Travel’s shoulder months bring thinner crowds, better prices and in some cases even better weather. For American travellers, it’s also the perfect time for adventures in your backyard. The beauty of this is you don’t need to fly halfway across the world to take advantage of low-season deals.
There’s a reason why millions of tourists fly to the USA every year, the sights, nature and attractions are some of the most iconic in the world. Along with scoring discounted flights, hotels and tours, you can take a deep dive into the cultural diversity, food and people of your neighbouring states and beyond. Here are some of the top places to visit come low season!
- San Francisco, California
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Portland, Oregon
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada
- Chicago, Illinois
- Savannah, Georgia
Reasons to explore your backyard
Sometimes jetting off to the other side of the world just isn’t feasible. It can be expensive (even during the shoulder season). You may not have enough vacation time leftover or perhaps you’re saving it for something special and taking a flight for a handful of days can’t be justified. But none of this has to mean that you can’t still travel somewhere for an adventure. Here are some of the benefits of staying local!
- It’s cheaper!
- You can be more spontaneous because you don’t have to plan months advance.
- Travel a lot more.
- Easier to manage with life commitments (pets and plants), and work as you can take shorter trips.
- Less to pack so you can avoid baggage fees.
- Get to know a different side of your country and build a deeper connection and appreciation for it.
Exploring your backyard is often overlooked. We often only think of travel as travel when we spend time in some far-flung corner of the world, but we have to change this thinking as it holds us back from enriching our lives. There are amazing experiences to be had everywhere, on your own turf especially!
For American travellers that want to travel more without breaking the bank and making the most of their vacation days, low season USA travel is the best way to do it!
1. San Francisco, California
Score beautiful weather and deals in the Golden Gate City from September to November. The summer months are packed with tourists getting their fill of sun, sand and sea, but fall offers lower rates, fewer people and temperatures hover around 70°F (20°C). Pack a few layers to enjoy open-air festivals, the odd day at the beach and San Francisco’s top attractions: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Ferry Building Marketplace.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Who needs to go to Europe for cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage rides and culinary delights when you can find all of this and more in your backyard? History lovers and foodies can enjoy a romantic Victorian adventure in Charleston. Explore streets lined with antebellum houses and picturesque gardens, indulge in local dishes and marine walks along Battery promenade. For lovely weather and colourful foliage visit in autumn and book yourself on a walking tour.
3. Richmond, Virginia
Virginia’s capital is one of America’s oldest major cities. It has four centuries worth of history to discover and many attractions that make for an enjoyable and affordable weekend getaway. Use the low season to discover Richmond’s vibrant food-and-drink scene and art galleries. You can also catch the changing colours of the foliage by taking advantage of Richmond’s proximity to the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Nicknamed the Big Easy, New Orleans is by far one the USA’s most dynamic cities. Located on the Mississippi River, this eclectic melting pot has African, French, Spanish and American influences, all of which make New Orleans the cultural haven that it is. Whether you’re partying round the clock, sipping on an artisan cocktail, indulging in the spicy Cajun or Creole cuisine, exploring its historical attractions or chilling to blues music, no matter what you’re into, everyone can take part in the merriment. The city is crammed during the Mardi Gras but there’s plenty to do outside of that time as well. Come fall you can dodge the sweltering temperatures and take part in lesser-known seasonal celebrations.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Have you explored the history of American musical legends? Depending on who you talk to, Memphis is considered the official and unofficial home or blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s a worthy claim to fame given that artists such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash all recorded albums at the iconic Sun Studio. Along with exploring USA’s noteworthy past at Graceland and along Beale Street, you can get your barbecue and bourbon on by hitting the famous bars and restaurants. Even if you’re watching the budget there are lots of free attractions.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This prime ski destination gets packed during the winter, but you can beat the crowds by visiting towards the start or the end of ski season during May and October. Instead of rushing crowds and rocketing rates, you’ll score deals on tours and packages at top-end spots in and around Jackson Hole, including the nearby Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton. Discover the rugged scenery and nature of this gorgeous region in as little as four days!
7. Portland, Oregon
Portland is the unofficial home of all things hipster and offbeat in the USA. There’s no shortage of coffeehouses that will spoil you for life, microbreweries, places to eat fresh food from the Pacific Ocean, or spots to experience the city’s passion for art, theatre and music. If culture isn’t your jam, then make your way to Portland’s parks and bicycle paths where you can begin to scratch the surface of the city’s nature.
8. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
For many travellers outside the USA being able to visit the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a dream come true. The sheer volume of rugged and natural beauty found here is alluring for many and thankfully it’s on your doorstep! While peak months see the dusty trails crawling with tourists and hikers, come September the temperatures fall and the crowds begin to disperse leaving you free to enjoy the dramatic canyons and views as you please. If you are visiting during shoulder months like May and October, just check a little before time in case there are any weather closures.
9. Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California and famous for iconic granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome which capture the wild dreams of all kinds of climbers, Yosemite National Park is one the USA’s most renowned destinations. While it may be heaven on earth for adventurers, you don’t have to be a rock climber or mountain fanatic to take part. Just standing beside Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees is a treat in itself, and simply walking along the trails that wind through these ancient woodlands will restore you. Either way, you’ll get to experience some of the best nature on the planet.
10. Chicago, Illinois
If you’re looking to give your appetite for life a little boost with a quick getaway without the stress of planning a vacation, then Chicago may just be right up your alley. Make sure you show up hungry though! And while there’s more to try than just deep-dish pizza, you can’t leave without seeking out the city’s most iconic dish at least once! If you’re crazy about sports, you’ll find your people here, they have a sports team for every season! There’s also something for lovers of heritage, art, and architecture. The top seasonal events to pair with low rates include the boozy Oktoberfest and September’s Chicago Jazz Festival.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Take a little break to enjoy some of America’s Southern soul. Rich in heritage and tradition, make your way to Savannah during the fall to experience a spirited concoction of art, history, culture, local cuisine and architecture. Droves of tourists make their way to Savannah during spring for festival life and blooming flowers, but come fall you’ll find more breathing space to enjoy manicured green spaces, antebellum architecture and horse-drawn carriage rides.
