Not-So-Popular Hot Spots

“Not-so-popular” does not have to mean uninteresting or boring. It might just mean off-peak or not seasonally popular. That spells more room at the local seafood restaurant and long quiet walks along the beach. Beaches in the temperate Southeast or Gulf Coast are more economical in the middle of winter. You risk temperatures diving unexpectedly, but there are warm sunny days, too. Mid-January to mid-February is a bargain time to take the kids to Disney World in Orlando, Florida or any of the many sights and attractions in Orlando.

New England and the Mid Atlantic region are reasonable travel picks right after the summer season and before the peak foliage of fall. The New Jersey shore has beautiful beach resorts such as Cape May, miles of verdant agricultural lands, cranberry bogs, and wineries, while the Southern Appalachians—southern Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina—show off bronzing stages of their rolling to deeply folded mountain range.

Speaking of wine…a not-so-popular time to visit the Napa or Sonoma valleys of California is during the winter months, too. This season can be quite wet but remains temperate nevertheless. Enjoy a longer, more comprehensive visit at the wineries—including tastings, meals and tours of the vineyards.

San Francisco, New York, Boston or Chicago are also economical, less touristy choices after Christmas and before April. The East Coast is chilly and damp, and the Midwest downright bitter cold at this time of year, but what these cities have to offer pales alongside the weather challenges. Bid for a hotel stay on “Priceline”, and stay in an upscale hotel with a vista of Times Square, or a good deal on a room near Fanueil Hall in Boston, or downtown Chicago or San Francisco—all luxury accommodations at other peak times of the year.

Europe is not-so-popular and economical during the fall and winter months. Summer is busy. Many European cities have vast numbers of historical sights and attractions, museums and typically crowded outdoor spaces. During the fall and winter visitors can enjoy unimpeded views of monuments and significant sights, short lines to museums, and seats at local eateries.

Fall in Sydney, Australia is the reverse of the US—March through May. This is considered off-peak for the region down under. Temperatures are cool at night to mild during the day, and the season is somewhat rainy, but not typically soaking.

Above all, stay away from Disney World when the kids are out of school. Avoid school vacations anytime. And waterparks….