I’m not going to discover anything new if I say that travelling off-season has its advantages, am I?
You don’t have to be a daring traveller to know that there is much to gain by holidaying out of those high season months.
We can find better accommodation at lower prices and the same goes for transport, whether buying a flight ticket or renting a a car.
But beyond the always important economy, for me, the best thing about avoiding those specific high season dates is to be able to calmly enjoy the most tourist places.
It’s just not the same to watch a sunset and be completely alone than when the place is chock-a-block full with tons of people talking, running, singing and taking selfies non-stop… it’s just not the same.
It may be selfish and somewhat mystical but the feeling of reaching a paradise beach and taking a walk with not a soul in sight, no hammocks nor umbrellas is for me one of the greatest luxuries that we can afford these days.
Mind you, it’s not that I’m a lone wolf, I love beach bars with their smell of fries but from time to time it’s really worthwhile having a different holiday.
Which brings me where I wanted to get. Why do we keep going on holidays in peak season when we know all the advantages of doing so a few months before or after?
I know that children’s school holidays do limit our options but they’re not only on holidays in July and August, and any tourist destination in Spain and the best of Europe is doubly enjoyable in June and September.
And why limit ourselves only to summer holidays? Taking a few days off in April or May to relax and enjoy Ibiza or Formentera is something that should be enforced by law to improve health. Like not smoking in closed places but in positive.
So I’m going to rebel against what everyone else is doing, going on holidays “when you have to”, endless queues for museums and having to be at the beach at 9 am to find a place for the umbrella.
I’m all in for the low season hotel deals and half price flights, beautiful beaches and sunsets only for me and my family and for having only ourselves in our selfies.
And my intention with this post is for you to take over. Have you already decided when and where your next holidays will be?
Whether in Spain, the rest of Europe or outside the continent remember to look beyond high season. It just depends on you if you can or want to avoid those months, to each his own.