A Winning Travel Strategy: Stay Off-Season Savvy

(ARA) - Travelers may find themselves more cash-confident this spring thanks to the economic stimulus package set to reach 130 million households this May. To make the most of their money, travelers should closely consider which destinations will offer the most bang for their newfound buck. Keeping tabs on high- versus low-season travel periods is one easy and effective strategy.

For example, in the springtime, many popular destinations -- think beachside Mexico -- slow down, and savvy travelers can capitalize on the lull. That small, but significant window between April and June is an ideal time to take advantage of the infamous "off-season." Student spring breakers are back to the books and families have yet to enter summer's vacation frenzy, making world-class locales ripe for the taking. Best of all, springtime off-season destinations can be found far and wide, appealing to a variety of travel interests.

A few tips for making the most of this spring's shoulder-period:

Think Coastal -- Stay Local
Road trips can be a delightful way to see springtime blossoms, but the ever-increasing price of gas has left many with their foot hovered above the gas pedal. This spring, try short, close-to-home road trips as an affordable alternative, discovering everything from New England dogwoods to Washington cherry blossoms. Choose small, off-the-beaten path B&Bs to save money while enjoying nature's rebirth.

Embrace Hot Spots
Most budget-conscious travelers overlook traditional "hot spots," assuming they'll scorch the pocketbook. Think again. Travelers will be pleasantly surprised to learn that top-notch destinations like Acapulco can offer spring hotel savings of up to 56 percent, as noted by the latest CheapTicket.com Off-Season Deals Report. And the weather isn't scorching either, with an average daily temperature of 72 degrees in April.

Avoid Overcrowding
Choose a destination where winter traffic is retreating. Snow bunnies will soon be trading their winter boots for flip flops, letting the budget-minded head back to the mountains for less. Beyond the snow, areas such as Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole offer great springtime hiking and outdoor adventure excursions - minus the usual winter crowds. Looking to cross the border? Whistler, BC also offers great springtime travel incentives, and the U.S. and Canadian dollars are at least on-par.

Outthink the Exchange Rate
Speaking of the struggling U.S. dollar -- it continues to shrink against the Euro, leaving fewer alternatives for the budget-minded. Short of exploring New York's famed Little Italy in place of the real thing, consider a springtime European cruise, where most travel costs are purchased up-front in U.S. dollars, minimizing exchange rate losses.

The bottom line? Crowds clear and hotel prices drop during the springtime shoulder-season, leaving travelers to bask in the glory of nature's full bloom and their good fortune.

Courtesy of ARAcontent