Extra vacation days rolling around in your pocket this year? You might want to wait until the fall or winter to book your flight to your favorite tourist-heavy destination. Traveling during the off-season can save you loads of money on hotels accommodations, fun activities, and food. Most tourist-driven cities live off the money they make during their tourist season, leaving them, at times, charging double of what they normally would during this period. Visiting these places during the fall or winter months also guarantees less people to run into on the street, beating those overcrowded museums, and being able to book a table at one of the city’s well-known restaurants. Here’s a look at some off-season destinations you surely don’t want to miss.
New Orleans
The creole capital of the nation, New Orleans is one of the most diverse, booming cities in America. The cajun food is impeccable, the night-life is blazing, and the frozen daiquiris are never-ending. New Orleans is one giant party — you can even pay to have your own parade in it’s juicy streets for just $300 — but it’s best to enjoy Bourbon St. without the crazy crowd that inevitable accumulates each night during its tourist season. With some of the best crawfish, gumbo, and spicy jambalaya at extremely affordable prices, you won’t regret stopping in this top food mecca of the country. New Orleans is best enjoyed in the fall, anywhere between September – January. (Watch out for Halloween season though, as it is one of the cities most celebrated holidays.) With weather in the 60’s to high 70’s, you still have the pleasure of walking everywhere, enjoying a nice sunny day on the bayou, or picking up some beignets at Cafe du Monde without the hassle of waiting in line. One of the most well-known tidbits about New Orleans is that they have no open container laws. That’s right, you can just walk right out on the street with that beer you haven’t finished yet.
Costa Mesa / Orange County
In the heart of Orange County lies one of the nation’s booming art cities — Costa Mesa. Home to amazing theater productions, live music, and numerous art galleries, there is no shortage of culture and fine cuisine in Costa Mesa. Some of the best food in the country is right in Orange County. For example, try the OC Mix — a food hall that offers an eclectic array of food options from some of Orange County’s top chefs. More importantly, hotels in Costa Mesa during the off-season are highly affordable and are some of the best in the country. If you’re looking for lap of luxury or just an affordable, economic place to rest your head, hotels in Costa Mesa has it all. Travel Costa Mesa features 11 hotels in Orange County, 8 of which offer roundtrip shuttle transportation from the John Wayne airport. Hotels in Costa Mesa are often located a short walk from one of Orange County’s beautiful beaches, such as the Ramada tucked in near Newport Beach, or offer luxury pools, hot tubs, and more. If you’re interested in hearing more about exquisite off-season deals on hotels in Costa Mesa, visit Travel Costa Mesa.
Cape Cod
Located at the end of the elbow of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is one of the most peaceful beach areas in the country. It is usually highly populated in the summer, due to its endless supply of fresh seafood and beautiful beaches but is just as easily enjoyed in the fall. Cottage and hotel prices drop dramatically during the off-season and most restaurants on the shore are just happy to see anyone walk in. The seafood is still fresher than ever, and the market prices decrease pretty significantly to accommodate locals. Enjoy a sunset walk on the beach or barbecue on your back porch without the tourist prices and hassle of big crowds. Better yet, Cape Cod is home to a ferry station that you can take year-round to Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of this beachy state, and explore even further!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica in the winter months of November-February provide some of the most beautiful waterfalls and lush green scenery. With weather still in the high 70’s, you can tackle the beach peacefully without the hassle of navigating around large families or loud beach radios. Cozy up with a book in your hammock and a refreshing corona — what more do you need?