If you listen too much to conventional travel wisdom, your trip will always end up being a run-of-the-mill trip. That’s often a good thing.
There’s a reason to go on safari during the dry season (the animals are easier to see). It makes sense to save the Gulf Coast for the winter (unless you like it crispy). But you have to wonder. . . What happens in other months of the year? What animals thrive during the rainy season? What cultural festivals will be canceled if it gets too hot or too cold for large numbers of tourists? Did you miss it? Should I have aimed for the off-season?
According to travel experts, the answer is a resounding yes.
“There’s certainly something poetic about the benefits of off-season travel,” says Gary Portuesi, managing partner of Authentic Explorations. “Last summer, we sent out a ton of emails promoting how November and December were the best times to visit Italy. Isn’t it a good idea to visit the Roman Forum? The “wrong” time of the year can bring many great benefits. ”
Other benefits are obvious. Fewer crowds, more authentic interaction with locals, and lower prices. There are also downsides. During the rainy season, roads can become impassable, temperatures can become more extreme, and some businesses close.
Is it still worth ignoring the travel agent’s advice? It’s up to you. But here, we offer a compelling look at his five “wrong season” destinations, packed with uncrowded, “on-the-moment” cultural extravaganzas and natural wonders.
peak season:November to April
off season:May to September
In the Maldives, a record number of private jets landed on the atoll during last year’s holiday season. December is often a month of postcard-perfect weather, but with climate change, things may not be so perfect.
Locals say the current weather is unpredictable and travelers can expect sunny weather in July and rainy January. So this is where switching seasons starts to make sense.
So, head here at the beginning of the rainy season to witness amazing marine phenomena at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. Giant manta rays come here every year from May to November in search of food. Hundreds of them gather together, somersault and open their mouths to catch plankton as snorkelers watch in awe.
If you stay at the nearby Soneva Fushi or Four Seasons Lander Giravaru, the ocean team will give you a “Manta on Call” phone that rings as soon as they spot a manta ray in the bay.
chiang mai
peak season:November to February
off season:April to October
In northern Southeast Asia, January to April is known as the burning season. Farmers cut down and burn land in preparation for tree planting, creating harmful smoke and, in some cases, causing forest fires to spread across the region.
The skies can look downright apocalyptic at this time of year, but when the smoke clears in April, a must-see cultural festival takes place across Thailand: Songkran, otherwise known as Thai New Year.
Every year from April 13th, the country hosts the largest water festival on earth. Arguably the most fun festival in the world, Chiang Mai is the perfect place to party. For three days, children and grandmothers threw buckets of ice-cold water from pickup trucks circling the city’s moats, sprayed passersby with water from hoses, and shot water guns at each other. It continued continuously. It’s also a great way to cool off during the hottest season in the country.
peak season: June to September
off season:November to March
Summer on Nantucket is at an all-time high, and no amount of lobster rolls or striped umbrellas can hide it. Housing is now so expensive and in such short supply that businesses are closing due to lack of local staff.
But in the winter, when locals rule the roost year-round, Nantucket takes on a nostalgic feel. Like something out of a Hallmark movie, the island’s main street lights up with Christmas lights and charm.
The Christmas Stroll is held the first weekend of December each year, featuring tree lighting, holiday markets, a visit from Santa, and live music. Celebrated for over 50 years, this island tradition is as beloved as the Fourth of July. Sip a hot cider and admire the illuminated shingled houses, which look even more magical in winter.
peak season:November to April
off season: June to September
Under the scorching desert summer sun, Dubai gets a little dull. Local pastimes include drinking tea or coffee under fluorescent lights in air-conditioned shopping malls. No wonder the number of tourists decreases during the period when the sun shines the brightest.
But in typical Dubai fashion, we’re not going to let trivial facts like 110 degree temperatures get in the way of a booming economy.
To attract crowds, the city is promoting ‘Dubai Summer Surprises’. From the end of June to the beginning of September, famous shopping malls, luxury resorts, and entertainment venues host mouth-watering sales. Duty-free shopping, reduced designer prices and highly competitive room rates are just the beginning.
Family-friendly activities are another big focus and are being rolled out as part of the city’s Kids Go Free initiative. Young children stay and eat free at almost all hotels, as well as free admission to some of the city’s coolest spots, including View at the Palm, Dubai Balloon, Legoland Water Park, and Reel Cinema.
Just stay inside.
Peak season: From December to March
Off season: spring and autumn.
A winter trip to the Arctic Circle, with its 24/7 midnight darkness, can seem like torture. However, this is actually the busiest season in this northern Norwegian town.
Located at 69 degrees north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso experiences a pitch-black “polar night” that lasts about six weeks. Your circadian rhythm may be disrupted, but there’s still something special about this beautiful island town.
A black sky means you can see the colorful solar flares of the aurora borealis largely 24/7, scientists are predicting this year to be the best year in decades. Of course, you have to be careful about frostbite while waiting, but Tromsø, thanks to its location, is one of the best places in the world to see frostbite.