Do you like to avoid the tourist crowds when traveling? The best way to do this (and save money) is to travel off-peak. Traveling off-peak has its positive and negative aspects. Do you know where the best off-peak travel destinations are for over-60 travelers? We’ll take a look at some off-peak, typically January-April destinations, around the world.
What Is Off-Peak Travel?
Off-peak travel means traveling during periods of time that are not popular. What typically defines peak travel time is determined by activities (festivals, holidays, etc.) and by milder weather (less rain or snow).
Off-peak travel is often between January and April, when many destinations are in rainy or snowy seasons. January is right on the heels of the Holiday season, when many people have traveled to be with family and friends and are not feeling the need to travel.
What are the Pros of Off-peak travel?
Off-peak Traveling means Fewer Crowds
If you have traveled to a tourist destination during high season in the last few years, you will have noticed the post-COVID travel surge.
Crowds can become overwhelming and dampen your overall travel experience. Without sounding overly alarming, rubbing shoulders everywhere you go can even be dangerous, as high travel season also means a high season for scams and theft.
Read more: 12 Smart Travel Habits to Stay Safe and Away from Scams and Thieves.
Off-peak Traveling Is Less Expensive
Everything from flights to hotels is cheaper in off-peak (or off-season) traveling. Airlines offer better fares between January and April, when seats are typically not fully booked. By lowering ticket fees, they attract off-peak travelers seeking bargains.
It doesn’t stop there; you’ll notice that accommodations are significantly cheaper during off-peak. From hotels to Airbnbs, fewer reservations mean lower prices and specials to entice people to book.
Also, if you have good bargaining skills, this is the perfect time to put them to good use. Your chances of lowering prices are greater during off-peak season.
Genuine Local Experiences
Off-peak travel often means locals are living more authentically than during high tourist season. Generally, during high-peak season, they cater to tourists, and activities may seem rehearsed and inauthentic.
During the off-peak season, you can experience local traditions and events that make your travel feel more substantial. To be honest, this is one of the main reasons that I enjoy off-peak traveling.
What Are the Downsides of Off-peak Travel?
Off-peak Traveling Means Unpredictable Climate
Unless traveling to a tropical destination, January to April is typically a rainy and snowy period. Some parts of Europe are very wet during this period, which can make travel gloomy and restrictive.
Off-peak Traveling May Decrease Tourist Activities
Many activities are scheduled around events during high-peak traveling. This being said, you may come face-to-face with closed museums or parks. Check the websites beforehand to make sure the ones you want to visit are open.
Off-Season Closed Accommodations/Restaurants
Some restaurants and accommodations may be closed during the low season. Some destinations are so popular with tourists during high season that they schedule closures between January and April.
How To Choose Off-Peak Destinations for Over-60s
Prioritize Your Safety
Safety is always a priority when traveling as a senior. Check travel advisories from your country before selecting a destination.
US citizens can enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to stay up to date on current national and international situations. You will receive email updates and alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad while on your travels.
Stay Comfortable
Make sure to plan your travels in advance to ensure comfortable stays. Off-peak season often means less occupancy in accommodations, but it’s always wise to book in advance to avoid closed accommodations and unexpected surprises.
Choose Destinations with a Mild Climate
Obviously, unless you are looking for a great ski adventure, booking a trip to Montreal, Canada, between January and April can leave you stuck in snowstorms and travel closures.
Best Off-peak Travel Destinations for Over 60
Lisbon, Portugal
The best off-peak time to travel to Lisbon is from January to April. It offers a cool winter climate, but not a cold one. The Average high is about 63°F (17°C), and the average low is about 50°F (10°C). The weather requires some layering in the evenings and is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities during the day.
Following the Holidays, accommodations are more affordable, making it possible to stay in upscale Lisbon hotels at a fraction of the price. Tourist areas like Alfama, Belém, and Baixa have much fewer crowds, and in Lisbon, most restaurants, cafés, and museums are open year-round.
Palm Springs, USA
Between January and April, Palm Springs (California) is known for its warm, dry weather, in contrast to the unbearable heat of the summer months. The average high is about 74°F (23°C), and the average low is about 48°F (9°C) during these months.
The flat layout of the area makes it easy for the over-60s to sightsee and walk. Like other destinations during the off-peak season, Palm Springs is quieter, with hardly any wait times for activities and restaurants, especially midweek.
Seville, Spain
Less touristic than Madrid or Barcelona, Seville, situated in the south of Spain in the autonomous region of Andalusia, is a great destination to consider for off-peak travel.
Between January and April, Seville has much fewer crowds, and accommodations are more affordable. The average high is about 66°F (19°C), and the average low is about 46°F (8°C), perfect for daytime excursions and comfortable nights.
The historic center is pretty flat, making it easy to sightsee and walk around. You can sit and have tapas for as long as you want without the pressure of overcrowding during high-season travel.
Read more: Jaw-Dropping European Holiday Hotspots to Visit Without Crowds.
Merida, Mexico
Mexico, with its mostly warm year-round weather, has less of a designated high and low season, but right after the holidays is often considered off-peak (excluding spring break in March). From January to March are great months to visit if you want fewer crowds.
During these months, Merida runs at a local and relaxed pace. This is the dry season, and rain will not be an issue. The weather averages a high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of 65°F (18°C). The area is surrounded by ruins and cenotes that are not crowded with hordes of tourists during these off-peak months.
Read more: Traveling Solo in Mexico as an Older Woman.
Nice, France
It’s always a good idea to consider the South of France, but if you want fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, consider visiting off-peak season between January and April.
All of the French Riviera is at a more relaxed pace this time of year, and Nice often offers better accommodation rates and more enjoyable travel experiences throughout the region, with fewer people. Sit in a café, enjoy a beverage for as long as you want, and watch the locals go about their business.
Victoria, Canada
Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is a pleasant destination during off-peak months. This part of Canada offers the mildest winter and spring climates. It is the rainy season, so you will most likely encounter days with no sun. If this doesn’t bother you, your wallet will thank you, as accommodation prices vary widely between low and high seasons.
The best months are March and April, when spring flowers begin to bloom and terraces open.
Taormina, Italy
Taormina offers cooler temperatures during off-peak season, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and visiting historical sites.
Sicily takes on a more local vibe at this time of year, so you can have a more genuine experience compared to the high tourist season.
The scenery remains the same year-round. You get to enjoy the views of Mount Etna and the coastline without the crowds.
Restaurants and hotels often offer better rates at this time of year, and you will feel less hurried when dining out or sipping an espresso in a coffee shop.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a comfortable destination to visit from January to April, with warm temperatures that are not too hot. You can expect an average high of 82°F (28°C) and an average low of 69°F (21°C). This time of year is not yet the rainy season, so it makes it more enjoyable to visit the historical center and local markets without the overcrowding.
Get to appreciate the lantern-lit streets in the evening and the less crowded dining along the river.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
From January to April is a great time to experience Dubrovnik, when fewer cruise ships visit the Croatian town. The feeling is more local and relaxed.
Hotels often reduce prices during this off-peak season, so you can enjoy a 5-star hotel at an affordable price. The mild coastal weather at this time means you can be out all day without the scorching summer heat.
Kyoto, Japan
Between January and April, Kyoto slows down and attracts fewer tourists. The climate can get chilly and can even experience some snow. March and April are excellent months, just before peak bloom season and crowds.
With fewer crowds, you can visit temples and gardens with a more relaxed feeling, making the experience more enjoyable and contemplative.
Who Is Off-Peak Travel for?
Off-season travel is for you if:
- You don’t enjoy crowds.
- You don’t mind the weather.
- You like to travel affordably and get great deals on flights and accommodations.
- You appreciate more authentic experiences.
Read more: Choosing The Road Less Travelled.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you like to travel during off-peak times? What is your favorite time of the year to travel and why? Have you been to any of the destinations on our list during off-peak? Tell us about it in the comments below.