6 Offbeat Tips How to Save on Solo Travel Vacations

The first rule of thumb on pricing: It’s always about supply and demand. The best strategies? Demand goes way down when rumors of bad weather are plentiful. In reality, these dire predictions are not necessarily accurate. Secondly, back to school reduces demand since many parents and families are not going on vacation then. You will find fewer crowds and more bargaining power. Here are 6 of my strategies. (Disclaimer: This comes from someone who has traveled to Siberia in January!)

1. Rainy season-in the tropics. Going Upriver on the Amazon and in the Brazilian rainforest, I found rain was infrequent although fairly hard downpours when showers came.  However, just the words “rainy season” drive down prices as tourist envision the very worst trip of a lifetime!

2. Hurricane season in the Caribbean-Learn your ABC’s. Start with Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and then add Barbados and the Dominican Republic.  Few direct hurricane hit those spots, but large numbers of tourists may still stay away lumping the entire region together.

3. Safaris-green season (Euphemism, yes, once again, for rainy season.) Since safaris tend to be privey even without the airfare so any savings is worthwhile. Do avoid the pricey Christmas/New Year’s holidays also since airfare and tour packages generally go up and wildlife preserves and parks can incraese their fees then.

4. Pre-season Thanksgiving ski trip: Since snow is unpredictable, prices are much softer around Thanksgiving when many resorts open. The US West is the best bet for early snow. Do have a Plan B like a spa holiday. The good news if you are just learning? Even a small bit of artifical snow can be enough to make you slide all the way down the mountain. I discovered this right after college taking ski lessons in Vermont. When I arrived, there was green grass everywhere.  However, there was just enough snow for me to miss my turn and run over the skis of my entire beginner ski class. Fortunately in the resulting pileup, no one had to limp away in a cast!

5.  Europe-Prices are reduced as early as mid-September: You don’t have to wait until the dark, damp days of January to save. I have taken advantage of 50% off deals in the French Riviera in top hotels by Sept. 10.

6 Offbeat Tips How to Save on Solo Travel Vacations: Look to the far south:

6.  Down Under & New Zealand plus my favorite unexpected destinations, Rarotonga and Aitutaki: You can have summer twice in one year if you look south of the equator. Many of the less familiar destinations below the equator. Bear in mind: The less well-known the place the lower the price!