Why you should travel during the off-season

January 20, 2019

Most people go on vacation in the summer since that’s when many of us get breaks from school or time off work; plus, all that sunshine gets people in the mood to explore a new destination. But there’s something magical about taking a winter trip, and it’s not just the pretty snow that makes travelling at this time of year worthwhile. I’ve spent time in both Europe and North America throughout winter, and have discovered why travel is better in the off-season. Here are 10 reasons why.

1. You can avoid crowds

Swarms of people can make popular destinations uncomfortable. No one wants to feel like a place is too busy to properly enjoy. If you travel during the off-season, you’re nearly guaranteed to have access to the major sights (and better souvenir pics). The hoards of summer tourists will have disappeared and you should have the streets to yourself.

How to avoid crowds while travelling

2. You won’t have to wait in lines

Waiting in queues to visit attractions is something every traveller dreads, and the reality of travelling in peak season means lining up for over an hour to get into museums and popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Luckily, travelling in the off-season means that those queues are almost non-existent, and you should be free to purchase your tickets with almost no wait.

How to avoid queues when travelling

3. You can get super cozy

Getting snug is a huge bonus of travelling in winter (we promise!). There are loads of ways to feel warm inside when the weather is chilly, like sitting next to a heater in your hostel with some woolly socks and a mug of hot cocoa, or finding a table in a cafe to people-watch with a cup of tea. When it’s time to head outside, bundle up in a warm coat and scarf and slide your hands into some mittens to feel super cozy for your sightseeing adventures.

How to get cozy while travelling

4. You can find magic in the festive season

It’s easy to get caught up in the festive season while travelling over the holidays. Cities are often adorned with lights and decor, so you can fully immerse yourself in everything festive while you wander the streets. How about renting some skates for a few circuits of a seasonal ice rink while the snow falls softly around you? Or popping into a cafe for some hot coffee and cinnamon doughnuts while you make your way between city sights? Sounds magical, right?

Spending the holidays abroad

5. You can save money on flights

Airline tickets are often noticeably cheaper in the off-season, and you can save loads on your trip by planning to travel around this time. Try signing up for email newsletters through your favourite airlines, and you might even find some seasonal flight discounts landing in your inbox.

How to save money on flights

6. You can get cheap accommodation

Rates for hostels and accommodations usually go down in the winter, as there are less people travelling and therefore more beds available. If you’re planning on staying in a hostel, travelling in winter means you could be bunking in a dorm room for less than $20 a night.

How to get cheap accommodation while travelling

7. You’re allowed to eat comfort foods

Feel free to load up on hearty, carb-heavy foods. Your body burns more energy in the cold, so you don’t have to feel guilty about trying some poutine, grabbing a Montreal bagel or drizzling a hefty amount of maple syrup on your breakfast. Comfort foods are all allowed during the winter season! Diets be gone.

Eating comfort food abroad

8. You can embrace the hygge life

Scandinavians have truly got the right idea when it comes to winter wellness. Hygge is all about feeling comfortable and content in a special moment, so embrace the atmosphere by meeting some friendly people at your hostel and getting as cosy as possible in snug cafes and warm pubs. Embracing the hygge life is easy when you’re travelling in the off-season.

Embracing the hygge life

9. You can choose a warmer destination

If the thought of bearing the cold just isn’t for you, then travelling in the off-season can actually be the perfect way to escape it. Why not choose a destination where you won’t have to deal with winter? The southern hemisphere has opposite seasons to the north, so a trip to Australia, South America or Africa could be a perfect way to cheat winter and enjoy a few weeks of sunny summer temperatures.

The best warmer destinations

10. You’ll take amazing photos

Winter travel to some parts of North America and Europe will mean that you’re dealing with shorter days and limited daylight hours. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since winter days are perfect for photography. The daytime lighting is extra soft and golden hour (the ideal time for photos after sunrise and before sunset) lasts much longer in the winter than it does in the summer. Use this opportunity to get some stellar Insta shots of all the major sites, especially if they’re covered in snow!

You may also like to read

How to outdoors like a true Canadian West Coaster

West Coast here we come!

September 12, 2024
...

During my five-month trip, decision fatigue got the best of me. Here's what I’d do differently.

Let go of the pressure for each day to be the Best. Day. Ever!
September 02, 2024
...