Let’s Make a Deal
To ensure you snag the best deal when planning your off-season vacation online, don’t restrict yourself to old standbys like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Newcomer Kayak is definitely worth a look. This aggregator scans 120-plus travel sites, including European-based ones; then links directly to suppliers (hotels, airlines, car rental companies), thereby letting you avoid middlemen’s fees and access unadvertised specials. Package sellers such as Gate 1 and Go-Today are another good bet—even if you are strictly a DIY type.
These companies offer everything from escorted tours to fly-and-drive combos and independent land-only components. Plus it’s hard to beat the bulk rates these guys negotiate. Gate 1’s self-guided “Madrid and Lisbon” special is just one budget-friendly example. Two people departing from NYC early November through late March can get transatlantic airfare, air transfers within the Iberian Peninsula, six nights’ hotel and breakfast daily starting at $1798. (In many cases, couples would be lucky to pay that for the flights alone!) Book a summer departure, on the other hand, and prices start at $2998.
Rainy Days and Sunny Days
Generally speaking, the low season in Europe runs from mid-October to mid-December, then carries on again once the new year has been rung in. Crowds and costs start rising steadily around Easter with a corresponding drop in early autumn. Needless to say, temperatures start dropping once autumn arrives too, and it’s important to be prepared. Learn what’s in store weather-wise for your off-peak stay by checking www.wunderground.com before heading across the pond.
Along with five-day forecasts, the site has a handy “Trip Planner” feature that will help you pack appropriately. Just plug in your destination and dates to get the scoop on temperatures, cloud cover, humidity and more, based on historical averages. Also remember that in Europe, as here at home, darkness can set in early during the off season. It’s useful to know how many hours of daylight you can expect for sightseeing. Anyone hoping to make hay while the sun shines—or make the most of the nightlife—can click www.sunrisesunset.com to create a customized calendar.
