Best Off-Season Travel Spots And What To Do There

Traveling in the off season is a good way of exploring the world while saving your sanity, because there are fewer crowds, and bank account. Airfares are cheaper, discounts are easier to find, upgrades are even free sometimes, and dining and entertainment is affordable.

Most tourists go to this adventurous country in the summer. But Portugal, and more specifically "Portugal's Monster," Nazare, is very a magnificent destination for surfing, especially as the weather gets cold. Nazare is home to some of the most enormous waves in the world. This is when the Atlantic swells are biggest and most consistent.

Who wants to go to India during the monsoon season? Probably very few people, if any at all. But some destinations are worth every effort. Trek to the Sahyadri Mountains to experience hiking along superb hills – part of the larger Western Ghats. Rivers are in full flow, which makes them perfect for rappelling and rafting. The superb Dudhsagar Waterfall, measuring at a mighty 1,968 feet is soaring in the high peaks of the Western Ghats. It is in full and furious flow during the monsoon season.

Greece is a very popular Mediterranean destination in the summer. The pleasant weather in October and hotel rooms that are much cheaper than in the months between June and September lure some tourists in the fall as well. Santorini, for example, is an otherworldly island you absolutely need to visit at least once. Capture views of towering cliffs, whitewashed villages and sparkling blue waters. The volcanic island set amid the Aegean Sea is famous for distinct architecture and breathtaking sunsets.

Best known for Mardi Gras, which is celebrated in February, the city has earned a wild reputation and Bourbon Street is always worth a stroll, but there's more to the city than a stretch of bars, music and nightlife scene year-long. The Crescent City will charm you with an astonishing variety of thrilling activities and not-to-be-missed events. As the Cajun French say, "Laissez les bons temps rouler"—let the good times roll.

September, October and November are spring in New Zealand. This is right after the low tourist season that lasts until early September. Prices are still affordable; in fact, the most expensive part of his trip will be the plane ticket (depending on where you are flying from). Regardless to if you are looking for peace and relaxation or adrenaline pumping fun, there is something for you to do. Visit Milford Sound, go bungee jumping, go black water rafting, explore Tongariro National Park, and surf at Raglan. 

The fresh air boosts your mood, the calm and warm waters rejuvenate you, and the majestic views everywhere you turn inspire you. Hawaii is unlike any other place on Earth – a combination of thrilling adventures, laid-back atmosphere, beach life, and even seclusion, if you need it. The peak season is in the winter; so go now to avoid crowds and save money.

The country boasts both a beautiful landscape and culture that invites travelers to explore its recent revolutionary history. Visit before Nicaragua becomes a hotspot, which is actually quite wallet-friendly. Once you get there, you won't spend more than $30 a day. Surfing is generally a somewhat expensive hobby but you can take advantage of the cheap prices in Nicaragua to ride awesome waves. Hiking and volcano boarding range from $10 to $30. For magnificent swimming and snorkeling, visit the Corn Islands.

Stowe is one of the most incredible mountain towns in the country that is most popular in the winter when its ski scene is world-class. If you are looking for a low key getaway with some outdoor access, this charming place, situated in a valley between peaks of the Green Mountains, is your destination this time of year. Hike to a beautiful waterfall with swimming holes, drive the back roads to Mount Mansfield, and go on a canoe trip to Boyden Valley Winery.

Best known as the "Cradle of the Renaissance," Florence is a city steeped in romance, overflowing with fashion and art— and tourists but in the summer. There is no shortage of cultural and culinary gems to discover. Explore the stunning city in the fall or winter when the crowds have almost disappeared. Make time to stop into a local theatre, visit the infamous Duomo and relax with a glass of wine in one of the many iconic wine bars.

This gorgeous town is packed during December through March. It will charm you with history, adventure and warmth. Walk the City Walls and enjoy the magnificent view. Take a tour of the old city; visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and spend a couple of days at Rosario Islands. You can choose from snorkeling, SCUBA diving, hiking, biking and more. Check out Cartagena's famous museum, the Museo del Oro y Arqueología. Stay at the El Viajero hostel and take free salsa lessons with the experts.

There are five national parks – most popular in the summer – on Utah's territory. It's difficult to pick between Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon, so you might as well go on a road trip and explore all three. Make time to stop by the Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, all of which are famous for its adrenaline pumping adventures like canyoneering, hiking, camping, bike riding, and even backcountry horseback riding.

November to April is locally called the "green season" as rain is fairly frequent and the subsequent thick vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot. But, safaris are many times cheaper. Now is the time to easily find significant discounts. Immerse yourself in the Bushmen Village of Botswana's Kalahari Desert for a rare insight into a truly unique way of life. Explore 450,000 acres of pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta on horses and riding alongside zebras, giraffes and elephants. 

This monstrous Siberian lake, most often visited in the summer, has many claims to fame. Not only is it known for its overwhelming beauty, but it's also the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the world, the deepest lake in the world and, at nearly 25 million years old, widely considered the world's oldest lake, too, according to UNESCO. Visit in the winter for a chance to walk in the ice that is about two meters thick. But it's also so clear you can see kelp forests beneath.

Las Vegas doesn't really have a peak season but it get slower after July when temperatures tend to increase. A trip there would not be complete without thrilling adventures and, of course, gambling. But when you run out of gambling money, what do you do? Don't fret. There are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas.

Ireland is one of the most adventurous countries in the world, and it's most visited in the summer, which is typical for most of Europe. Biking, bungee jumping, camping and, of course, hiking are among the most popular ventures. Kayak off the coast; sleep over night at medieval castles, and explore the unique nature of the country's national parks. Ireland is also a place of intense beauty and unmistakable culture.