It’s time to plan your travels for the shoulder travel season – known in my home as the boomer travel season. Why? Well, most boomers no longer need to plan their vacations based on their children’s school calendars and so they can travel during the cheapest time of the year.
First, let me say that I’m sorry for all of you boomers who 1. Waited until later to have children or have children from subsequent marriages who are still in school; 2. Are school teachers (including two of my sisters and many of my friends); and/or 3. Are raising their grandchildren (a number of my friends). Your turn will come when you’ll be able to travel during the fall boomer travel season.
For the rest of you, whose children are either old enough to take care of themselves, are away from home or are just not your responsibility anymore, start planning your travels for September, October and early November.
This time of year represents the worse time for the travel industry which, in turn, makes it the best time for us: the travelers. After the summer vacations ends, hotels empty out and planes have fewer passengers except for business travelers. That leads to special rates and fares to attract consumers often with bonus gifts thrown in.
Peace and quiet returns to beaches that are almost empty, to national park trails where birds can once again be heard, to museums that can be enjoyed, and to restaurants where a meal can be savored uninterrupted by a five-year-old child crawling around your legs.
The next few weeks may even see a reduction in air fares, hotel rates and other travel-related prices as the optimism of early summer appears to have been premature and a reversal of fortunes may soon become apparent. Take advantage of lower prices while you can – they won’t last!
You can get daily Travel News and Tips and Baby Boomer Fast Facts through your Facebook page by going to BabyBoomersTraveling and clicking “like.” You may also follow on Twitter by clicking here: boomertraveling
If you would like to subscribe to this blog, click on the envelope next to the word ‘subscribe’ at the top of the left-hand menu. You will receive notification by e-mail every time this blog is updated. I solemnly swear to never sell, trade or give away your information to anyone!
Oh, yes, my man and I avoid the hot and busy months of summer to go on vacation, especiallly in the south of Europe. A few years ago we spent the last two weeks of September driving around the south of Italy in a rented car and with no reservations.
The weather was gorgeous, the beaches empty, the restaurants and hotels closed! Well, most of them. It was like a twi-light zone! It was sometimes a problem actually finding a place to eat and sleep. Yet all around the sun was shining and the world was beautiful.
I am sure it is different in tourist areas where they actually count on the gray parade coming through
Hmmm, it may be that in certain locales traveling with a tent might be a good idea just in case all of the hotels are closed. At least the food stores and bakeries are usually open for the local residents.
I’m a big fan of traveling during the shoulder season. Depending on the location that might mean September, October and November or March and April. The fall shoulder season is the perfect time to visit U.S. national parks without the crowds. You might see a reduction in services and programs but the uncrowded terrain is worth it. My husband and I will be exploring northern Italy in mid October. Can’t wait!
Another person going to Italy. Survey after survey says that this is the preferred location for Americans traveling. I guess I had better get myself there one day!
We were supposed to go last year but got stopped in the south of France where friends let us stay (for free) for a month in their vacation rental apartment. Who could refuse such an offer? Have a great trip and I look forward to reading about it on your site.