The peak season is the 'peak' for a reason. When a destination is experiencing its best weather and popular events are in full swing, the tourists descend (and the prices ascend). Timing is everything and the savviest travellers know that sometimes it’s better not to follow the crowd. You’ll enjoy more space to breathe, more attractive prices and a different angle on your favourite destinations.
Read on for eight of our favourite destinations to visit off season.
Vancouver, Canada - visit March-April
Witness Vancouver literally come to life with spring flowers blooming, cherry blossoms bursting into colour and whales frolicking off the coast. The city’s mountain vistas and oceanside setting provide the perfect backdrop for a spring getaway.
Santa Monica, US - visit November-February
Santa Monica is LA's beach city - a charming seaside town with all of the culture, events and urban amenities of a bustling metropolis. Blessed with clement weather year-round, it’s an ideal winter-sun destination.
India - visit April-September
From glimpsing tigers in the wild, thanks to the sparser vegetation pre-monsoon, to witnessing landmark attractions at a quieter time, a trip to India during these months promises plenty to smile about. We especially recommend heading north to explore the stunning heights of the Himalaya during this period.
Botswana - visit January-March
If you don’t mind a spot of rain, these months are excellent for a safari holiday. The bush is alive with activity, the turbulent skies make a dramatic backdrop for photography and many lodges are at their most affordable. You can even watch herds of zebra migrate through the Savute marshlands.
South Africa - visit August-September
South Africa’s winter is during our summer, coinciding perfectly with the school holidays. The cooler weather means Table Mountain hikes are more comfortable and the vineyards of the Winelands less busy. Be sure to visit Hermanus from August-September for fantastic whale watching.
Australia - Visit April-October
While technically low season in Australia, this is one of the best times to visit the Northern Territory and neighbouring Kimberley. Explore the famous Red Centre – home to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) – and unwind at exceptional properties such as Longtitude 131 and El Questro Homestead.
Jordan - visit June-August
When Jordan is at its hottest, the crowds are at their thinnest, making this an excellent time to admire spectacular Petra in relative peace and quiet. You can also bask in guaranteed sunshine – 13 hours of it a day during July, just remember your sunscreen.
Portugal - visit December-March
Dodge the summer sun-chasers with a winter visit to pretty Portugal. It’s a great time for a city break in Lisbon – though don’t forego the beaches, as you’ll have them mostly to yourself during sunny days, and there are always plenty of those in Portugal!
So, check your calendar, decide when you want to go, and we'll take you there...