The Off Season
A large part of what we do is help clients decide when to go where. Dream trips quickly morph into cautionary tales when you end up sweating through your entire travel wardrobe, or knee-deep in the flood waters of your hotel. Lucky we know a few places that shine in the off season.
Istanbul (Turkey)
Like New York or Paris, Istanbul is always fun and interesting, regardless of weather or time of year. It’s not a city that depends on tourism for its energy, it’s got more than enough homegrown charisma and cosmopolitan pizazz. The depth and diversity of architecture pays no heed to the season, and the food markets and restaurants are always delicious. Strolling aimlessly for hours is especially nice when temperatures are cooler, and makes you feel like you actually live there. If only.
Antigua (Guatemala)
They rightfully call it the “land of eternal spring”. Never too hot, never too cold, the captivating colonial town of Antigua is always ideal weather-wise. Avoiding peak periods like Holy Week and Christmas ensures you’ll experience the daily rhythm when the town is most true to itself. You’ll also have a much, much easier time finding an ideal place to stay and a quiet little cafe to call your own.
Indochina
This one comes with a caveat for some: if you’re a delicate flower when it comes to weather, don’t even think of heading to Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) during the off-season—it’s very hot and very humid. But if you’re okay with periodic rain showers, tropical climates, crowd-free monuments and sites, wide open hotel availability (and often better rates), and a generally more authentic and relaxed vibe, then it’s prime time.
Southern Africa
Safari tourism generally centers on the dry season—stressed out animals mean maximal game viewing. In Southern Africa, however, the green season (November through March) has its perks. Prices plummet and availability rises, not to mention that frustrating but true piece of advice mom gave you as a kid: you’ll appreciate everything much more after you’ve earned it. The high grasses mean you’ll need tracking skills out in your Rover, but safari guides have the eyes and ears to help you find the goods across the emerald plains (and like to show them off).
