Now that summer is over, fall is a great time to travel. Many destinations that are over run with tourists during the busy summer months are ripe for the picking now that the crowds have left. No more long lines at your your favorite attractions, less crowded roads and airports, the weather is cooler and locals are generally more friendly. Here is a short list of some of the best places to visit in the off season.
Key West, Florida
If you have ever been to Key West in the summer you know how busy it can be. Not to mention the humidity is stifling and who wants to worry about the possibility needing to evacuate due to a hurricane. Fall is the perfect time to visit. Temperatures in October and November range in the 70’s and 80’s with much lower humidity levels and only about 4-8 rainy days a month. The island is small but it’s packed with things to do. Come see the world-famous Earnest Hemingway house and museum, you might even get a glimpse of the polydactyl (six-toed) cats that call this place home. If you have come this far then you have to check out the Dry Tortugas National Park. Bring your snorkeling gear, pack a picnic and tour the beautiful grounds around Fort Jefferson. If you are planning a visit and don’t want the crowds, avoid the last two weeks of October when the Fantasy Fest is going on. It is the Key’s biggest festival of the year and attracts thousands from all over the world.
Venice, Italy
Venice is rich in history and tradition with more to see then you can possibly cram into one vacation. September and early October are still basically considered high season but once it gets into late October and November the crowds thin out quite a bit. One thing to consider is the fall weather. In Late October and November the weather can change a lot from day to day. November is the area’s rainiest month so if you don’t mind changing your plans to work around the unpredictable weather then Venice is a great place to visit. In the first weekend in October you can enjoy the Festa Del Mosto which celebrates the area’s first wine pressing of the year along with live music, locally grown food and activities.
New Zealand
Because it is in the southern hemisphere New Zealand’s off season (winter months) are from June to August. So if summer travel is best for you then you have to consider New Zealand for your next vacation. You can find great winter activities here like skiing and snowboarding. Hiking the many trails is very popular this time of year when the temperatures cool off. You can also experience some of the best whale watching in the world here so don’t forget your binoculars.
San Francisco, California
Surprisingly the bay area is very nice in the fall months with a lot of sunny days with less rain and temperatures in the low 70’s. There is a ton of things to do here including the world famous Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, the cities iconic cable cars, China town and many more. You can read more about it in one of our previous blog posts here.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Another Southern Hemisphere destination that is a great place to visit in the fall (Spring time there.) One of the must see attractions, although not what one would usually think of, is the Recoleta Cemetery. Walk through the opulent tombs of the county’s rich and famous. The most famous residents resting here is Argentina’s famous first lady, Eva (Evita) Peron. Another must see is the famous presidential pink palace called the Casa Rosada. If you show up on a Saturday or Sunday you can get an inside tour for free.
Botswana, Africa
Home to some of the world’s most endangered species including cheetahs rhinoceros and African wild dogs, Botswana is a dream vacation that is very popular in the summer months. Traveling here in the spring and fall has many advantages though. This is the rainy season and the dry grasslands turn into a lush green valley teeming with life. This is also the time of year when many of the animals are giving birth so there is a good chance you will see plenty of wildlife. If you go there you want to go to Chobe National Park where you can find the world’s largest herd of native African elephants. There are plenty of guided tours available and accommodations range from a true African outdoor tent experience to luxury lodges to cozy riverboat stays.
Where ever you decide to travel to keep in mind that many attractions reduce their prices and there is always deals to be found on airfare, transportation and lodging. Bookmark out specials page found here for the best prices on vacation rentals.
