When my husband and I planned our 40th anniversary trip to Barbados for early May, more than one friend clucked at me about the timing.
“It’s going to be super warm!” one warned.
“That’s not even in season,” another scolded. “Little will be open. You’d think a travel writer would know!”
Here’s what this travel writer does know: Low season – particularly the very edges of it – can be the perfect time to visit the destination of your dreams. Be it a ski trip, island escape or any other season-dependent adventure, timing a bit differently than most will not just save you money; it can actually deliver a better trip than you may experience in the high season.
Here are some reasons why I love traveling semi-low season:
Less crowding: I’ve long enjoyed a late, late winter ski escape; heading north or west at the time of year that there’s still a hefty amount of snow but the majority of skiers have turned their thoughts to golf and other warm weather things.
This year, we headed to Deer Valley, Utah in early April. Utah is one of the safe bets for snow conditions even this late in the year, and we arrived to find 100% of the mountain in great shape – and even skied a powder day.
The bonus? Not only were there zero lift lines; we could also pretty much sashay into any restaurant we chose, reservations be darned. That’s unusual for busy ski towns, but late season you’ll have your pick. April at Deer Valley brought us lots of snow and plenty of space.
We found the same to be true in Barbados. After day one of our stay at The House by Elegant Hotels in early May (the start of the island’s low season), we realized that unlike almost any warm-weather trip, we didn’t need to rush out early in the morning to claim a beach or poolside chair. It was so serenely quiet at the St. James spot, we knew most of the guests within a day or two and the bartenders knew our drink choice before we even mentioned it. Less crowding equals more individualized service as well; a nice touch to any vacation.
In Barbados we were able to score a last minute semi-private sunset catamaran trip as well as dinner at the famed (and hard to get into) Lone Star restaurant – things one usually must plan for months and months ahead.
Great weather: This wouldn’t be the case if you push too hard into low season (say, May for a ski trip, mid July for an island escape), but by brushing up against the start of the low season, we found the weather to be not just acceptable but sublime.
At Deer Valley, the sun was setting quite late, which not only meant more outdoor apres time, but also meant zero flat light ski runs. Mid winter after about 2:15 p.m., on-snow light can be a challenge. In April, the light is perfect right up until last lift.
It was cold enough to maintain good snow, but warm enough to not need extra layers or regular warm up stops at lodges. We walked up and down Main Street after dark in just light jackets.
In Barbados, it was in the high 80’s and sunny every day; warm enough to feel truly tropical (which we wanted) but not oppressive. Dips in the water were needed, of course, but what’s not to love about that?
We never felt a drop of rain, and not once did I need a sweater.
And since we are New Englanders, the only weather we were missing back home was 42, grey and rainy. It’s always glorious to check your weather app while away and see you’re missing that kind of bleh.
Price: Low season means cost savings, not only for accommodations but for air travel as well. Few things are as shocking than booking air travel in and around school vacation times. Low season, you find great deals pretty much across the board. And in high rate golf spots like Scottsdale, you’ll even find greatly reduced greens fees.
It’s not just Deer Valley and Barbados – anywhere that’s season dependent wins this way. Thinking ahead to the coming travel year? Listen to this travel writer and consider going low. It’s all high points with that choice. That’s what this travel writer knows.
