Many travelers are ditching the frenzy of peak-season travel for quieter off-season adventures
It was a mild day in February as I walked through the gates of the Pompeii Archeological Park in Pompeii, Italy. I took my place in the very short line and imagined how different my visit here would be in the sweltering summer sun. As one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in Italy, Pompeii receives about 4 million visitors a year, most of them in the two months of July and August. In a few minutes I was inside the park on the ancient stone street of Via Abbondanza, the main street of the town, and gawking in awe at the hauntingly beautiful ancient villas, shops, bathhouses, and restaurants that were partially destroyed and covered in volcanic ash by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. For three blissful hours, we dipped in and out of the locations we most wanted to visit and were able to take our time in each one without being jostled or crowded. We left the park exhausted but completely exhilarated by our experience. Next stop, the hotel for a nap, then dinner.
Speaking of dinner, I had forgotten to make a reservation. I hurriedly called the restaurant–one that was highly recommended by Slow Food–and expected to be told there were no tables available that night. I was surprised to hear that we could be seated at our preferred time. The rest of our four-day excursion continued at the same relaxed pace and wherever we went, we traveled with ease and without too much planning.
In February, we were able to explore the ruins of Pompeii, one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in Italy, without crowds.
This, in a nutshell, is the joy of off-season travel: no crowds, no waiting, no aggravation.
More and more people are discovering the pleasures of traveling this way. Of course, sometimes the peak season is unavoidable–if you’re tied to your own or your children’s academic schedule for example. But if you have the freedom to go when you want to, read on to learn whether off-peak travel suits you.
Airlines often reduce prices seasonally to fill seats during downtimes. They may also offer discounts and promotions, including on business class fares. Hotel prices can be up to 60% lower in the off-season.
But remember: There may be fewer flights to your destination during the off-season; during holidays in the off-seasons (e.g. Christmas in Europe and Lunar New Year in Asia) prices tend to spike.
Barcelona beach in August: not exactly the peaceful escape you imagined. Photo by Andries Meijer on Unsplash.
2. More authentic local experiences
During the off-season, locals are less harried and tend to be more open to conversation with travelers. You'll get a more genuine feel for the culture, whether it's chatting with a café owner in Paris or getting personalized recommendations from a shopkeeper in Kyoto.
3. Better service
With fewer guests, hotel and restaurant staff and on-site personnel have more time for your requests and questions. They may even encourage conversations about their town’s history and pass on interesting local knowledge they don’t have time to discuss during peak season.
4. Less extreme weather
Many parts of the world are experiencing dramatic shifts in weather and climate. In Southern Europe, for instance, many people are finding summers, historically the most popular time for travel there, simply too hot to enjoy. If you've ever wilted under the Spanish summer sun or tried maneuvering a stroller through hordes at the Coliseum in Rome in August when it’s 104 degrees, you’ll know what we mean. Travel during the spring or fall when it’s still warm and mild but not scorching hot is the answer to that problem.
On the other hand, you might have to deal with less-than-ideal weather in the off-season. Think monsoon season in Southeast Asia or hurricane season in the Caribbean.
To avoid these missteps, make sure to research the local weather before you make your plans. If you’re traveling with us, we can advise you on where to go and when. Just contact us for help planning.
5. Reservations without aggravation
If you want to eat at highly rated restaurants in big cities like Copenhagen, Paris, or Rome, you may have to reserve months or even years in advance. Not so in the off-season, when you may be able to snag a table a week or two in advance, or even, if you’re lucky, on the same day, like I did in Pompeii.
6. Safaris might even be better in the wet season
When it comes to safaris, there’s a growing cohort of travelers who prefer the wet season (also called green season or emerald season). Sounds counterintuitive, but there are good reasons why many like it wet and wild:
- It’s Not That Rainy! Most of Africa’s rainy season consists of short, heavy showers in the afternoon or evening, followed by sunshine. There’s rarely an all-day downpour. Mornings are usually clear and great for game drives.
- Lush Landscapes Instead of the dry, dusty terrain of peak season, the rainy months transform the savanna into a lush, green dream. Rivers flow, flowers bloom, and everywhere is teeming with new life. Photographers also love the wet season for the moody, stormy skies and rich colors that produce spectacular photos.
- Baby Animals Everywhere This is prime birthing season for many species, including zebras, elephants, and wildebeest. Watching the babies wobbling around on their new legs is an unforgettable joy.
- Amazing Birdwatching If you love birds, the wet season is an ideal time for a safari. Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia, bringing flashes of color and rare-species sightings.
The chance to see newborn and baby animals is a major draw of wet-season safaris.
When is the wet season in Africa?
It’s complicated. The wet season for African safaris varies by region, but in general, it falls between November and March in Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and between March and May in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda). However, some areas, like the Western Cape in South Africa, have a reverse pattern, with rain from May to August.
Confused? Let us help you figure it out. Our travel specialists have decades of experience and can answer all your questions and help you find the best time to go.
The (Possible) Downsides of Off-Season Travel
There are some potential disadvantages to traveling off-season. You should take them into account when you are planning. If you are traveling with GlobalBaseCamps.com, we will be able to help you figure out how/whether you need to consider these factors:
Some hotels, resorts, and restaurants close in the off-season (especially in beach and mountain destinations) so you may have to opt for second choices.
Holiday periods can still be pricey, even in the low season, for example, Christmas in Europe, Golden Week in Japan, etc.
Need more help? Contact us for assistance. We have decades of experience helping travelers find the best trips.
Opening photo: Turks and Caicos, by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash.
Now's the Time...for Holiday Travel Planning
Yes, it may barely be spring but in the travel world, all eyes are on the December and January holiday season 2025. It's definitely not too early to plan your trip. This time of year has become extremely popular for travel. Contact us to start your planning.
