Quiet roads, lower prices and fewer crowds – what’s not to love? Whether you want to make your budget stretch further with low-season rates, or have more space for your family to see the local attractions, there’s something exciting about visiting a popular destination in the quiet season.
We all know traveling with kids can be stressful, so it’s a truly relaxing experience to visit somewhere where dinner reservations aren’t essential, or where you won’t spend hours queuing in traffic. Take it easy with an off-season vacation to one of these otherwise-busy locations and see the alternative version of peak tourism.
We’ve rounded up the best places for a low-season trip, where you might grab a good discount or discover an empty beach, for the ultimate family-hack getaway.
Spring…
Cornwall
One of the UK’s most popular summer destinations, Cornwall is much quieter in Spring and Fall. The roads are quiet enough to drive around (there’s hardly any public transport) so you can explore the rural spots with ease. You’ll find plenty of deserted beaches and it’s much easier to get reservation at this region’s world-class restaurants.
London
With so many green spaces, the city’s blooms come to life in Spring. It can still be chilly in March and April, but it’s great weather for walking around on foot before the summer heat kicks in and there’s usually heaps of fun stuff for kids to do in the capital over the 2-week Easter Holidays (early-mid April).
New England
Tourists will traditionally flock here in the Fall to see the beautiful colors of nature change from summer greens to winter browns and reds. Instead, why not head to Connecticut, Maine or Vermont in Spring when the weather is improving, but there are still far fewer crowds.
Summer…
California
With notions of the supposed ‘June Gloom’ affecting visitor numbers in California, it can be a great time to stay. There may be an increase in the fog or cloud, but that won’t affect families who are heading to experience attractions such as Legoland, SeaWorld or Disneyland.
The Caribbean
With peak temperatures creating a high-season influx in Europe, you’ll find less visitors attracted to the year-round weather of the Caribbean and Mexico. Many tourists may be put off by the rainy season, which traditionally runs across the summer months in this region, but kids will be delighted by the tropical 10-minute downpours and it’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors when the wet weather clears.
Amsterdam
Historically it’s been popular to visit The Netherlands in Spring for the tulip fields, and many residents leave the city in favor of the warmer countries of the Mediterranean during school holidays. However, if you’re looking for a mild yet sunny time to explore this city’s child-friendly museums and huge green parks, summer is your best bet.
Fall…
Italy
After the crowds leave the tourist-heavy cities of Florence, Venice and Capri, you’ll find the months of September and October are much quieter. The heat is also less oppressive than in the summer months, so it’s much more enjoyable to walk around the cities and museums with kids.
Greece
The Greek Islands have seen some super-hot summers in recent years, so an autumnal trip in September or October would still be warm and maybe even more enjoyable for little kids and toddlers. Choose a home with a heated pool if you’re staying after September, to make sure the water is comfortable enough for daily swims.
The Cotswolds
This is a great time to visit this rural area of outstanding natural beauty, with the sun shining on some days, alternating between mild autumnal breezes which are perfect for long walks in the countryside. The region can be really popular over the festive Holidays, but you’ll usually find plenty of availability for long weekends throughout September – November.
Winter…
Ibiza
Known for its hugely popular summer season, the island quietens down after October and only the locals remain until the following June. Rates are cheaper and the beaches are almost deserted, so you can really experience the spirit of the island without the tourism glare.
Florida
Traditionally visitors head to Florida for their peak season at Easter, but the ‘winter’ months in Florida still reach warm temperatures that can be ideal for theme park visits and beach days for younger kids.
Paris
Tourists flock to see this pretty city in May and June, as well as over Christmas, but if you visit just before the festive period you’ll still experience the pretty lights and seasonal markets, without the high rates of the Holidays.
Discover the best destinations for different ages or browse our property collections for inspiration for your next trip.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/marylebone/the-york-street-mews-ii-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rue-montorgueil/the-leopold-bellan-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/florida/the-hallandale-beach-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/ibiza/the-santa-g-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-cotswolds/the-old-vicarage
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/santa-monica/the-rustic-canyon-residence
