6 destinations for off-season travel

When the leaves fall, the nights get longer and the weather gets colder, it can feel like there's not much to look forward to. But what most people see as a lack of things to do, we travel junkies see as an opportunity to explore even more of this beautiful world and find exotic new places to settle down for at least a little while.

The off-season is perfect for budget travelers and gap year enthusiasts. Here are the 10 best ideas for off-season travel destinations so you can continue to see the world in style, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store for you.

 

 

1. Skiing in the Rockies ⛷️

The Rockies are a great place to go skiing in the off-season. Winter keeps the crowds away, while freezing temperatures make airfares much more affordable. Make sure you're properly dressed and don't try to do everything in one go. After a day on the slopes, you'll be exhausted.

I highly recommend spending a few days at a ski resort and resting in between. In Vail, you can rent a private room with a kitchen and bathroom for $35 a night. Don't forget to buy a lift ticket when you arrive - but skip the expensive gondolas for the chairlift. You'll get a better view from the cheaper lifts anyway.

If you're on a budget, skip the lift tickets and ski up and down the mountains. You'll get a free view in exchange for a bit of work. Bring your own food and a bottle of water, and save a lot of money.

2. Hiking in New Zealand's beautiful Southern Alps 🥾

If you're looking for an adventure, New Zealand's Southern Alps are an ideal place for off-season hiking. The weather is mild and pleasant, with occasional rain and snowfall. New Zealand's off-season lasts from around October to April, giving you plenty of time to hike the Southern Alps and discover snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.

If you're looking for a guided tour, check out Wild Hike. They offer a range of adventures and expeditions, and they're the only ones to offer guided hikes in New Zealand's Southern Alps.

If you're more interested in a self-guided trip, you can easily find a variety of hiking locations from a quick Google search. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as a good pair of sturdy shoes.

3. Explore Iceland and stay in a geothermal spa 🧖‍♀️

Iceland's low season runs from mid-September to the end of May. During this period, you'll find cheap flights, accommodation and activities. Food is a little more expensive, but you can still eat well for under $20 a day.

Iceland is a fascinating country, and there are few better times to visit than the low season. Temperatures rarely drop below zero, and snowfalls are rare. This is the best time to explore the Silfra fissure, a fault created between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. You can also sleep in an authentic Icelandic geothermal spa. For around $50, you can stay in a heated pool.

You can also see the Northern Lights. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see them from the Blue Lagoon, but you'll have to pay hundreds of dollars for a ticket. Instead, stay in a nearby town and watch the skies from a natural hot spring.

4. Drive along the breathtaking coast of Big Sur, California 🚗

If you've always dreamed of taking a road trip, there's no better time than the off-season. Places like Big Sur, California, are more beautiful out of season than in summer. The trees are lush and green, the sandy beaches are quiet and there are few cars on the road.

You can spend as little as $25 a day and be in Big Sur in a matter of hours. If you want to stay in Big Sur, check out Airbnb. The owners of many Big Sur properties have taken advantage of the off-season crowds to offer discounted stays. You can find entire houses for as little as $25 per person.

5. Watch orangutans in Borneo 🦧

If you're looking to escape the bitter cold of the northern hemisphere, Borneo is the place to be. The low season lasts from mid-October to March, and you'll find pleasant temperatures and cheap flights.

Borneo is also home to the critically endangered orangutan, a red-haired, human-like ape species. Visiting the orangutans is a wonderful experience. Many organizations organize excursions, which are very affordable.

You can also find volunteer opportunities if you want to extend your trip. Before you leave, make sure you have reliable mosquito repellent and anti-malaria medication.

6. Take a safari in the Dubai desert 🏜️

If you've always dreamed of seeing a real desert safari, you've got the chance during the off-season. Many tourists are put off by Dubai's high temperatures, but the weather is much more comfortable in the off-season.

Dubai is a fascinating place and offers a unique desert safari experience. You'll see wild camels, snakes, gazelles and other animals, but you won't be able to get as close to them as in other places.

The Dubai government is very strict about banning dangerous animals from the city. You'll find that a Dubai desert safari is a very enjoyable experience - and you can save a lot of money too.

7. Blue Valet: your valet service for simplified travel 🚙

Blue Valet is the ideal solution for all travelers looking for a hassle-free travel experience. No more parking worries or long walks with your luggage through airports or train stations! With Blue Valet, you can simply drive to the drop-off point, where a professional valet takes charge of your vehicle.