The Joys of Off-Season Travel.

By Marilyn Machlowitz

 For years, your vacation schedule may have been tied to your children’s school calendar. For decades, your time off may have been synced to bosses or clients’ demands.

 For me, school vacations meant traveling at the height of high-season when crowds, temperatures and prices were at their peaks.

 Finally, now, you (and I) can get away when we want to…and that may mean off-season. Many resorts, cities and countries have a high season–which may refer to both popularity and prices, a low (or off) season, and perhaps a shoulder season midway between the two. Clearly off-season varies by hemisphere and more:  that of a ski resort may not be the same as that of a beach resort. But be discerning: some places might be unpleasant off-season if it rains 28 days during that month. In terms of Europe, I’ll define off-season as Thanksgiving through February. 

What are the advantages of off-season?  

• Hotel prices

Early December found me in Istanbul, and our room at the well-located and well-reviewed Story Hotel was under $100. Moreover, we were upgraded to a room with a Bosphorus-view balcony at no extra charge.

• Reduced crowds

 One morning on that same trip, we had the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art to ourselves. We walked into the Blue Mosque without standing in line.

• Availability

 It may be possible to walk in to restaurants that are booked solid or that require queuing for hours. One February, in Bologna, we were able to enjoy dinner at Sfoglia Rina not only once but twice.

• Private tours for the price of group tours.

 In Bologna, our group food tour wound up being just for the two of us. That same month, our group tour of Ravenna’s mosaics also had no other takers.

• Availability

 The private guide you hope to book may be overbooked in July and available every day in January.

• Temperatures promote sightseeing.

 The Acropolis in Athens was a lot more walkable in February than I hear it is in July and August. (In fact, I think I need to give Madrid a do-over because its 99-degree temperatures lessened my exploration.)

• Access

Fairs and festivals occur outside peak tourist seasons. I loved Seville’s fantastic Féria and would have missed it has I gone in the summer.

It’s your time now!  Go when those yet to retire cannot! 

Marilyn Machlowitz lives, works, write, volunteers, and travels from NYC.

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