Memorial Day has come and gone, summer is in full swing, the weather is getting warmer, the kids are out of school, and you and everyone around you are probably itching to get away for a trip.
High demand means high prices, so if you're traveling during peak season, be prepared to pay top dollar. A smarter choice is to travel to places where summer is the off-season. Alternatively, you can save money by traveling during the low season in the fall, winter, and spring, and spend more on expensive domestic summer holidays.
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According to the HomeExchange travel blog, off-peak travel can save you 25% to 50% on airfare, and CNBC reports that there are big price cuts on lodging in the low and shoulder seasons as well.
Here's what middle-class families need to know about the right places to visit at the right times of the year.
Book your fall Caribbean vacation
According to Travel + Leisure magazine, the Caribbean islands experience ideal weather from January through May, with breezes, lots of sunshine, low humidity, warm water and little rainfall. Coincidentally, cooler weather in the U.S., Canada and Europe has caused demand and prices for tropical destinations to soar.
August to October is low season in the Caribbean, and October to mid-November is shoulder season, meaning autumn is the time of year when you'll see fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
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According to Travel + Leisure, fall weather is still mostly nice, but rain is more likely and it's also hurricane season, so you should be weather-aware, buy travel insurance, and book a hotel with a hurricane warranty.
While many factors will affect your budget and savings, the average traveler can expect to save “hundreds of dollars” on airfare and accommodations by booking a Caribbean vacation during the off-season.
Stay warm in the winter with a trip to San Diego
According to the city's website, “Any time of year is a good time to visit San Diego, but winter has its own unique charm: the beaches, attractions and restaurants are uncrowded, the weather is mild and the region has a unique laid-back, off-season vibe.”
San Diego has warm summers, but in December, January, and February highs tend to be in the low 60s, about 10 degrees cooler than during peak summer months.
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However, prices drop with the temperature.
Winter is usually the cheapest time to buy flights to San Diego, so start looking one to four months in advance unless you're planning a trip during the holidays or summer when demand is higher.
Visit Vancouver and experience spring in British Columbia
Summer is peak season in Vancouver, a beautiful and vibrant Canadian city just north of Seattle. Early spring is low season, and late spring is shoulder season. Either way, visiting when the city is coming back to life after the harsh Canadian winter will save you money, and the weather is milder than in eastern cities like Montreal.
According to Destination Vancouver, “It's hard to beat spring in Vancouver. From the rows of cherry blossom trees to the smell of ocean water lapping against the breakwater, Vancouver's warm weather makes it the perfect season to experience the city's outdoor spaces.”
While the details of your trip will determine the cost of your vacation, Western Canada is a budget-friendly destination any time outside of summer.
According to Travel + Leisure, “Low and shoulder season, which runs from mid-September through May, is usually the most affordable time to travel.”
Looking for cheaper, less crowded places to visit this summer? Consider Cancun.
Summer is peak travel season for most of the United States except for tropical states like Hawaii and Florida, and also in Canada.
With the money you've saved from off-peak holidays, you might have enough cash to splash out on a domestic trip and join the crowds during the US's busiest months. But if you don't want to do that, you have options.
Countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Brazil and Egypt offer off-season travel in the summer, but even with discounts they may be out of reach for middle-class families. However, America's southern neighbors follow the same calendar and are much more accessible.
Mexico's off-season runs from the day after Easter through mid-December, when prices are 20-50% cheaper, meaning you can still afford the vacation of a lifetime in the Yucatan Peninsula's hottest spot. According to Adventure in You, “Cancun's rainy season runs from May to October, making it the best time to visit Cancun on a budget.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 off-peak destinations for middle-class travelers to save big this summer
