Shoulder Season is the Best Time for Caribbean Travel

Fall may be upon us, but that’s no reason to get out of vacation mode. While the summertime and the holiday season are desirable times for trips, the sweet spot between peak travel and low travel seasons – also known as shoulder season – may be the best time of the year to get away.

More importantly, fall travel to the Caribbean means fewer crowds and lower prices for everything from accommodations to tours and plane tickets.

Here are five 5 reasons you should skip the pre-holiday stress and consider packing your bags for an off-season getaway.

 

Cool and Authentic

1.The Weather is Hard to Beat

If the cooler autumn weather up north has you feeling blah, you may want to leave those sweaters and scarves at home and slip in to a swimsuit instead.

In these fall to early winter months, the Caribbean hurricane season tapers off, leaving behind clear, sunny skies and average temps somewhere between 75 and 85 degrees. So go ahead and flaunt that bikini-ready summer body before the holiday comfort eating kicks in.

2. A More Authentic Experience

During the high tourism months in any popular vacation spot, the sheer number of visitors seem to outweigh the local population, meaning a sometimes less unique experience during your vacation.

Whether eating local delicacies at off the beaten path restaurants or exploring different parts your destination, when less tourists are around, you’re more likely to have meaningful interactions with locals and be clued in to the culture and traditions than you are during peak season.

Saving for Holidays

3. Your Bank Account Won’t Take a Hit

From accommodations to flights, and even restaurants, prices are bound to be more reasonable in the off-season – and who couldn’t use a little extra dough this time of year?

The most expensive times to travel to the Caribbean are the winter and the spring break seasons, which means you can potentially save a fortune by traveling in November, say experts. "For those seeking deals, shoulder seasons (just before or just after summer) are the best times to grab a discounted rate or a creative and cost cutting package," advises travel expert Jody Diamond.

Take advantage of an offseason getaway and your wallet sure will thank you.

4. Less Crowds, Less Stress

If the idea of crowded beaches and packed hotels aren’t your idea of relaxing, then now is the time to hit the beaches of the Caribbean.

When choosing to travel during the shoulder season, you bypass waiting in hour-long lines to see the popular attractions, or being swamped with hordes of tourists lounging beachside. Taking a vacation during the off-season gives you a break from the stress of relentless crowds that otherwise crowd the Caribbean during the summer seasons - making it easier to kick back and unwind.

5. Rest Up Before the Holidays

Let’s face it, the holidays are far from relaxing - even studies show that stress and negative emotions skyrocket around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Between packed stores, lighter wallets, and family drama, most of us have probably felt the pressure of the giving season at one point or another.

Take a preemptive break from all that holiday stress by sneaking in a Caribbean holiday, where you can relieve tension while relaxing by the pool or rejuvenating your skin with a spa treatment. After all, what’s a better Christmas gift to your loved ones than going back home a more relaxed and vibrant you?

Okay, maybe a souvenir, too.