Top 5 off-Peak Travel Destinations
Save Big!

Listed are the top destinations for off-peak or off-season travel. The time frames listed are there as a guide and any holidays that may fall within those months would probably not yield the discounted rates usually observed for that time of year. Additional Tips

1. Europe Vacation– As the weather cools the savings get hot!
   Off-peak travel to Europe can mean chilly weather, damper days, and around 20% - 50% more money in your pocket. Traveling from September to May can secure some exceptional savings. April and May are close to the peak summer season but these months can still bring savings around the 20% margin, often less than other off-peak months but you can count on warmer weather. You will find the steepest savings in January and February; these are the coldest months of the year, but no need to panic, on average the low temperature for the most popular tourist areas will be around 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Caribbean All-Inclusive Vacation – Eat, Drink and Relax for Less…Way Less!
   With warm weather virtually year round, when is it off-peak? When visiting the Caribbean it’s not a case of hit or miss, believe me you hit every time, it’s when to hit it for less. The Caribbean claims to indulge in a peak season during winter months (December to mid-April) but they can also claim an increase in travelers in the summer months (mid-June to August) when children are out of school for summer break. So, truly off-peak with the best deals for the Caribbean is mid-April to mid-June and September to November. The average savings range anywhere from 20%-40%, this is great considering that the discount includes your meals, drinks and entertainment. The steepest savings are in September and October, this is the peak of hurricane season and the savings reflect it, so if you don’t mind a small gamble you can walk away with a steal of a vacation.

3. Cruise Vacation– Set Sail on Sale!
   There are many cruise lines sailing out of many cruise ports in the U.S., equaling a multitude of itineraries, all with one thing in common –summertime. For almost every itinerary out there summer (mid-June to late August) is the busiest of all seasons. Most cruise ships offer fabulous kid programs making them very appealing for family vacations. We will discuss the two most popular itineraries: Caribbean and Alaska. Caribbean itineraries are typically year round and if you steer clear of the winter season (mid-December to mid-April) and the summer, you can catch a great cruise deal (from September to mid-November and from mid-April to early June). Alaska itineraries start in late spring and continue into early fall, the best time for off-peak deals would be May to mid-June and in September. The average savings from peak to off-peak prices can range from 15%-30% off.

4. Florida Getaways - Sunny Deals!
   The sunshine state has many deals to offer when others don’t. Summer in Florida is hot with savings (along the coast that is, not the Orlando attractions). South Florida’s east coast boasts a beautiful selection of top-notch beach hotels at great summer prices. Florida’s west coast doesn’t fall behind with a vast selection of hotels at very appealing prices during this off-peak time. The best room rates are between mid-June to late October with average savings from 20%-35%.
   

5. Hawaii – Aloha to fall savings!
   Hawaii’s slowest time is in the fall months, September to November, with an average savings of 10%-25%. The most visited of the Hawaiian Islands is Oahu, home to Honolulu and Waikiki beach. Oahu is the most populated of the islands and has the busiest and largest airport, making this island a sure shot for off-peak deals. Next on the list is Maui, with half the yearly visitors of Oahu it offers its share of off-peak deals but it usually comes at a higher price point. The weather in Hawaii is warm year round with an average temperature between 72 to 80 degrees, making those lower priced fall months just as enjoyable as the rest of the year.
   
   
   

Additional Tips-

Tip for families with school-aged children: the best deals can be found the week right after school has ended for the summer or the week right before school commences.

Tip for all travelers: For the winter peak-season the best prices are often found the week right before and right after Thanksgiving, the week right before Christmas and the week right after New Years. Also, year-round the best air prices will usually be offered Tuesday thru Thursday.