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Traveling during the off-season might not seem as glamorous as jet-setting during peak times, but it comes with its own set of perks that savvy travelers shouldn’t overlook. From fewer crowds to better deals, exploring destinations during their quieter periods can lead to a richer and more fulfilling experience.
Cherish was mentioned in 2023 in the New York Times for our focus on hosting tours during the "off-season". In our 3+ years of business, we have yet to host a tour during the busy summer travel months. While we expect to host tours during peak season in the future, our values align with focusing on off-season travel.
Off-season travel allows our travelers to travel more sustainably and continue to support local women in business year round.
Let's dive into 5 compelling reasons why off-season travel might just be the best way for travelers to see the world. Integrating off-season travel into your travel life will open up the opportunity to travel more alongside several other perks.
First let's define peak season travel:
Peak season travel refers to visiting destinations during periods when they experience the highest levels of tourist activity and demand. This typically coincides with times of the year when weather conditions are most favorable, major holidays occur, or cultural events take place. Peak season travel often results in crowded attractions, higher prices for accommodations and transportation, and increased competition for services and amenities. While peak season travel offers the opportunity to experience destinations at their liveliest and most vibrant, it can also entail longer wait times, higher costs, and a more bustling atmosphere.
Some examples of peak season travel are visiting the US National Parks over the summer or on major US Holidays, visiting Japan in the springtime when cherry blossoms are in bloom, or taking an African safari in the dry season.
Then let's dive into what off-season travel is:
Off-season travel refers to visiting destinations during periods when they experience lower levels of tourist activity compared to peak times. This may include traveling during periods of time when the weather may be unpredictable or colder than peak seasons.
Some examples of off-season travel are visiting Iceland or Alaska in the fall or winter, visiting Costa Rica or Panama in what would be considered the rainy season, or visiting Europe before the rush of tourists in the late spring and throughout the summer.
While traveling during peak season can seem more favorable, off-season travel often allows travelers to enjoy attractions more comfortably, access better deals on accommodations and activities, and support local businesses during times when they may experience slower business.
Finally, let's talk about 5 of the benefits of off-season travel:
Picture this: strolling through cobblestone streets or standing in awe before a famous landmark without having to jostle through large crowds of tourists. That’s the beauty of traveling during the off-season. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or serene natural landscapes, you’ll find that attractions are often much more accessible and enjoyable when they're not overrun by crowds. You can savor moments of tranquility and truly connect with your surroundings, allowing for a deeper and more authentic travel experience. When visiting Iceland and the Faroe Islands in September our travelers have had this exact experience. September is one of the slowest months for travel to many destinations worldwide. But Iceland in September is one of the best times to visit in my personal opinion. There are smaller crowds, the weather is chilly but not freezing, and there are optimal weather conditions to catch the Northern Lights.
In an era where sustainable travel practices are increasingly in the spotlight, opting for off-season travel can be a more eco-conscious choice. By avoiding peak times, you reduce your impact on the environment and local communities. Popular destinations often struggle to manage the influx of tourists during high season, leading to issues such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strain on resources. By visiting during quieter periods, you can help alleviate these pressures and contribute to more sustainable tourism practices. It is our belief at Cherish that travel is impactful. We encourage our travelers to look at traveling the world as more than just a vacation. Through intentional itineraries and mindful tourism practices, we're on a mission to show that your vacations can be a force for real, positive change in the world. With a focus on supporting women in business and a history of hosting tours during the off-season, we are continuing to make efforts to offer more sustainable tours.
One of the most enticing aspects of off-season travel is the potential for significant cost savings. With reduced demand for accommodations, flights, and attractions, prices tend to drop during off-peak times. This means you can score great deals on everything from hotel rooms to tour packages, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further and indulge in experiences that might be out of reach during peak season. Plus, with fewer tourists vying for the same experiences, you may find that prices for meals, souvenirs, and transportation are also more wallet-friendly.
Forget about the headache of coordinating your travel plans with everyone else’s vacation schedules. When you travel during the off-season, you can enjoy the luxury of flexibility. Since fewer people are vying for time off, you’re less likely to encounter conflicts with your coworkers or struggle to secure the dates you want. This means you can plan your trip according to your own timeline, whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway or an extended adventure spanning several weeks. Embracing the off-season allows you to reclaim control over your travel schedule and tailor your trips to suit your preferences. Every Cherish trip allows flexibility and choice to our travelers. Even though you're part of a group trip, what you prefer to do matters. We believe that the moments you have away from your busy life are valuable. That's why we curate each of our tours with the ability to make personal choices throughout.
Tourism is a vital source of income for many communities around the world, and traveling during the off-season can help support local economies year-round. By visiting destinations during their quieter periods, you inject much-needed revenue into local businesses and help sustain livelihoods beyond the peak tourist season. Whether you’re dining at family-owned restaurants, shopping at boutique shops, or staying at locally-run accommodations, your patronage can make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the community. By integrating sustainable practices into your travel you can support communities all while taking a vacation. Each Cherish tour is a curated transformative experience that not only enriches the lives of our female travelers but also supports women in business worldwide. By directing tourism dollars towards women-led businesses, and traveling during the off-season we aim to create a positive impact and contribute to the economic empowerment of women. Your choice to join us can help continue this lasting impact.
While the allure of peak-season travel may be hard to resist, there’s something undeniably appealing about exploring the world during its quieter moments. From enjoying attractions without the crowds to making a positive impact on local communities, traveling during the off-season offers a multitude of benefits for all travelers alike.
So next time you’re planning your next getaway, consider veering off the beaten path and embracing the magic of the off-season. You might just discover a whole new world of travel experiences waiting to be explored.
Check out Cherish's upcoming off-season travel experiences to book your next trip and enjoy a fully planned travel experience for your next vacation.