How to schedule.
The "off-season" is actually much earlier than you think. In the south of France, I was able to get a 50% discount at a 5-star hotel as early as Sept. 9. Why did the prices drop so quickly? The reason is simple. Hotels and resorts on the Riviera are starting to close quickly and won't reopen until next spring. With the early price cuts, local properties can take advantage of this opportunity to end their season on a high note.
Season: weather matters!
Since some attractions may be closed or difficult to reach in piles of snow, consider how you plan to spend your time. Will you be focusing on indoor activities, such as visiting museums? In this case, the savings will certainly outweigh the unfavorable weather. Paris is known for significantly lowering prices in the harsh winter months. I found this to be true during my stay there in January. Having visited the City of Light many times before, the cooler weather did not slow me down. I was really excited to get a 50% discount at a 4-star hotel on the Left Bank.
Consider the impact of weather on the off-season.
· If you like to walk on the beach in a sweater on a sunny day, this could be your perfect opportunity. Think how uncrowded it will be! Make sure your guidebook is applicable to each season. You don't want to try to climb the local Everest without wearing cleats. I learned this the hard way. When I arrived in the lovely village of Bled, Slovenia, I was eager to explore Bled Castle. These old European castles were not just homes for royalty or nobility. They were fortresses or used for other key defensive purposes. That means they were on a hill or mountain. No worries! My trusty guide took me to the shortcut to the main gate. Unfortunately, the directions must have been written for warmer weather. In February, I found the trail covered in snow and ice. From below, it looked like Pike's Peak. I finally made it to the top. However, I was stuck with no way to get there. Fortunately, I was rescued by a cab at the end of the trip.·
Key question: Will rain and cold (or hot weather) make you enjoy the trip at all costs?
Even if the major attractions are open, can you get there? Think about the extra cost of local transportation during the off-season. If you have to pay for cabs, buses or trains, these costs can add up quickly. You may need to get a private tour or guide to get beyond the city center. One January in St. Petersburg, I missed the legendary Catherine Palace because I was not on a tour at the time. I was quoted two hundred dollars to go there. That was a lot of money in Russia at the time. I thought it was too expensive for my travel budget anyway. Looking back, I regret not paying the exorbitant prevailing rate as it seemed at the time.
Use "bad" weather to save!
In the tropics, don't immediately refuse to travel during the rainy season. In warm, lush climates, indeed green or rainy seasons can be unpredictable and bring more humidity. I have vacationed in the "rainy season" of the Brazilian Amazon during the upper monsoon and upstream to India. While I don't care about the extra humidity, the tropical rains are heavy but brief. If the price is right, weigh it up to see if it's right for you.