Travelers looking to vacation flying on cheap airplane tickets staying in discount hotel rooms or taking advantage of cheap vacation packages should consider taking a contrarian vacation. Instead of joining the usual crowds at beaches or campgrounds, look into taking an off season vacation.
By vacationing over the summer in mountain towns, desert resorts or Caribbean islands travelers can enjoy fewer crowds, wide availability, and hotel rates offering savings as high as 50 percent.
The downside to off season vacations are that some resorts may be under construction, restaurants or stores may be closed, and staffing is often cut back. Depending on your destination, it may be extremely hot. Nevertheless, there are many ways to stay cool, whether by enjoying icy cocktails poolside or air conditioned spas or casinos.
The following are some attractive off season summer vacation options:
Aruba is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt which means it is less likely to suffer from extreme storms. Its summer temperatures tend to be in the mid to high 80s. Its almost constant trade winds help keep vacationers cool. Summer hotel rates are 30 to 40 percent less than peak.
Las Vegas has many resorts which offer fabulous outdoor clubs with everything from velvet ropes, V.I.P. cabanas, bass pumping D.J.s, chilled towels, and lots of skimpy bikinis. Tropicana Hotels Nikki Beach is Las Vegas newest additional to the pool party scene and consists of a recreational two acre complex that includes outdoor gambling, a restaurant, outdoor caf and bar and premium bottle service. Although the average high temperature in July is 104 degrees unbelievable hotel deals can go as low as $25 per night. More upscale hotels such as Caesars Palace and Trump International offer rooms as low as $80.
Winter Park Resort in Colorado offers one of Colorados longest Alpine slides, a zip line for children, mini golf and accessible mountain bike terrain. Four nights in a two bedroom at the Beaver Village Condos is $534 in June and July vs. the same package which is $1,190 in April and $4,003 over the winter holidays.
Other off season vacation spots worth checking out are New Orleans, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
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