We love to travel in the summer! Well, we love to travel year around, but with one of us still teaching, summer is the only time we can travel. It is hard to travel in the summer because it is high season for most of the destinations we want to visit. High season means the costs skyrockets for airfare, gas, and hotels. It also means we miss so much of the area because we try to avoid the crowds. I am re-considering our vacation list for summers to include some places that are considered off season in the summer. I am thinking we can travel more on our budget and avoid the crowds. Here are the summer destinations that we are considering and you should consider visiting too.
Mexico
The summer is an offseason in Mexico and a great time to enjoy the beautiful clear beaches and festivities without having to worry about crowds of people. There are many different things to enjoy including swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, Scuba Diving, Exploring Mayan ruins (we did this in Copan, Honduras several years ago in the summer), watching for sea turtles, and experiencing the culture.
Vietnam
If you are looking to travel in the early summer months of May and June, then you should consider Vietnam located in Southeast Asia. You can relax on the beaches in Nha Trang or get adventurous with some of their many water sports. Head over to Halong Bay where you can enjoy a cruise pass rainforests, relax on the beach or visit some of their beautiful caves. If you are looking for some history and culture, then you will want to head over to Hoi, a town with a mix of Japanese designed bridges, French houses, and Chinese temples. If you want to enjoy some waterfalls, then you should visit Mai Chau, surrounded by rice fields and green mountains you will enjoy the scenery and be able to relax.
Florida
Orlando is always crowded during the summer months, but that doesn’t mean the rest of Florida shouldn’t be considered. There are some great beaches where you are not tripping over people to find a spot to sit, and there are plenty of hotels that have competitive discounted rates during the summer months. The Florida Keys is a beautiful destination where you can get discounts throughout the summer because it is considered their offseason. Ocala, located North West of Orlando, is a destination known for its horses and clear water streams. Spend your day horseback riding, canoeing, zip lining, or hiking through the Ocala National Forest. Manatee high season is in the early spring, but you can still spot some in the Crystal River near Tampa in the hotter summer months.
Belize
Bring the mosquito lotion and travel to the tropics of Belize. Located in Central America, Belize is filled with the culture that is waiting to be shared. You can enjoy summer festivals like the Lobster festival (who doesn’t love lobster?), check out the wildlife preservations, visit the ancient Mayan site Xunantunich, be guided to an adventurous cave tour at the Actun Tunichil Muknal, or go zip lining through the jungle at Bocawina Rainforest Resort and Adventures. During the summer months, temperatures range to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should expect afternoon showers.
Arizona
We have been to Arizona in March many times, but have never been there in the summer. I suppose with temperatures reaching between 81 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit, during the summer months, many people tend to flock towards the rivers to stay cool. Just a two-hour drive from Pheonix you will find the beautiful red sandstone town of Sedona. Colemanconcierge.com states, “Explore the magic and mystery of Sedona’s red rock mesas.” Check out their post a Descent Trip to Sedona for more on Sedona. If you are looking for some spa treatment, then travel over to Scottsdale Arizona where they are known for having the most resorts and spas in the country. During the summer months, you could stay at luxury spas such as Fairmont Scottsdale Princess spa, Spa at the Boulders, or Omni Hotels and Resorts for a fraction of the cost compared to in-season prices. You deserve to be pampered. I am looking forward to a girls trip sometime this summer!
Utah
We love the outdoors and Utah seems like the perfect fit for us, if you are someone who loves the outdoors and adventure, then you may want to visit Utah during the summer. This state offers activities like mountain biking, hiking, and white water rafting. There is plenty of scenic views at Utah’s National Parks that are worth a visit and some beautiful photos. At night just look up at the sky and enjoy hours of star gazing.
New Orleans
New Orleans has always been on my bucket list for Mardi Gras, but we hate crowds. After Mardi Gras is over and the heat and humidity is turned to high, New Orleans is still a fun place to visit. You can enjoy and relax with the lower airfare and hotel rates during the summer months. Eating at the amazing restaurants like Cafe’ du Monde and their famous beignets will be more enjoyable with fewer visitors. If you love a good cocktail, New Orleans is rumored to be the inventor of the cocktail.and celebrate the Cocktail Fest in July.
New Zealand
I think this is number one on our bucket list! Winter time in New Zealand is June through August, with the temperature only ranging between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during those colder months, you can cool down this summer at almost half the usual cost. This destination is known for its beautiful snow-capped mountain views that you can’t help but explore. While you’re checking out the mountains, you may want to stop by a ski resort and take to the slopes (not me, I don’t ski, but Fred does and I love to sit in the lodge.with a cocktail). I hear the Snow Farm in Cardrona offers dog sledding tours that you shouldn’t pass up. If you want to get out of the cold, then you may want to check out Hanmer Springs which is known for their thermal pools. Relax in one of their hot springs and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Grab your bags and save some money this summer while also enjoying an exciting vacation at one of these off-season locations. We hope we helped you decide on some new destinations for summer travel! Which destination do think you would enjoy most? Why do you think you would enjoy this destination?
This post may contain Amazon and other affiliate links and I earn money from qualifying purchases. For further information see our Disclosure Policy.
I always used to travel in summers but when I once travelled in spring in low season, I really enjoyed the sights accompanied with a good weather without being stuck in crowded queues. I totally agree that it’s both cheaper and more pleasant to travel in low season.
Thanks for reading my article! We try to travel off season whenever we can. Once we are both fully retired it will be easier.
I would love to visit the hot springs on New Zealand! I’ve always heard it was beautiful there!
Go for it! You only live once.
Great list! You know I never would have considered Vietnam before!
I have not been there personally, but I know people that have been and they love it. It is on my wishlist and I will go in the summer when it is cheaper.
Belize has always been on my list. Someday.
We are going for one day during our cruise in December! I am so excited!!
Hello! Thank you for RT my message so I could discover your website! Utah, Arizona, New Orleans what a places to visit! Definitely I would love to visit there! Also Alaska! Iga http://www.igaberry.com
Alaska is our dream vacation! We were suppose to go this year, but we decided to remodel kitchen and bath first…those are way more important at this time!