Off Season Travel
By Mark Kahler
During an enjoyable and unhurried visit to Venice, my budget travel curiosity prompted a question for the desk clerk. I asked him what our room would cost in July.
His response came in two parts: The first was "if it's available" and the second was a quote of about $110 USD.
Notice "part one" of the answer. Smaller budget hotels that build loyal clientele often have their rooms booked months or even years ahead. This little budget gem might not even be an option for the July budget traveler.
Now to part two: although $110 is a reasonable rate, it was about 40 percent more than I was paying in March. It's the same room, with the same complimentary breakfast and the same short walk to St. Mark's.
Many European hotels have a "menu" of prices almost as extensive as the restaurants down the street. November rates are low, December can rise one week, sink the next, with January lower still.
One drawback to this strategy is that some European inns close during the off-season, content to remodel and retool for the next tourist onslaught. So off-season travelers need to do even more homework than most. That great deal in the guidebooks might come with fine print that says "closed" on your intended travel dates.
Dark and Cold
The weather can be a big problem. It's not much fun admiring the architectural beauty of Rome when a biting wind is in your face. Be sure to dress in thin layers that can be peeled off as the weather warms during the day.
Burning sun can be a turn-off, too. That's something to think about if you're bound for Italy. Personally, a cool day with occasional showers is fine for sightseeing. A day with overwhelming heat and humidity is much less enjoyable.
Bonus
I'm told Venice is a crowded place in summer. Every other person you see has a camera and a bag of souvenirs in hand. The natives love it because they can sell lots of high-priced film and kitsch.
These are things I have read about. Remember, I went in the off-season.
I got to meet restaurant owners and shopkeepers. They were relaxed enough to talk to me and answer my wide-eyed questions about their beautiful city. A few were able to share money-saving tips.
This could happen on a crowded, hot summer day, too. But the odds are much more in your favour from November through March.
Low prices, smaller crowds, and better opportunities to meet the natives. Who says it's "off" season, anyway?
© Copyright, 2010 Main Street Magazine/Rain Enterprises
As seen in the October Issue of Main Street Magazine.
Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises
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