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Certain destinations draw crowds at certain times of the year. Beaches, for example, are popular during summer, while ski resort towns top many winter travel lists. But have you considered visiting destinations during the off-season, when less-than-ideal weather keeps the majority of tourists away? Here are three perks you can enjoy by traveling during off-season.

Lower costs

In general, you can score a great deal if you’re willing to travel to a destination during it’s low season. During these slower months, airlines offer better deals to fill their seats, and hotels do the same to fill their beds. Airlines, hotels and attractions may slash their prices by as much as 50 percent to bring in tourists during the slow season, and you’ll also find special offers and packages for deeper savings. The trade off? You might experience unpredictable weather, but depending on the destination and the discounts, it may be worth your while to visit during off-season.

Fewer crowds

High season means crowded attractions and hotels, sometimes to the point where it’s difficult to enjoy what drew you to the destination in the first place. But during off-season, the crowds disappear, leaving you free to explore the local landmarks, restaurants and shopping districts at your leisure. If you’re visiting a beach, you may find that you have the shore all to yourself; in a more metropolitan area, you’ll find the roads blissfully devoid of traffic-clogging tourists. And don’t forget, traveling during off-season means those vacation photos won’t be filled with throngs of tourists in the background, either.

A more authentic experience

With fewer tourists overwhelming the local population, you may find that the locals are more at ease during low season. What does this mean for the average traveler? Well, you might find it easier to get to know a local vendor, tour guide or business owner without the crowds around, as they’ll actually have time to chat with you about their business or the local area. Connecting with the locals might just open up travel experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise during peak season.

 

(Main image: Will Steacy/eschipul)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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