by Geoffrey Ravoire

A few years ago, I traveled to Puglia in early December. Although it may sound like an odd choice, it turned out to be very pleasant. Similarly, I visited Kenya, St Barths, Argentina, and other popular destinations in what we call "shoulder season" or "off-season" and always had a wonderful experience as I could maximize my time exploring.

Because of weather patterns or seasonal closures or favorite restaurants, not every destination is advisable to visit during the off-season, but most destinations have secrets to unveil no matter when you go!

Avoiding the crowds is the main advantage of traveling when others aren't. Think of the crowds in Rome in July versus March, or the dozens of cars watching the Great Migration from the same spot versus visiting the Mara or Serengeti on a "normal" day when no touring jeep can be seen for miles. That space, that calm, is, to me, luxury. Additionally, the rainy season can provide rewarding game viewing due to the lush green scenery, a lot of food, and enough water for the wildlife.

I have also noticed that the service is overall friendlier as the crowds die down. Workers and shopkeepers aren't working the same long hours, running frantically from table to table, and have more time for you. This extra time they can expand to you translates into deeper local connections. It's the time you need to learn about an anecdote on the Place des Vosges or the make of the sand under your feet at Shellona. 

Accommodations are always a key component of every trip we create for our clients. Oftentimes, changing your dates by a few weeks can dramatically increase the options available to you. From traditionally sold-out hotels to villas waiving their strict minimum stays, the opportunities are yours to take. Ultimately, the price is a reflection of demand, and off-peak pricing gives you a wider range of choices, as well as the chance to upgrade to that oceanfront suite you've secretly been eyeing! 

Another benefit of traveling off-season is the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the economy of a destination year-round, making it easier for the local community to earn a steady (and higher) income. Similarly, because energy resources are evenly used throughout the year, your travels put less strain on the "grid," making them more sustainable. In that sense, traveling off-season profoundly impacts the welfare, happiness, and development of the destinations you visit. 

Bonus: Some festivals and events are off-season based on a specific calendar and are not beholden to the school system. For Instance, you can attend the annual fire festival (Up Helly Aa) in Shetland Islands, Scotland, in late January; the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, Italy, in early March; the famous annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival and the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival occur in August. 

I hope these insights will persuade you to pick up your passport and enjoy the perks of off-season travel - please ask us what we think of a specific destination and we’ll be transparent.