Summer travel is ideal for many travelers due to flexible work and school schedules and warmer weather, but the real allure of top destinations often emerges during the off-season. Many European cities, for example, are even more enchanting in winter, and countries in the southern hemisphere offer a cooler experience during their spring months. For travelers interested in experiencing some top destinations with fewer crowds, we’ve rounded up several destinations that are ideal for an off season getaway.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: November to February
Travelers flock to Dubrovnik each summer to enjoy the rejuvenating Balkan sun and sapphire blue waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Travelers wanting some peace and quiet on the Dalmation Coast will appreciate the mild temperament and relaxed atmosphere of Dubrovnik in the fall and winter months. While in winter, travelers can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Old Town with fewer crowds at famed attractions such the Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Cable Car, and Rector’s Palace. For a unique cliffside stay, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik (pictured) provides a luxurious oasis to be enjoyed year round with an indoor freshwater heated pool overlooking the water, a world-class wellness spa, MICHELIN Guide recommended dining, and flawless five-star service. Each suites’ floor to ceiling windows invite guests to bask in the views of the waters that sparkle year round.
Norway: November to February
Most travelers aim to travel to Norway in the summer to avoid the harsh temperatures near the Arctic Circle, but Norway’s magic and charm comes to life in the winter months. A blanket of snow coats the Nordic country and Norwegians enter a slower pace of life, savoring cozy days inside by the fire, rich culinary experiences, and winter sports. Luxury travel curator Up Norway can help travelers plan their Scandinavian getaway without the fuss in the off season. While each journey with the sustainable luxury curator is bespoke to guests’ requests, a sample winter journey will take guests on a winter road trip through Stavanger to see the majestic Lysefjorden, along the scenic Jæren route showcasing the snow-covered sand dunes and lighthouses of this coastal region, up to the remote Lofoten Islands, a traditional fisherman’s village for a chance to see the Northern Lights, and then to Vesterålen and Henningsvær, two Nordic towns with historic architecture, abundance of art galleries and museums, and culinary experiences at local farms. Travelers can opt to book guided tours, animal encounters, and snow sports to complete the trip, while Up Norway’s complimentary personalized digital chat support allows travelers to travel worry-free in real time.
Rome, Italy: November
Travelers traditionally opt to explore Rome in the summer months to experience a quintessential Italian summer, but the Eternal City’s charm comes to life during November. At the cusp of the busy holiday season and lingering warm fall weather, November ushers in a comfortable breeze, colorful changing leaves, and less crowds. Several weeks of religious holidays kick off November 1 with All Saints Day, where many Romans celebrate with feasts, street festivals, competitive races, and religious services. For families seeking an extended Thanksgiving weekend in Italy’s capital, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese offers a five-night ultimate Roman Odyssey in collaboration with family-focused Italian travel guide Family Welcome to suit travelers of all ages. Included in the experience are private tours of Rome’s top attractions, Italian cooking classes to please the entire family, a historical treasure hunt at the Vatican, an outdoor adventure day exploring the Roman countryside’s various hikes and local farms, a private Italian movie night at the hotel, and elegant accommodations with five-star service at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. Families can customize their experience with private workshops to suit various interests such as Roman gladiator training, mosaic workshops, and an interactive farm visit. A Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant Settimo will cap off this family-friendly Roman holiday.
Mendoza, Argentina: June to October
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, but many destinations enter their slower season as winter approaches in the southern hemisphere. Mendoza, Argentina experiences a slow yet enchanting fall and winter season from June to November with cooler 50 to 60 degree days illuminated by warm sunshine that allows travelers to explore the region’s plethora of activities. Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, SB Winemaker’s House and Spa Suites invites guests to experience the fusion of wellness and wine with their innovative spa suites. After days horseback riding, hiking, and touring the wine country, guests at the boutique hotel will find much needed respite with wine-focused spa treatments, farm to table culinary experiences, and Argentine amenities and offerings like mate workshops and cooking courses.
New Zealand: June to August
New Zealand’s natural beauty shines in its winter months as rain replenishes the forests and casts a cloudy glow on the country aptly nicknamed the Land of the Long White Cloud. Travelers will find fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions like the Hobbit movie set, glowworm caves, sheep farms, and whale watching, and in some areas of the country like the hub of hot springs and Maori culture, Rotorura, travelers might even feel like they have the entire place to themselves. Travelers can opt for an extended stay with HomeExchange Collection, the luxury division of the global home swapping platform with 5,000+ homes in more than 85 countries. Members will feel at home anywhere in the world, finding longer stays to immerse in the natural areas of countries like New Zealand easier than ever. A benefit to using the luxury home swapping platform is the instant access to local recommendations from the member host, perfect for navigating travel in the off-season like a local.
Riviera Maya, Mexico: September to October
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations year-round for American travelers, but the white sandy beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula are a little less crowded during the shoulder season in the fall. On the Caribbean side of the peninsula, Mexico’s glittering Riviera Maya is home to world-class resorts like Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Travelers can escape the end of the dog-days of summer and relax in the more mild yet sunny weather at the luxury all-inclusive resort, now boasting a MICHELIN-star restaurant. With three distinct ambiances fit for any traveler’s desires, including romantic oceanfront suites with plunge pools in a traditional resort setting, a secluded luxury experience set amongst the lush Yucatán jungle, and a family-friendly atmosphere for kids of all ages, resort guests can choose their own adventure in an exceptional setting with over 200 acres of protective mangroves, cenotes, and jungle at its prime. In addition to relaxing by the various pools and suntanning on the white sand beaches, guests can coordinate adventures like an eco-tour, snorkeling, kayaking, or an excursion to the surrounding cenotes. If the sporadic Mexican rain casts a gloomy day on the vacation, travelers can find respite in the world-class SE Spa, indulge at the seven gourmet restaurants, book cultural workshops and activities, and more.
