Have you heard the terms OFF SEASON & PEAK SEASON as it relates to travel?  If you are interested in traveling these are two terms that you need to familiarize yourself with.

PEAK SEASON 

Is the time of year that travelers typically travel to a destination.  

• Example: You would like to witness the wildlife phenomenon where wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other animals go in search of food and water.  The journey starts from south of Tanzania and the Serengeti, through the Serengeti, through Kenya crossing the Masai Mara in Kenya, returning to the original destination. 
  • This only happens the same time of year, once per year.  
  • The best time to witness this naturally is in the month of August.

• Example:  You want to travel to Costa Rica at a time when beaches are nice and the wildlife is out and about (highly visible).
  • December through April are the months you should plan your travel.
  • Temperatures are moderate and the rainy season is over.

Pro’s & Con’s of the peak season:

• You can discover and enjoy a destination during its’ prime season.  Weather is typically ideal. (Pro)
• You will likely encouter lots of other tourists who had the same idea.  (Con)
• Prices for lodging, flights and other activities will be more expensive. (Con)

SHOULDER SEASON/OFF SEASON

Is the time of year that travelers often choose not to travel to a destination.

• Example:  You don’t really care for frigid cold weather but instead love blazing hot weather, warm oceans for swimming and cultural activities.
  • It is always a great time to travel to the caribbean (Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago just to name a few).  The beauty of the islands typically shows through all year long.
  • July - August the weather is typically very hot in most caribbean locations and there is a risk of hurricanes in some destinations depending on location.
  • December - February in some Caribbean locations such as the Bahamas & Bermuda can be quite chilly but not blistering cold.

• Example:  You don’t really care for blazing hot temperatures but instead you love frigid temperatures and all of the activities that come along with that type of weather.
  • It is always a great time to visit Canada.

Pro’s & Con’s of the shoulder and off season:

• Less tourists. (Pro & Con)
• Cheaper flights.  (Pro)
• Cheaper lodging. (Pro)
• Less access to popular activites depending on the destination.  Sometimes due to weather and/or lower tourist numbers places  will close and reopen during peak season. (Con)
• Weather may not be ideal. (Con)
• More space on the plane due to lower numbers of travelers to the destination.  You may be able to move around and stretch out. (Pro)

The Pro’s and Con’s list could go on and on and will vary depending on the individual/family.  I often travel during the off season and I’ve only regretted doing so once in all my travels!  When planning your travel, take into account why you are traveling to your chosen destination and determine if it would be beneficial to select dates during the shoulder or off season.  There are lots of benefits associated with travel during these seasons.