What would you like to see and do? Perhaps you have read a passage in a book that has piqued your interest in a location or activity. Or maybe you would like to explore the Inland Passage between British Columbia and Alaska. Making passage through the Panama Canal could also be of interest to you.

What is the weather like where you are? Where would you rather be?

Do you prefer to travel during peak season, shoulder season, or off-season? Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The timing of these seasons varies depending on your destination, so you will have to do some research.

Peak Season

In the Caribbean the peak season is winter. This is because travelers want to escape the cold weather of the north. As a result, tourism booms from mid-December through mid-April. This is the perfect time to travel if you don’t mind large crowds and paying top dollar for accommodations. But because so many travelers prefer this time frame, reservations must be made months in advance.

In Contrast, the peak season in Europe is typically Summer. This too is a great time to travel… except for the crowds, high temperatures, and higher prices. Furthermore, families with school-age children are usually locked into summer travel. As a result, they are an unavoidable part of travelers’ experience at that time of year.

If taking a Mediterranean cruise, you will find the widest selection of ships and itineraries during the peak season and won’t have to worry about rain or choppy waves. Furthermore, it is possible to expect 11 hours of sunshine every day, and average temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius (86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit).

You will probably want to go to the busy places in Europe as early or late in peak season as you can. However, you should keep in mind that a given destination that is visited on June 10th may offer an entirely different experience on July 10th. Similarly, while popular cruise-ship destinations are packed with people during the day, they are more bearable at night, when the cruise ships depart. Consequently, if possible, you will want to plan your activities for a time later in the day.

Low or Shoulder Season

In Europe, April through mid-June, and September through October is generally the low or shoulder season. These time frames combine the advantages of both peak- and off-season travel. You’ll enjoy decent weather, long-enough daylight, and fewer crowds. In addition, the local tourist industry will still be ready to please and entertain. Spring temperatures warm up nicely, with an average of 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit) by the beginning of May. April and March see dry days and nearly 10 hours of sunshine. Yet, some of the deepest discounts are available during October and November, including “two-for-one” or “free airfare” specials.

Because of their climates some destinations, such as Mediterranean Europe where fall and spring bring moderate temperatures, may attract near peak-season crowds and prices. For example, except for beach resorts, Italy’s peak season is May, June, September and October. Similarly, Paris is surprisingly quiet in July and August.

It is important to consider your destination when debating the merits of traveling before or after summer. For example, Mediterranean Europe is generally green in spring, but dry in fall. The Alps are better for hikers in early fall, because many good hiking trails are still covered with snow through the late spring.

The Caribbean’s shoulder season is late spring and fall when the weather is milder. The exceptions are Easter and spring break, when family tourism picks up. In Asia and Oceania, the shoulder season is May, those few weeks when rates are low, and the weather is (almost) perfect.

Off-Season

In Europe the off-season is typically November through March. During this time airfares are often hundreds of dollars cheaper. During the later fall months, the average temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). This is too cold for sunbathing. Moreover, winter provides only six daylight hours for sightseeing.

Northern Mediterranean locations like France and Italy are just above freezing during the winter months. For this reason, only older ships will be cruising the Mediterranean at this time, excepting luxury lines that remain in Europe year-round.

Conversely, the off season in the Caribbean is during June, July and August. Due to increased temperatures and humidity, you can expect dramatically decreased room rates and a quiet, relaxed vacation.

Big-city business centers that are busy with corporate travelers are most expensive in the off-season. Anywhere else, however, you can enjoy low-cost travel during these months. Furthermore, you can generally have the attractions to yourself. Likewise, off-season adventurers enjoy great service at shops and tourist offices. As an added benefit, a more authentic experience of a country can be had in the off-season.

For example, while in Vienna in December we were able to experience the Boy’s Choir, the Lipizzaner stallions, and picturesque Christmas markets. Shopping in Vienna is also an attraction that can be enjoyed in the off-season.

However, no matter where you are at that time of year you must be prepared for bad weather. Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1st through November 30th. It is for that reason many people shy away from the region during that time.

The season you choose will have a significant impact on your trip. The way you experience something may be entirely different from what you have read about or seen in a movie filmed at a different time of year.