srettig24 Short Answer: HECK YES!
I was lucky enough to visit London and Paris back to back in early December this year. Travel has been up since the Pandemic has mostly subsided. No doubt some of you are wondering where to go and when. Off-season travel can be a great way to beat crowds in popular tourist destinations and most places are more budget-friendly during the off-season.
I often try to travel during the off-season (Why Israel is not recommended as a tourist destination during October). I was thinking about the positives and negatives throughout my time in these cities and am excited to share some of my observations and thoughts. I want people to realize how affordable travel can be- yet, I don’t want people to have a literal cold dose of reality hitting them in the face when their expectations aren’t quite what they expected from social media’s influence. I hope this provides you with some things to consider before you plan your next trip!
Why I like Off-season Travel
To me, the picture above says it all. Most of you are probably thinking this girl likes off-season travel because she can take pictures of… leaves? While sure, these leaves may look identical to the ones back home When on vacation everything feels new and exciting because I’m taking in my surroundings and I’m present in the moment. You might not have time to look at the leaves during high season in any destination; with the fever pitch of tourists, the heat, and the cloud like overwhelming feeling of “I MUST SEE EVERYTHING”.
Pros
Cons
- Accommodations are typically cheaper
- You have more opportunity to have meaningful interactions with locals
- You don’t have to fight massive crowds in major tourist areas
- Some attractions may have cheaper off-season prices, accommodations may be cheaper as well
- Other than the occasional park or viewpoint, most things in cities are indoors anyway
- If you are getting off-season prices, you have more money for things like wine tasting or food tours, shopping, etc.
- Contributing to local businesses, the tourism industry, and the livelihood of tourism workers during the season they make less money
- There may be fewer accommodations
- Your “tourist vibe” might not blend in well with locals and stand out practically begging to be pickpocketed
- Depending on what type of tourist you are it could involve a lot of walking around and looking at stuff…. in the freezing cold which may not be your idea of a good time
- What you save in off-season discounts may equal what you spending on warming up at a cafe or restaurant
- In months like January there may not be the “energy” you were looking for that exists in the Summer
Christmas Markets
I went to some Christmas markets when I was in London and Paris. You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit around a small outdoor village of shops, Christmas music playing, and smells of hot chocolate and other goodies hitting your nose. Christmas markets can be a great way to learn about different holiday traditions which are different than ones that you are familiar with. There was may foods that I did not recognize in Christmas markets in London and Paris. Chances are you will learn about different traditions, a bit more about the culture at a Christmas market, which is part of what travel is all about!
Mercato Mayfair was feeling festiveeeee! Located in St. Marks church and built in the 1820s, this food court serves a wide variety of food and drinks and was decked out in holiday cheer.
A Christmas Market across the street from Notre Dame. The vendors sold things from seasoned meat, wine, Christmas ornaments, and more.
P- Thanks for building me up during the lowest point of my months-long trip, your energy and personality were a gift S- thanks for watching me hit my head on a pillar and probably giving myself a concussion- and I guess for being the best tour guide ever
