The camping season may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your RV away. In fact, off-season travel actually has a load of benefits! This is true of the places that are generally considered summer destinations, as well as those that might typically be thought of as winter destinations.
Not sure you agree with our thoughts regarding off-season travel? Read on to learn about the many perks of traveling during the off-season. We’re betting you’ll be ready to pack your bags and give traveling during the off-season a try!
Save Money
First, we must mention the money-saving benefits of off-season travel. You see, many popular vacation spots see lower camping fees when visitation is on the lower side. Not only that, but some of these campgrounds offer long-term stay discounts, making camping even more affordable.
Another way you can save when traveling during the off-season? Many attractions offer deep discounts in order to bring attendance up after the vacation crowds clear out. Look for homeschool discounts, weekday discounts, etc. You might also find that certain beaches no longer require beach tags, and some parks stop collecting entrance fees.
Stay Longer
Those cost savings offer another benefit: the ability to stick around longer. With lower camping fees and discounts for staying longer, you’ll be able to hang around the area for a while without breaking the bank.
Assuming you can work from your RV, this is a wonderful way to really get to know the area and enjoy everything it has to offer without wearing yourself out completely. On top of all that, staying longer will allow you to take advantage of more discount days, making it a win-win.
Snag Last-Minute Reservations
Another huge perk to visiting a place when crowd levels are lower? The ability to snag last-minute reservations.
There are many places where getting the reservations you want most can be nearly impossible during tourist season. However, if you wait until that season is over, you can grab those campsites and tickets without a problem. Not only that, but you’ll likely be able to book them at the last minute, something that can be hugely beneficial if you’re the type of RVer who enjoys flying by the seat of your pants.
Avoid Crowds
Obviously, if you visit a place during the slow season, crowd levels are going to be much lower than they would be during the high season. This is excellent news for you, as it means you won’t have to wait in long lines to get into attractions, purchase tickets, or sit down for a meal.
Fewer people make it easier to A) snag good seats when you see a show, B) read the signage at museums or C) enjoy a hike in peace. On top of all that, lower crowd levels make it easier to take it slow and really take in the vibe of a place without feeling rushed or in the way.
Get More Out of Your Time
Another huge benefit to lower crowd levels? The ability to see and do more at each place you visit.
Since you won’t be waiting in long lines or fighting other people to read signage or have a seat, you’ll be able to check out more things as you wander through a given attraction. Add in the ability to stay longer, and you should have no trouble at all seeing everything you want to see, no matter where you happen to visit.
Have Unique Experiences
Last but not least, we have to mention the amazing and unique experiences you can have through off-season travel.
You see, when the vacation crowds clear out, locals are a lot more able and willing to slow down and chat with visitors. You’re more likely to make friends during this time of year and will probably get some awesome suggestions for things to see and do.
Besides all of that, the beaches and hiking trails will be empty, leading to more peaceful opportunities to connect with nature, something that is always memorable.
Great Places for Off-Season Travel
Wondering where you should go to experience all of the benefits of off-season travel? Below are some of our favorite spots to visit once the crowds have cleared out and we can have the place to ourselves:
- Walt Disney World: Visit in January.
- Ski Resorts: Visit in the fall and spring.
- Acadia National Park: Visit in the fall.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Visit in the fall.
- Yellowstone National Park: Visit in the early-fall or mid-spring.
Of course, these are far from the only options. If you’ve been waiting to see a particular place, do a bit of research, figure out the location’s off-season consider the downsides of visiting during the off-season, and decide if that’s a place you’d like to see after the crowds are gone.
Cons of Off-Season Travel
Of course, there are some drawbacks to traveling during the off-season. We feel it’s important that you take these into consideration when deciding whether you’d like to visit a place during the slow season.
Some of the biggest cons include:
- Weather: Many locations experience their best weather during the high season.
- Closed businesses: In some tourist areas, some businesses close after the vacation season is over, leaving you with fewer options.
- Lack of events: Often, special events happen only during the busy season, meaning you may miss out.
Despite all of these potential drawbacks, we still think off-season travel is something worth considering and is very often the way to go.
What do you think? Would you try off-season travel? Where would you go and when? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Most of the roads in Yellowstone NP are not open in “early spring”. Unless early spring is May. And many of the park’s campgrounds do not open until mid-May. Mid-May is the beginning of spring throughout most of the Rocky Mountain states. We have had snow in Denver on Memorial Day weekend and we are not even in the mountains.