Travel During Off Peak Season

Have you ever wondered why your friend could snap picture when it is not that crowded with humans or rather why his accommodation or flight was much cheaper than yours?

Below taken during one of the trip to Bohol Island during off peak season. I got practically the whole beach to myself~!

#1 Factor: Timing is important

There are often on and off peak season in a destination. A rule of thumb is that most travelling occurs in the month of December being the last month of the year where people are in holiday mood. Travelling in this period is at its peak to almost all corners of the world. And being in South East Asia, this is also one of the best time for beach holiday.

Take note that there are often what we term as Typhoon season often develop between May to October. Avoid places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines.

There is Monsoon season in Asia, typically occur between June to October. Affected countries include Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, India, Nepal. Serious flooding to be expected resulting increase of probability in land slides which affects your safety when travelling and delay in travel time. This in turn may jeopardize your itinerary and some attractions maybe closed.

In low lying cities/areas in South East Asia, flooding will occurs mainly in West Malaysia, Bangkok, Manila.

However, rainy season also comes in with pretty much perks. It would mean:

– Cheaper prices

– Hotel rooms easily available

– No need to book ahead for transport (E.g. Buses, trains, etc)

– Fewer tourists

– Cooler Weather

– Beautiful cloud formations for photo taking

#2 Factor: Talk to the locals

One of the best tip to get information is through the locals and often by that, it mean from casual conversation you make with your taxi driver while on the way from airport to hotel. However, beware not to be over friendly or overly trust what the taxi driver said. Always confirm the information with the hotel reception before deciding to follow what was recommended.

When you have a chatty driver, ask him where he often eat in the vicinity that you are staying, where he relaxes over off days, what is the best food or show to catch in the city, latest update on city events if any.

Another way to seek opinions before travelling is to read travel blogs, deprive first hand information from non bias sources who has been that, done that and were once like you, stranger to the city.

#3 Factor: Go against the flow  

Let’s say you are going to Melbourne, Great Ocean Road Drive. Collect the tour itineraries from travel agencies and you realized most people would drive from Melbourne into Geelong town to begin the Great Ocean Road Adventure. Should you be doing self-drive, instead of doing the usual route, why not do the reverse route.

Many benefits why you should just do the reverse route:

– Avoid huge traffic along the way. Heavy traffic maybe expected when people rise early in the morning and head in the same direction as you departing from Town A to the other tourist attraction. Jam on the road may lead to more time wasting and even accidents.

– You may avoid the huge bus of crowds that is travelling. You can take in the essence of the particular tourist site when is less crowded. You will feel less irritated when you need not jostle with the crowd during photo taking session.

– You may lessen the chances of being pickpocket during huge crowd. It will be much safer and able to look out for one another at the tourist site.

– Avoid scams such as gang controlled beggars along the attraction commonly seen in India asking for money. These beggars will know when would be their peak business period and will avoid period where the tourist flow is not high.

– Cheaper and more bargaining power at tourist site. For instance, you may buy an instant photo at a rate cheaper than peak period. Or the service staff may provide you better customer service than during peak period.

With that, you are ready for your next adventure and able to enjoy a better experience at the tourist site! If you do not know what to pack, always good to have a travel checklist before departing. This article can be found here.

Categories: Travel Tips