We all talk about going on a vacation during the peak/red season, weekends, holidays, etc. But I keep thinking about the off season or "green season"? I've never done it before, as all my timeshares have been red season ones so far. A sudden thought occured to me; why not try the off season stuff once?
I think the resort will not be busy, most of the businesses would be closed, and there will be fewer families thanks to school going kids, but still I think it's not that bad an idea to try it once. Has anyone tried before? How did you feel? Did you enjoy it? I would love to hear your experiences.
Thanks guys. I'll plan something and try it out this vacation and let you know. After all, there is a first time for everything in life. :)
As they say, the best mantra when it comes to vacations is "Take vacation when no one else does". But it's very important to know the dynamics of the place you're going to visit. To me, the dumbest thing would be to take vacation at the wrong place at the wrong time. Few years back, one of my colleagues went to Central America (Costa Rica I guess) in the month of June. It was rain, rain, and more rain. All he managed to do was to sit inside the resort, eat, watch movies, and hit the gym; all of which he could have done back home without spending a penny.
So, while taking vacation during off season might be economical, fun, and all that, it's important to check out the place you're choosing. The weather plays the most important role in this. If the weather is ok, then you could enjoy pretty much enjoy any place.
As far as I know, you can't go Europe during the months of June, July, and August. You can't go to Central America in the months of June, July.
Bob
Like TR gate mentioned, it depends on the area you choose to a large extent. A vacation during the off season would cost you much lesser than one during the peak season. The resort prices, rental prices, everything is bound to come down. So, from a financial standpoint, a vacation during green season is really a good idea. Having said that, you need to consider the area you choose according to your needs. It has to be conducive for a vacation. If the place is freezing cold or hot as hell, you can kiss your vacation dreams a big goodbye.
Last year, we went on a family vacation to the Caribbeans. To the Bahamas, to be precise. It was really wonderful. Mid December to Mid April is the peak season in Bahamas. So, we decided to try out the off season, which is Mid April to Mid December. You won't believe; the rates were cut down by almost 30-40%, which in itself is a huge plus.
Some of the activities were not available, some of the businesses were closed down during the season, but nevertheless whatever we enjoyed, we enjoyed thoroughly. We visited all the local attractions, and with lesser crowd and absolutely no chaos, it was a unique experience. IMO, a place like Caribbean is best visited during the off season; especially for families. You get to enjoy so much and tend to spend a lot of time together peacefully.
So, choose your spot wisely, save lots of money (or points for that matter), and enjoy your vacation.
First of all, why is it called a green season/off season? Various factors come into play. The weather could be terrible (you obviously can't expect people to enjoy beaches and take a dip when the temperature is freezing cold), you won't find lots of activities going on as most businesses based on the resort would be closed during the off season, and as you mentioned, families with school going kids will not make it during that season. So, it is bound to be a not-so-happening season.
But if you enjoy being alone, not to be disturbed by lots of people, noise, and other things, then an off season vacation could be good for you. But if you're the one who enjoys the most happening places in the world, enjoys interacting with people, making friends, and enjoys all other things that are associated with a resort during the peak season, then you would be bored to death during the off season.
Moreover, there are places that are always sought after and enjoyable, like Hawaii. All through the year, you can enjoy the place. And you have some places you can't go to during the off season. Say, you can't go to Arizona for Spring break; with the kind of temperature in certain areas in AZ during the Spring, you can't enjoy the sea or even your pool for that matter, unless of course it's heated.
So, in my opinion, it depends a lot on the place you choose and your attitude.