Travel Tips by Sharon Wingler

Bargains

January 02 2008

Now that the family travel season is over, autumn is a fantastic time for singles and solo travelers to venture forth. Many people would say that summer is the best time for a European vacation. I disagree. Europe is infested with tourists in the summer. Thats when airfares and hotel rates are at their highest, the hotel and restaurant people are harried and every other person on the street is carrying a map and camera. The weather is still delightful in spring and autumn when school is in session, rates are lower and the people who live there have more time to talk to you. Aim for the "shoulder" season if you can, as opposed to the "high" season. Even greater savings will be realized when you travel in the "off" season.

For Europe, that would be November through March, excepting certain holidays. Airfares as low as $245 round trip Chicago/Paris were offered last winter. Bear in mind that days will be shorter, so do your sight-seeing early in the day, then plan indoor actives for the dark afternoon and evening hours - museums, shopping, concerts and such. February is often my favorite month to escape the seemingly endless gloom of Chicagos winter and flee to South America or even as far as Australia for warm, long summer days. Remember, when its winter above the equator, its summer below. I avoid the Caribbean and Hawaii in February because that is high season there - again, Im trying to avoid the crowds and resulting high prices. February is also an easy month for me to snag vacation time, as most of my co-workers prefer the weeks in June, July and August. Carefully check weather conditions for off-season travel. Obviously youll want to avoid the monsoons and hurricanes. But, if you choose Europe, dressing for cold weather is simple - just wear thin layers of clothing. Begin with a camisole or t-shirt; add a thin turtleneck sweater, then a cardigan or blazer, then your coat. Heating and insulation might be less than perfect in many overseas hotels, so pack warm clothes to sleep in, just in case.

For current world weather conditions, refer to your local newspaper or go online through many outlets including CNNs at www.cnn.com/WEATHER Guidebooks will usually tell you the advantages and disadvantages of travel during the various seasons. Look for the page or two devoted to "when to go", usually near the front of the book. Your travel agent should be the first one you consult for off-season travel bargains. They can quickly find you the best packages, sales and deals. If you dont mind devoting the hours it takes, you may also reap bargains and do research on the internet. By choosing to travel off-season, youll save hundreds of dollars, not only in airfare, but also on hotels. Youll also find it much easier to meet locals at your destination.