Traveling off season with kids can be a great way to enjoy a vacation without the huge crowds or the high cost during peak season. Many families with school-age children believe that travel must come to an end once children return to school. Well, we are about to break the rules.
Children have plenty of time off from school. Which makes 3-4 day trips the best. Thus creating the perfect time to travel off-season. This can be a great budget-friendly way to travel. As off-season travel can save time and money.
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Beat The Crowd
Summertime means longer lines. Imagine waiting in line for 2 hours just for one ride in the smothering heat. It happens and it makes for some not so fun moments. Not to mention the cost of tickets. During the off-season, there are shorter lines, fewer people who travel. You no longer have to be crammed like sardines with multiple families at a particular place. Having the beach to yourself can be a treat.
Theme Parks:
Theme parks are one of the best places to hit up during the off-season. Normally the best family-friendly entertainment. Hundreds of families flock to theme parks during peak season. This creates long lines and crappy children. Think like the locals. Locals that live close to Disney theme parks know that the worst time to take their children to the park is peak season. Lucky for them they live close enough to make theme parks a weekend getaway. During the off-season, there are shorter lines making it more enjoyable. Bigger bang for your buck when you can ride all the rides multiple times.
Cruises:
Cruises are great to take as well during the off-season. There are many 3 or 4 day cruises that allow you to enjoy a quick break without children missing any school. Plan a short 4-day cruise for the weekend. Anything south of the U.S stays comfortable even during the winter months. Also, there won’t be as many children aboard the ship allowing your children more one on one entertainment.
Best Time
Peak season starts at the end of May till the Beginning of September. Another month before and after the off-season. However, Christmas is considered peak season, but still carries all the perks off-season travel has to offer.
Holiday Breaks:
During the holiday season such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Children have a week or more out of school. Here you can plan vacations abroad, visit family long distance, or enjoy any of the things mentioned above.
*Since we live in New Orleans. Our children have a week out of school for Mardi Gras. As seasoned parade goers. We have all the beads and throws to last a lifetime. So we opt out of the shenanigans and go on a trip.
Easter or Spring break is also a great time to travel. Being halfway through the school year. Children get a small break. There is never a perfect time than this to travel. The weather is not as cold and it isn’t extremely hot. This makes for a perfect time to travel. Check out what my family did over the Easter break in Gatlinburg.
Weather
Depending on your destination will depend on the weather. If you travel north expect snow. Which is great for skiing or relaxing in front a fireplace drinking hot cocoa. If you decide to travel south expect warmer weather where you can enjoy the sand between your toes. Peak season the weather can be unbearable. Which can ultimately ruin a vacation. There is a place for every family during the off-season. Try enjoying these summer hot spots during the colder months when the temperatures are comfortable.
The Cost
Off-season cost can be the greatest reason to travel. Did you know? That during the off-season, many places have discounted tickets? Yes!!! Accommodations are also cheaper. If you are a family on a budget. Take advantage of off-season deals many families can’t afford during the peak season. Turn your dream vacation into reality for a much cheaper price.
Here are some accommodations that are actually cheaper off-season.
- Hotels/rentals
- Car rentals
- Airfares
- Cruises
- Many theme parks
With great planning and a little creativity. Families can enjoy a vacation anywhere during the off-season. From the snow cap mountains in the north to the sandy beaches in the south. There is no limit to the imagination. Do you have a favorite off-season vacation spot?
Want to know more about how to budget for a vacation and how my family travels on a budget? Check these articles out here.
11 Comments
Great article and good advice I have 4 girls and this would be great for me ! Thanks
August 1, 2017 at 7:58 amWe have three girls and vacations can be expensive in the summer. Not that we don’t go in the summer. It is cheaper and less hassle off season. Especially when you have such a large family and knowing every penny counts when you do go on vacation.
August 1, 2017 at 2:34 pmWe too break the rules and take our kids out of school to travel. We love all these advantages and feel travel is one of the best educations we can give them!
August 6, 2017 at 2:00 pmI totally agree.
August 6, 2017 at 4:40 pmGreat tips, I will definitely refer back to this when planning my next vacation. As I love to travel and explore especially with family and that can be somewhat expensive given that you still want to have a good time when you do arrive at the location. lol!
August 9, 2017 at 2:13 pmAbsolutely, As a family of 5 we travel all year round and enjoy it all while on a budget. Travel can be expensive. Just a little planning and an open mind. Any trip can be done. I do talk about our travels and how we accomplish them on a budget.
August 9, 2017 at 2:16 pmGreat post filled with practical tips!
August 24, 2017 at 11:36 amThank you
August 24, 2017 at 12:38 pmthis is so true! I love traveling during off seasons especially now that I have my son. The slightest day changes can make huge budget cuts
August 24, 2017 at 3:00 pmYes it is so much cheaper and less of a crowd. I also found out that most schools allow children to go on vacations without it being absent.
August 24, 2017 at 3:25 pm[…] Why Travel Off Season With Kids […]
August 29, 2017 at 8:46 pm