Amsterdam's canals charm visitors in any season.
Fewer tourists. More connections with locals. No summer heat. Way cheaper.
Welcome to off-season travel, which more and more savvy travelers are choosing every year for a multitude of good reasons.
Take Holland & Belgium, for instance — two European destinations popular in many packaged vacations. At the height of the tourist season – mid-April through September – these countries are overrun with travelers from around the world chasing beautiful bulbs or warm weather. But the weather in Holland & Belgium is rarely harsh, even in the dead of winter. (temperatures average in the upper 40s in Amsterdam in March, for example – not too bad!)
And while you may not see as many bulbs traveling in March, you’ll more than make up for it in access to cultural experiences and conversations with locals. Yes, you might run into a cold rain while walking around Ghent. But imagine ducking into a café, ordering a stout ale or a plate of stoemp and sausages, and settling down for a robust conversation with a Ghent local about Belgian life. Many travelers cite encounters like this as the highlight of their trip – and it all happened off-season. With fewer tourists fighting for café stools and museum tickets, it’s quite possible that off-season travel affords travelers more exposure to “daily life” in Holland or Belgium than a high-season trip.
Don’t forget about the savings one can enjoy avoiding the high season. Vantage Deluxe World Travel, for instance, is currently offering March departures for its Holland and Belgium river cruise for up to $1600 per person less than May departures. And while you’re there, you’ll enjoy off-season prices at many restaurants and museums. You could use some of that money you saved to splurge for that afternoon coffee or tea to warm up in Amsterdam or spring for an extra optional excursion or two.
Whatever your destination of choice, you may want to consider connecting with the locals on their own turf … experiencing high culture without the crowds … and enjoying huge savings – by taking an off-season trip.
It might just become your best-kept travel secret.
PHOTO: AMSTERDAM CANAL BY LARS BRINKMAN VIA STOCK.XCHG.
