Off-season holidaying

For many reasons, it’s often a great idea to book your holidays later in the year. Late holidays invariably benefit from being cheaper, less crowded, less swarming with children, and generally much more relaxing than their summer counterparts.

Of course, there are a few minor drawbacks: the weather can be unpredictable to say the least; the days are shorter; and the tourist attractions are predominantly closed. Honestly, who cares? It’s all about destination. Holidaying in the winter in one of Europe’s most seasonally beautiful destinations such as Bruges or Vienna can be magical. Germany, with its black forests and heavy cuisine, is simply wrong in the Summer. In the fresh Spring however, there’s nothing better than a third helping of Schnitzel.

And of course, there are plenty of places that are sunny the entire year round - just a little less sweltering. Mediterranean countries are a good example of this. Sure, there’s more rain, but there’s also more locals about, more cultural events going on, more authenticity. Many of the most popular summer destinations change so dramatically off-season that they are barely recognisable. A city that throbs with hordes of tourists in the summer can be a peaceable market town in the autumn; a beach resort in the hazy depths of august can play host to a regatta or a fishing festival in the spring.

Websites such as Monarch can help you find some of the best off-season holidays at bargain prices but, to be honest, affordability is the main attraction of the off-season in the first place. If you can’t find it cheaper outside of the peak months, then it’s probably not worth going.

Of course, if you still crave the sweltering heat of the summer sun, but fancy taking your holidays outside of the usual summer holiday season, there are plenty of destinations close to the equator that’ll be baking hot even in the darkest depths of winter.

If a beach sun tan is just what you need when the rest of your friends are cowering out of the grey weather in their houses by the fireside, then On the beach is the perfect place to find an unending ream of prime, beach-loving late holidays. Whatever your preference, holidaying off-season is the perfect opportunity to save some money and have a better, more unique holiday experience.