary in this mini guide.
Benefits of Traveling Off-Season
One big reason to travel outside of the high season is smaller crowds. With fewer people traveling, visiting iconic landmarks, strolling through popular museums, and even savoring a leisurely meal at a coveted restaurant becomes easier. There's also a greater possibility for upgrades and availability at the destination's top hotels. Beyond the perks of convenience, off-season travel offers the chance to really immerse yourself in a destination and experience the local culture and genuine hospitality without a frenzy of tourists. Finally, let's not forget the undeniable allure of lower costs for flights, accommodations, and activities, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further. It may even allow you to spend a few extra days soaking up a new destination. All of this contributes to a more delightful travel experience.
Meanwhile, shoulder season offers an enticing compromise between peak- and off-season travel. It’s the sweet spot on the calendar when destinations aren’t too crowded or deserted, the weather is often very pleasant, and prices are more enticing than the ones on offer during high season.
Chile
Shoulder season in Chile is one of the best times to travel to experience all it has to offer. To start, the Atacama Desert in the north is truly a year-round destination, with perpetually warm weather and stunning landscapes. In April and May, daily temperatures are pleasant — ideal for exploring the extraordinary region. Meanwhile, central Chile experiences mild climates in the shoulder season, making it a great time to explore Santiago, the wine valleys, and historic Valparaíso. Down south in Torres del Paine, puma tracking is at its prime, especially with fewer people to hinder your sightings.
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Malta
Malta isn’t just a destination for a beach holiday; there’s so much more to discover in this Mediterranean gem. While the summer months offer hot days, between January and March, the weather is mild and comfortable with plenty of sunshine. It’s the perfect time to explore Malta’s beautiful countryside and coastline with hikes and walks. The busy streets of Valletta and the popular beaches clear out, allowing you to enjoy some of the island's best sights without competing for space. Plus, between the Valletta Baroque Festival in January and the Feast of St. Joseph in March, there’s no shortage of cultural festivities to celebr
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Botswana
Travel to Botswana between October to early April to avoid peak-season travelers and you’ll be rewarded with a lush, vibrant green paradise. Abundant rainfall brings life to the country and fills rivers and waterholes with life-giving water. Spotting wildlife during this period is particularly exciting as many mothers give birth to their calves and cubs at this time. Just one note: like many destinations, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays are a peak travel time in Botswana and as such, are considered high season in terms of both prices and the number of travelers heading there. If those holidays are a must-travel time for you, consider booking well in advance for the best possible accommodations and flights.
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New Zealand
New Zealand is magical year-round, however there are a few distinct advantages to heading there during the off-peak seasons. With fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable daytime temperatures and a mix of sunshine, a few showers, and clear skies. Nature comes alive between September and November with the ushering in of spring. It’s an ideal time for exploring the outdoors through hiking, biking, and kayaking. Meanwhile, autumn in New Zealand (March to May) is equally pleasant. On the North Island, you’ll find consistently mild weather conditions, while the South Island offers cooler temperatures. For those chasing the changing autumn foliage and migrating whales, it’s an ideal time to travel to New Zealand.
Central America
Although June to August falls within Central America's rainy season, it’s a great time to travel there — especially for those constrained by school schedules. This is “Wildlife Season,” when the rains bring out a plethora of birds, reptiles, and mammals both on land and underwater. Vegetation in the rainforest is lush and teeming with wildlife. In Panama, the Gulf of Chiriquí welcomes one of the largest migrations of whales in the world, while in Belize, the summer months usher in whale shark season in calm, clear, snorkel-friendly waters. On the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, it’s also the sea turtle nesting season, and travelers can even help biologists monitor nesting sites. Read more about traveling to Costa Rica during Wildlife Season.
Explore Central AmericaAs you can see, traveling during the off-season is a rewarding experience. As with any trip, it’s important to be prepared for the weather, especially during off seasons. Pack accordingly and be flexible with your itinerary so you can get the most out of your off-season travels. Of course, traveling on a private journey with Ker & Downey during these times allows you the most flexibility, as each day can be rearranged as necessary, should unfavorable weather arise.
*Header Image courtesy of Awasi Atacama
Haley Beham
Haley is a travel writer and content creator for Ker & Downey. She fell in love with travel at the age of nine when she traveled on safari with her family to Botswana. Since that first overseas trip, she's explored Northern and Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America with her camera, telling stories along the way to inspire others to discover the world through travel.
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