While many people have few choices about when to take their vacations – whether due to work, school, or family obligations – others have much more freedom in scheduling trips. Naturally, this kind of flexibility can be a great boon. While families have to take trips during breaks from school, and professionals may be unable to take vacations on a whim due to the demands of their jobs, those who can enjoy traveling at their leisure can find ways to avoid the crowds and get great deals. Of course, even for these lucky people, deciding when to go can be problematic. Luckily, experts have found that there tend to be a few easy ways to figure out the best time to take a vacation.
Naturally, for those who want to save money, traveling during the off-season is the best way to enjoy luxury destinations at budget prices. Skiing enthusiasts will often do well to schedule their trips at the tail end of the season or at the very beginning, while those who want to enjoy the ocean should schedule their cruises for late fall. Off-season travel can be frustrating, of course. The cheapest time to visit hot cities like New Orleans or Las Vegas is at the height of the summer. However, it is best to schedule European vacations in the fall, when the entire continent is in a gray funk. However, if you can overlook these imperfections, you’ll often find that you have the place to yourself.
Of course, most of these tips require that you do a bit of research into the destination. Those looking for an easier rule of thumb may prefer to simply remember that September tends to be one of the best times to take a vacation. Students are stuck in school, the weather is usually nice and comfortable, and the month somehow manages to be “off season” across wide swaths of the world. It’s one of the best months to visit summer destinations like U.S. national parks or Europe. Moreover, beach vacations in places like Hawaii are often cheaper and less crowded. Even the famously crowded Disney World tends to be a bit emptier in September.
