The Seven Wonders of the World earned the title because they were among the most spectacular creations. They can take your breath away because of their majesty – and be absolutely miserable because of the sheer number of crowds. Their fame is the biggest problem; too many people want to see the world’s most celebrated locations, resulting in crowds, traffic jams and eye-watering costs.
The same goes for the world’s major travel destinations. The more famous and popular it is, the worse the visiting experience is – at least if you go during high season.
Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.
To avoid expensive disappointments, skip such places altogether and go off the beaten track or to ‘second cities’. Or visit when most of the crowd has dispersed. Lower demand means lower prices, especially when it comes to airline tickets, says Laura Lindsay, trends and destinations expert for flight booking site Skyscanner.
That doesn’t mean the lowest of the low season either. February in Manhattan may be cheaper and quieter, but it also means gray skies, icy sidewalks, and frigid temperatures—not ideal for exploring the city’s parks or waiting for a Broadway matinee.
We spoke to experts about the perfect combination of good weather, fewer people and affordable prices in some of the busiest destinations in the world.
– – –
Rome: February to March
It’s hard to appreciate a perfect scoop of gelato when you’re standing elbow to elbow eating it, so skip Rome in the summer. “Summer has become very hot and busy,” said Simone Amorico, CEO of Access Italy, a private tour operator.
Instead, he recommends visiting the Eternal City in winter (outside the hectic ‘festive period’ just before Christmas to New Year’s) or spring. “Then it gets quite busy after Easter,” says Amorico. According to Skyscanner, the lowest airfares are between March and April in the height of spring.
Another solid option: Thanksgiving. “It’s not busy at all,” Amorico said.
– – –
Istanbul: September
Last year, Istanbul ranked as the most visited city in the world with 20 million international visitors, according to the annual index by Euromonitor International, a global research company. Most travelers go to Turkey between June and August. That’s why local journalist Jennifer Hattam – who wrote our guide to Istanbul – recommends waiting until September.
“It’s absolutely perfect,” she said. “You can still enjoy the nice weather if you sit on the ferry, or sit outside for dinner and drinks.”
Hattam says the city is still buzzing with activity, from art events to outdoor concerts. It’s a warmer and livelier time to go than her second choice: spring. According to Skyscanner, the cheapest time to fly to Istanbul from the United States is March, but averages for September are not much higher.
– – –
Mexico City: June to September
According to Anais Martinez, a food blogger and culinary guide from the city, the high season in Mexico City starts from late October – which corresponds to the Day of the Dead – through March. But in June the city begins to empty and visitors are wary of Mexico City’s rainy season, which runs through September. “There is hardly anyone here, so you won’t see a group of tourists everywhere,” Martinez said.
Given the scorching temperatures of recent summers in North America, “they think it’s too hot or it’s going to rain all day,” Martinez said. Use that misconception to your advantage and visit during the summer. You can expect some rain, but “it rains for forty-five minutes and then it’s back to normal,” she said.
Olivia Villanti, founder of the fashion label Chava Studio in Mexico City, also recommends March when the days are warm and the evenings cool. A bonus for art lovers: “Many of the shows that take place during Art Week will continue until the end of March or early April,” says Villanti. “You get to see some of the cool things that are happening, but you also don’t have to deal with the crowds, the high prices and having to make reservations at all the restaurants.”
– – –
Paris: February to April
You have mapped out a typical Parisian terrace. You have secured a table with a view of the Seine. Your waiter will bring you a café au lait and pain au chocolate. It’s about to be the best morning of your life, until you realize that everyone around you is American. Sacre blue.
To avoid the lion’s share of tourists who come to Paris, it is best to avoid the months of June to August and the end of December. Instead, pack some layers and put February through April and November on your radar. It’s when hotel and flight prices are at their lowest.
– – –
Tokyo: April to May
When Japan’s trees are at their best, so too is the price tag for a trip. Cherry blossom season, peak autumn and summer holidays are the toughest times to get hotel rooms, train tickets and notable restaurant reservations. A better time to visit is February, says Yukari Sakamoto, author of Food Sake Tokyo.
Just before the sakuras arrive, it’s warm enough to walk around, but not as crowded, and the ume plum trees are starting to bloom, she said. Average flight prices in February are about $100 more than when they are cheapest in April to May.
– – –
New York: September
Once the summer rush is over but before “When Harry Met Sally” season arrives, September will find a quiet spot on the New York City calendar (as long as you avoid Fall Fashion Week), says Dan Rubinstein, a resident of New York and host of The Grand Tourist podcast.
“Museum exhibits are picking up again and you can still walk around Central Park all day without encountering weather-related problems,” Rubinstein said. “You can wear fall clothes, you can wear spring clothes, you can get away with anything – it’s just a fun time to be in New York.”
– – –
Marrakech: September or March
If you want to find a happy medium between the lowest hotel and flight prices in Marrakech, consider September for your trip. Now that the intense heat of summer has subsided, you can expect average temperatures to be in the 60s to 90s.
Just for the cheapest airfare, look for a trip in March just before the peak spring season begins. The weather is still mild, with daily highs in the 70s – ideal for market visits and tea breaks.
– – –
Las Vegas: January to April
There are a handful of landmines to be aware of when planning a trip to Las Vegas: big conventions, bigger sporting events, some vacations and summer heat. No surprise: The city saw record hotel room rates for Super Bowl 58.
As long as there are no mega events in town the week you plan your trip, January is the cheapest month for hotels in Las Vegas. But look out for the Consumer Electronic Show early this month, which attracted about 130,000 visitors this year. You’ll see the best airfares between February and April, with the exception of March Madness.
However, local Vegas writer Tony Abou-Ganim adds that if you want to relax by the pool, late April to mid-May may be your favorite spot.
– – –
Barcelona: June
Summer may be the most popular time to visit Barcelona, but you don’t have to avoid it entirely, say husband-and-wife photographers Majo Aguirre and Xavi Cano. Skip July and August, when everyone is on vacation and an influx of visitors comes from cruise ships, but June can still be fun as long as you avoid going near certain areas and locations (La Rambla, Sagrada Família) stays.
Plus, use the rhythm of the city to your advantage: “Barcelona is not a city that gets up early,” Aguirre said. “So if you get up when the sun is shining, you can pretty much just walk anywhere until nine o’clock.”
For a beach day, instead of going to the most famous Barceloneta, try Marbella or Botarell. Even better, hop on a train to nearby Girona or Sitges during the week when most of the locals who visit there regularly are at work, Aguirre said.
Flight prices are cheaper in June than in July or August, but you’ll find better deals if you travel in April, May or October, when you can expect some rain.
related content
He was born at home in DC. Now his parents have to prove that he is theirs.
Speaker Johnson says he has priorities. So why didn’t he act on it?
Ukraine is on the verge of losing Avdiivka, a strategic city long targeted by Russia