Summer is often the easiest time to take a vacation, but it’s not always the most affordable time. If you want to extend your vacation spend, consider some of the benefits of off-season travel.
- Lower cost. With the majority of people vacationing during summer, the demand and the prices are higher during those peak months. If you wait a bit longer, demand is down, and often, so are prices.
- Less crowded. Fewer fellow tourists mean shorter lines and the ability to explore attractions at your own pace.
- Better weather. Favorite summer hot spots are cooler and winter destinations aren’t yet freezing cold, so you enjoy the visit without extreme temperatures.
So where can you go to enjoy an off-season trip and get more for your money? Here are just a few ideas from the travel experts at Country Inns & Suites.
Fall in Chicago
The Brookfield Zoo is home to more than 300 animals from all over the world. Not only can you enjoy the exhibits, but the zoo has seasonal celebrations, too. In September, there’s a weekend celebration of National Hispanic Month; October brings Boo at the Zoo with costumes and activities; and in December the Zoo lights up with nearly a million twinkling lights, ice carving demonstrations, Santa, and a chance to sing to the animals.
Fall in New Orleans
In addition to having great food and music, New Orleans is home to the National World War II Museum. With moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays, it’s an important experience for the whole family. Around Halloween, enjoy the music, food and crafts of the Voodoo Music Experience. And in early November, check out the Cajun Swamp Fest at the Audubon Zoo.
Fall in Minneapolis/St. Paul
The Twin Cities are widely recognized as an exceptional place to live and vacation. In addition to a thriving arts community that features concerts, plays, exhibits and festivals, there’s the famous Mall of America. The mall covers 4.2 million square feet of space, houses more than 500 stores, 50 eateries, 14 movie screens, a theme park, a 1.2 million gallon aquarium, and more.
Fall in Boston
This historic city is also rich in culture. In September it hosts the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival with intimate club performances and free outdoor concerts by jazz greats. And in October, don’t miss the Harvard Square Oktoberfest, which features entertainment for the whole family, food tastings and kid activities. There are museums as well as an observatory and an aquarium open year round.
Before planning your trip, be sure to visit the local tourist bureau online. You can find out about more events and sometimes find discount coupons or entertainment books that will help save even more money.
More affordable trips with smaller crowds and better weather – off-season vacations are a great value and a great way to get away.
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