Whether you're the type of traveler who loves to plan ahead or someone who prefers more spontaneous adventures, knowing when to visit some of America's most iconic destinations is almost as important as where -- especially if you'd like to get the most for your money.
Simply going in the offseason isn't good enough, especially if you want to enjoy the major highlights that make a city or national park enjoyable, says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com. For example, while rates for New England's beaches are lower in the winter, many of the crab and fish shacks will be closed, she says -- so no lobster roll for you.
"You want to be able to do all the things you want to do and still get a good deal," she says. "You have to find that right combination."
Read on to get some expert tips about the best times to visit some of the country's top tourist attractions without splurging too much.
1. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
When to go: Late May/early June
Why visit: Lighthouses, saltwater taffy and fresh sea air: When it comes to finding the perfect stretch of shoreline, it's hard to beat Massachusetts, either on Cape Cod or one of the nearby islands. Travel expert John DiScala, of JohnnyJet.com and host of the Travel Channel's "Hot Spots 2012," visits Nantucket in the early summer, before the masses arrive. "There're no traffic jams, you can get reservations at restaurants, (and) there are discounts on B&Bs and house rentals," he says.
Banas agrees:"Martha's Vineyard has great deals in May and June. Maybe the kids aren't quite out of school yet, but it can be the best time to go and have some awesome weather -- without the horrible crowds." Prices are particularly friendly before Memorial Day. If you visit during the school year, go for stays during the week instead of over the weekend.
2. Hawaii
When to go: Late spring/early fall
Why visit: On a cold winter day, who doesn't dream of the swaying palm trees, ocean beaches and a local "Aloha" that make the islands special? The price of paradise is often punishing, however. "Hawaii doesn't have a true offseason," Banas says, noting that the winter draws sun-seekers while the summer attracts honeymooners and families. "But there is a softer season." April and May, as well as September, October and November, are generally less expensive (but make sure to depart before the holidays begin).
Another tip from Banas: Instead of cramming a bunch of islands into your trip, pick just one or two, so you can "sink in and enjoy everything." On Oahu, she recommends making the drive to the North Shore. "That's where the great surfers are. It's quintessential Hawaii."
3. South Florida
When to go: Early to mid-January
Why visit: From funky art galleries in Key West and the "river of grass" that makes up the Everglades to the art deco architecture of Miami, South Florida offers "something for everyone," DiScala says.
He says that second week of January is traditionally a "dead week" for travel, and people can save big on airfare and hotels while beating the snowbird rush. "It's still freezing cold in the Northeast and Midwest. But during dead week, the hotels are cheaper. You can get reservations at restaurants."
For those who have travel fatigue after the holidays, plan a trip in late March, April or early May, when the temperatures are still pleasant and hotels drop their rates after spring break.
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