Embrace The Opposite With Offseason Travel
Explore the benefits of shoulder season and offseason travel—save money, enjoy less crowds, and make your journey more enjoyable and affordable.
One of my favorite episodes from the iconic sitcom "Seinfeld" is titled "The Opposite." The central theme revolves around the character George Costanza, portrayed by Jason Alexander, who comes to the realization that every choice he has made in his life has been incorrect, leading him to conclude that his existence would be entirely different if he acted in opposition to his instincts. A particularly hilarious moment occurs when an attractive woman notices George; he approaches her and candidly discloses that he is unemployed and resides with his parents. To his surprise, the woman introduces herself and expresses her interest in him. In this instance, George defies his natural inclinations and exposes himself in a remarkably vulnerable manner. As funny as this episode is, it also explores how sometimes you should follow a different set of instincts, and that also goes when it comes to travel. Rather than simply following the well-trodden path of popular tourist destinations, there’s a compelling case for venturing off the beaten track. Choosing to explore less conventional routes can not only lead to significant savings but also provide a more tranquil and enriching experience. By embracing the unconventional in travel, you open yourself up to unique adventures, hidden gems, and a deeper connection with the places you visit. Let’s take a closer look at the various ways to adopt this alternative approach to travel, highlighting the rewards that come from stepping away from the crowd.
Rolling the Dice of Offseason Travel
One of the contrasting aspects of planning for your travel is the timing. From my own experiences, I've discovered that visiting a place during its offseason can be much more rewarding than going during peak times. However, there are some downsides to traveling during the offseason. Beating Jetlag highlights both the pros and cons of offseason travel through the author's journey to Sardinia:
Unfortunately, there are few direct flights to Sardinia in low season (especially to Alghero). Look for flight options with one stopover, or combine different airports (e.g. arrive in Olbia and depart from Alghero, or vice versa). If you still can't find any flight, try my Google Flights hack. Be mindful about opening times of some national parks. Always check their website or contact the local tourist office before visiting. Some restaurants might be closed, even if they show as open on Google maps. It’s always a good idea to call before going!
Traveling during the offseason can lead to lower prices and fewer crowds, but it might also come with a decrease in service quality. The weather is an important factor to consider; for instance, visiting the Northeastern United States in winter means dealing with cold and possible snow, while a summer trip to Arizona or Florida can expose you to intense heat. Indoor activities like museums and sporting events are always an option, but outdoor activities may be limited based on the weather conditions. Additionally, you might notice fewer group activities available, although this isn't a universal rule.
Why You Should Travel During The School Year
Fun fact about yours truly: I actually went to college with the goal of becoming a social studies teacher. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, and I ended up climbing the ladder in the insurance industry instead (and 20 years later, i’m still climbing!). My mother always said, "everything happens for a reason," and I truly believe it all turned out for the best. I have nothing against teachers, but I doubt I would have had the chance to travel as much! In fact, you might find yourself traveling more when kids are in school. With fewer families on the move, you’ll encounter less airport congestion, more available hotel rooms, and, best of all, smaller crowds at attractions. I’ve had great experiences traveling during the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From my experience, the best times for independent travel in the U.S. are during the fall months (September to mid-November and early to mid-December), January, and during the early Spring from late April to mid-June. Keep in mind, there are no strict rules set in stone, but traveling against the crowd usually works in your favor!
Teachers Can Make Offseason Travel Happen Too!
If you're a teacher or professor with limited travel weeks each year, you'll need to think outside the box. Typically, educators have a month or two during the summer for travel, along with vacation weeks throughout the school year. If your job has specific restrictions on when you can take time off, don’t worry—traveling doesn’t always have to happen during the off-peak season. If you have the summer available, consider booking flights for weekdays, ideally from Monday to Friday, to avoid the weekend rush. Or you can do what I often do, and book to leave on a less traffic day like a Tuesday or Thursday. If you do want to include a weekend, just be aware that it might increase your costs. During popular vacation weeks like spring break or winter holidays, you might want to steer clear of crowded beach spots in Florida and instead explore a National Park or a vibrant city. For winter or Christmas breaks, look for destinations in your area or places that are less busy, such as the upper Midwest or Northeast, where you can find great deals. Christmas is a wonderful time for family, but if you have the whole week off, consider a getaway between Christmas and New Year’s. Alternatively, why not celebrate New Year’s Eve in a new city? I did this during the COVID-19 pandemic when gathering with friends were canceled, and it was actually a fantastic experience!
Why You Should Strongly Consider Offseason Travel
The George Constanza character had some hilarious moments when he thought about doing the opposite of what was expected. Travelers who are looking for less crowds and lower prices can totally relate because going against the norm is part of the journey. Traveling in the offseason or even during shoulder seasons can lead to some unique experiences, like heading to a warm destination during the peak summer heat or exploring a cold city in winter or over the holidays, which often means spending time indoors. It could also be a great opportunity to discover a small town that doesn’t get much traffic while college kids are crowding the beaches for Spring Break. And let’s not forget the chance to visit that city you’ve always wanted to see during the holiday shopping season. Embracing the unconventional route is definitely something to celebrate!
