Ever wondered what time of year is the best to visit your favourite holiday destination?
Or how much you could save by changing the dates of your vacation next year?
Travel Weekly has released its figures on some of the most popular travel spots from around the globe and it shows when the most affordable time to travel is in terms of average cost of staying.
DESTINATION | MOST AFFORDABLE TIME TO TRAVEL | AVERAGE RATE IN MOST AFFORDABLE TIME | AVERAGE RATE IN PEAK TIME |
NICE, FRANCE | Late January | $1,280 | $1,755 |
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND | Early – Mid December | $1,350 | $2,230 |
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA | August | $1,665 | $3,050 |
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, USA | Mid June | $2,490 | $3,405 |
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | Early November – Early December | $2,090 | $3,735 |
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS | Week of 30th March | $2,305 | $3,740 |
HONOLULU, HAWAII | Mid to Late May | $2,850 | $4,230 |
LONDON, UK | Week of July 6th | $2,755 | $4,925 |
ASPEN, COLORADO, USA | Late April – Early May | $1,620 | $6,260 |
ST MAARTEEN, ST MARTIN, CARRIBEAN | Week of August 3rd | $3,150 | $7,765 |
Optimise Travel takes a closer look at these destinations and explains the benefits of holidaying during these off peak dates.
Nice, France
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Late January
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 27%
Escaping to this European summer hotspot during wintertime may seem unusual but exploring this beautiful city during its coldest period provides people with plenty to see and do. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is home to Nice’s diverse artworks and Villa Massena is a beautiful French palace and botanical garden with both being highlights for visitors. The temperature averages around 10 degrees Celsius with 8 hours of sunlight allowing for plenty of outdoor walking opportunities. Exploring Nice’s food and culture during this period is much easier due to the lack of tourists compared with the summer months.
Image: http://www.bugbog.com/
Reykjavik, Iceland
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Early to Mid December
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 39%
Iceland is one of the most beautiful destinations on the globe but it is rarely explored during the dark months of winter. Subzero temperatures and 4 hours of daily sunlight merely mask the winter wonderland that awaits. Unique activities such as swimming in the volcanic hot springs of the blue lagoon or snorkelling down the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park are possible all year round. For a comprehensive guide to Reykjavik and all of Iceland during the winter months check out youngadventures.com guide.
Image: https://www.flickr.com
Sydney, Australia
Most Affordable Time to Travel – August
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 45%
Sydney, Australia is known for its beaches and famous landmarks. August has an average high temperature of 18 degrees Celsius making it is possible to experience all the attractions even during the winter months. During August the city is alive with various food and wine festivals and the famous ‘City to Surf’ 14km run which ends at the iconic Bondi beach. Sydney is can be an expensive city for travellers so a 45% saving will benefit the quality of your trip.
Image: https://eaglewingsvacations.wordpress.com/
Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Mid June
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 26%
Summer in Miami anyone? With average high temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, beaches and nightlife are the major drawcards for tourists travelling to Miami. The summer months in the USA are widely considered more expensive than other seasons but Miami bucks this trend during the middle of June. Restaurants and bars are everywhere in Miami making this vibrant city an excellent summer vacation destination.
Image: http://miamihomeslistings.com/
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Early November/ Early December
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 44%
Visiting Dubai in the first weeks of November and December represents a great chance to explore this unique city without the being exposed to the scorching summer temperatures. Average high temperatures range between 25 – 31 degrees during November and December. Visiting the beach is a popular pastime in Dubai along with seeing many of there famous attractions such as Dubai Fountains, Burj Khalifa and shopping at the Dubai mall.
Image: http://www.travelandleisure.com
Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Week of 30 March
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 38%
This Caribbean paradise remains one of the best beaches in the world. Visiting at the end of March is perfect due to the pristine conditions, 28-degree average high weather and lower than usual prices. There are many options in terms of islands, accommodation, and historical sites. For more information, Optimise Travel recommends visiting the site below.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Image: https://www.flickr.com
Honolulu. Hawaii, USA
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Mid to Late May
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 32%
Visting Hawaii is on many travellers bucket list with mid to late May being the optimal time to get the best rates for your stay. The capital of this US state, Honolulu means ‘ sheltered harbour’ and is home to fantastic beaches, rolling mountains, and amazing flora and fauna. May temperatures average a high of 29 degrees which is perfect for experiencing these outdoor activities.
Image: http://www.pechakucha.org/
London, UK
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Week of July 6th
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 44%
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world so visiting this iconic city close to the 6th of July will help any traveller get value for their money. London is abuzz with outdoor dining and drinking options plentiful during this peak period of the summer months. The warmer weather enables tourists to walk around the city with ease and visit all of its famous attractions.
Image: http://away-together.com/
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Late April
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 74%
Most us don’t want to visit the ski slopes out of peak season but Aspen has plenty to offer even if snow cannot be guaranteed. A multitude of outdoor activities are waiting to be explored and with slightly longer and warmer days averaging 12 Degrees Celsius, this spectacular region is worth visiting. Especially when paying up to 75% less for your stay. For a comprehensive Spring, guide see below
Image: https://rootsrated.com
St. Maarten, St. Martin, Caribbean
Most Affordable Time to Travel – Week of August 3rd
Percentage Saved on Peak Season – 59%
Another island paradise with huge savings even during the summer time. Saint Martin boast 37 beaches and is renowned for its relaxation, local cuisine, and culture. It can be an expensive island paradise but with these excellent savings the week of August the 3rd is the perfect date to book your trip.
Image: http://www.travelgeni.com/
If you have any tips on any destinations and the most affordable time to travel please share them in the comments section below so others can benefit from your experiences.