The biggest benefit of traveling during the off-peak season is cost savings, but alongside that, there are also many limitations you must face.
3 things to gain and 4 things to lose when deciding to travel during the off-peak season
Traveling is a hobby, passion, or dream for many people worldwide. However, not everyone has the financial means to travel whenever they want, so cheap travel tips are always sought after. One of those tips is traveling during the off-peak season. However, alongside the benefits, this type of travel also has certain limitations.
I. Gains
1. Saves quite a bit of costs
Saving costs can be considered the biggest advantage of traveling during the off-peak season. Personally, I specialize in choosing off-peak travel. At this time, the prices of services, sometimes from airfares to food and drinks, are all lower compared to peak season. Booking hotels never worries about the situation of full rooms, and if you book a tour, you can also get a better price.
I remember my trip to Cat Ba at the end of last winter, starting from Hanoi and staying in Cat Ba for 3 days and 2 nights, visiting all the bays and islands for less than 2 million dong.
2. Buy cheap tours
There are some places, some destinations (especially historical sites) that you should go on a tour rather than go alone. Many people often book tours online in advance for peace of mind, however, if possible and you want to save money, then after arriving, consult at travel agencies, hotel receptionists for tour advice... different to find the best-priced tour for yourself. If you are savvy, you can even bargain.
Specifically, during the off-peak trip to Cat Ba, I bought a one-day tour to visit Lan Ha Bay (at the time from February to March) for only about 350 to 380 thousand dong per person.
3. Quiet, avoid crowding, and traffic jams
3. You might miss out on local specialties
Certain local specialties are only available during specific seasons. For example, if you visit the Mekong Delta during the flood season, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the freshest fish dishes. Similarly, fruits are at their best when they're in season.
4. Missing out on experiencing indigenous traditional festivals
Traditional festivals often take place during peak tourist seasons, providing the best opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture. Participating in traditional games and making new friends is easier during these times compared to the low season.
Additionally, traveling during the low season makes it difficult to fully experience recreational activities. For instance, even if you visit the beach in winter, it's unlikely you'll be able to swim due to the cold weather. Moreover, many services and activities are only available during the peak tourist season, so you'll need to choose alternative activities if you travel during the low season.
As per Afamily
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 24, 2017