Now that the summer season is in full swing, and we're seeing just how busy and crowded airports and hotels can become during peak travel season, perhaps it's time to rethink the timing of your next vacation.
If you're up for experiencing your desired destination in its so-called "off-season," you may find that there are quite as many advantages as potential drawbacks to taking your trip when most holidaymakers are staying at home.
Fewer crowds can mean all sorts of benefits for the slow-season tourist. Namely, more options in terms of airline seats and accommodations, as there is generally less demand, and therefore more inventory and potentially lower pricing on hotels, airfares and tours once the peak tourism season slows down.
Guided travel companies like Collette Tours also offer many reduced price vacation packages and customized experiences to suit every traveler's taste.
As the crowds diminish, off-seasons visitors can enjoy more intimate access to iconic sights and cultural experiences and are better able to engage with the locals that call their destination home. Tours are often easier to book and the cultural encounters more personalized.
While weather is always a consideration (and not always entirely predictable, no matter the season), climates during the slower season may actually prove preferable. Southern Europe can be downright hot during peak season and much milder during the less popular travel months.
Northern Europe comes with a chill in the fall and winter, but the holiday markets that spring up in many cities across the continent come with their own signature charm. Hot regional meals and warm drinks enjoyed in the crisp air while savoring the snowy vistas brings a pleasure all its own.
Then, there's always the prospect of escaping the winter weather in one's own place of residence to experience warmer climates on holiday. To suit this purpose, you'll find many parts of Europe-such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal-are rather temperate and still enjoy plenty of sun during the winter months, which actually makes it the best time to visit.
Collette has curated its epicurean collection of seamlessly coordinated worldwide travel experiences across all seven continents, featuring comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours and all kinds of niche-interest holidays.
Some of the specials currently on offer for travel during Europe's off-season are bound for areas of Ireland and the U.K., Italy, Greece, Spain, and Central Europe, with savings of up to between 25 and 40 percent off of regular pricing.
Some of Collette's Classic Tours on sale now include the nine-day Sunny Portugal Estoril Coast, Alentejo & Algarve where you'll discover the charm of Lisbon, the Portuguese Riviera and resort towns, a medieval walled city at Evora, and an exploration of Portugal's scenic "Silver Coast," dotted with charming villages and castles.
Perhaps opt for the Spain's Classics tour for ten days' immersion into the country's colorful art, history and culture; join the classic tour to Rome & The Amalfi Coast; or get a different perspective with the Reflections Of Italy itinerary.
You can also enjoy amazing off-season discounts on the classic Discover Scotland or Shades of Ireland trips. If you prefer, take advantage of reduced-price packages to Central Europe with the Discover Croatia, Slovenia & The Adriatic Coast tour, or head further north with Collette's Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria itinerary.
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