There are some many distinct benefits of travelling out of season, primarily because there are fewer tourists and it often costs less. Many people dread going on holiday when schools have broken up for the summer – no one wants to fight for space on the sand. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than having a beach to yourself, right?
If you want to get away from it all and unwind, here are the best destinations to visit out of season.
Hawaii
Tourists tend to flock here in high season, with the largest number holidaying in Hawaii between June and August. The average temperature here stays pretty much at a constant all year round, with average summer temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius and 26 during winter. Therefore, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy water sports or spend lazy days on the beach soaking up the sun.
Iceland
This beautiful country is most popular in July and August, but tourist numbers drop dramatically after this short peak. However, one of the best times to visit is during the winter. Although this isn’t an off peak destination for sun worshippers, it’s a great place for nature lovers. Hike through the country’s beautiful terrain, spend a night in an ice hotel or go on a guided tour to see the Northern Lights. If you choose the capital Reykjavik, you will be incredibly grateful for the city’s hot springs!
Caribbean
While the larger and more popular islands can become swarmed with tourists during the summer, the Caribbean is a great place to unwind during the winter. Barbados, for example, is known for its wildlife and landscape, crystal blue seas and hybrid cultures. But long queues and hordes of people can be annoying when you want to visit attractions or explore the island. Book a break on a beach front resort in Barbados during the winter or early spring for a relaxing holiday with a lot of TLC – it’s best visited between December and April.
Venice
While the winter season in here can be cold, Venice offers an abundance of advantages for an out of season holiday. Granted, you’re more likely to experience fog than sunshine while gliding through the canals, but you will find that you have the city almost entirely to yourself. You can make the most of being able to visit St. Mark’s Square and take photographs without capturing a crowd. Plus can you imagine Venice covered in a blanket of snow? Perfect!