Did you know that US travelers take nearly 1.8 million vacations a year? Vacations are always in the back of our minds, despite the fact that many of us don’t get away enough.
No matter how much you love your job, you need a vacation from time to time. Vacations are a great way to reset and get inspired so that you can come back to the office performing better than ever!
If you’re planning on traveling soon, it’s important to know when the best times to travel are. For example, if you’re considering visiting Ireland, the best time to visit Dublin is in spring, between March and May. Meanwhile, it’s best to travel to tropical countries like Thailand and the Philippines during summertime.
In this guide, we take a look at some traveling tips for avoiding crowds to make your journey the best possible!
Seasons and Weather
One of the biggest ways to avoid large crowds is to think about what the weather is like in your dream destination. During the winter months or rainy seasons, you can often get lower prices and steer clear of crowds.
Keep in mind that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. That means that summertime for countries in the South begins around December 21.
Since the weather is usually better during the summer months, you’re more likely to run into large crowds. You could take advantage of that and visit the Southern Hemisphere during our winter, getting lower prices and skipping the screeds of tourists!
School Year
Another factor to consider when it comes to avoiding crowds is the school year. When school is in session, fewer people are traveling. That means that there are fewer travelers out and about during those months of the year.
If you’re planning to take advantage of HGVC benefits, you could plan to go during the Fall or Spring, when school is in session. That way you’ll get to enjoy your vacation without worrying about tons of little kids all around the property.
Off-Seasons for Popular Destinations
Aside from these two factors, it’s helpful to know when the off-seasons are for particular destinations. Here are some of the off-seasons for a few popular travel spots.
Southeast Asia
If you’re wanting to head to Southeast Asia, you’re best off visiting during the rainy season. This means heading to the area from June to October, which is the time of year when the area experiences monsoon rains.
South America
South America is located south of the equator. That means that the seasons in the area are opposite of those in the United States. As such, fewer tourists visit the area between June and August.
Europe
Europe gets pretty cold between November and March, which means fewer visitors head to hotspots like Paris or Venice. Planning your trip during these months will help you steer clear of troves of tourists.
The Caribbean
If you’re planning to take a cruise to the Caribbean, a great time to visit is between June and November. Prices drop during these times and the crowds thin out.
Know the Best Times to Travel
Knowing the best times to travel is the key to avoiding crowds and having a great vacation. It’s how to have the best getaway when you pack your bags for a relaxing trip.
Did you love our guide to avoiding crowds when planning a vacation? Be sure to check out our other guides for more tips and tricks!