From Eveningsnews.com
The Inside Story on Off Season Travel
By
May 20, 2006, 15:14
(ARA) -- With warm weather right around the corner, many Americans are thinking about that ultimate summer getaway to sit back, relax and spend time with family and friends. While many typically vacation closer to home, those who are adventurous enough to consider “off season” destinations can enjoy luxury experiences on a budget and make memories for a lifetime.
Many destinations that are untouchable during the high season suddenly become affordable during the off-season as resorts offer special deals. Whether it’s the Caribbean, Mexico or Asia that strikes your fancy, there are a myriad of reasons to travel to these memorable destinations during the summer months. Marita Hudson, a member of CheapTickets.com’s Cheap Squad, provides examples of some of the perks of off-season travel.
1. Package Deals and Upgrades -- Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t live the good life. In May and June this year, many resorts located in warm weather destinations offer package deals and upgrades during non-peak booking periods with savings at nearly 30 percent. For example, on CheapTickets.com the average savings off-season is 7 percent in Cancun, Mexico and 25 percent in West Palm Beach, Fla. Check leading travel websites such as www.cheaptickets.com.
2. Family Fun -- While you can find local family fun in the sun during the summer months, consider an adventure at an off-season location for its full range of activities for every age group. Many resorts in the Caribbean offer a variety of activities that will please both children and adults. For example, The Westin Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Puerto Rico offers Club Iquana, a kids club for children ages 4-12 offering recreation in a fun, safe environment. Furthermore, a challenging golf course and new Mandara Spa are sure to keep parents busy and satisfied.
3. Travel Abroad -- Summertime is one time of year when people are often able to take longer vacations. Use this to your advantage and do some long distance traveling. Flights may be longer, but good deals are available. The more money you save on airfare, the more money you have to spend once you get there. Volleyball on the beach in Phuket, Thailand, anyone? Just think, with the exchange rate in some international destinations, you can live like royalty!
4. Privacy -- During high season, it’s not unusual to have to wake up early to secure your favorite spot on the beach or stand on line to ensure you have a beach chair or umbrella for the day. If you travel to destinations during the off-season, you can take full advantage of all the location has to offer – at your own pace.
5. Extra Attention -- Whether it’s restaurant reservations, resort amenities, or nearby attractions, nothing beats cutting the line, or better still – eliminating the line altogether when traveling off-peak. So try the best restaurant and receive special attention, pick your favorite tee-time, and book a spa treatment when you want it. Also, be sure to get in with the resort’s concierge by asking advice on local attractions. With less people strolling through the hotel lobby, you’re sure to get the extra attention that you deserve.
Regardless of which reason is most appealing to you, it’s clear that there are a variety of benefits to traveling to off-season destinations during the summer months. This year, look beyond the local pool or beach, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable vacation and a little luxury on the “cheap.” Courtesy of ARA Content
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