The Best Time to Go in the U.S.
Alaska
Costly: Mid-June to mid-August
Less Expensive: May and September
If you think of Alaska and your mind immediately conjures up freezing weather and dark skies, you obviously haven't yet visited our northernmost state. Summer features long and warm days with tons of sun and temps running in the 60s to 80s. That's perfect weather for camping, hiking, whale spotting and birdwatching.
If you enjoy cold weather, however, winter's six to 13 hours of sunlight per day allow time for dog sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and other winter sports. Before and after winter, hotels and tours offer shoulder-season discounts. Keep in mind that rains encroach as the summer progresses. By August, the chance of rain is roughly 50 percent. May is drier, with only a 25-percent chance of measurable rain on any given day.
Whale Watching in Alaska
Boston, Mass.
Costly: April to June and September to October
Less Expensive: January to March
Known as the Cradle of Liberty, Boston is a vacation destination year round. Unfortunately, crowds and prices don't fluctuate much by season. The historic city does see more tourists, however, during peak autumn months when its many colleges are back in session and trees vibrate with color.
Spring also sees heightened activity, particularly during school-commencement season and the Boston Marathon. Summer sees the most tourists interested in outdoor activities, while winter peaks with cultural events. Winter weather can be cruel but most Bostonians flock to indoor activities, including the theater, museum exhibits, fine dining, and wine and food festivals.
California
Costly: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Less Expensive: September to December
Thanks to California's mild summer weather and fairly low humidity, Memorial Day to Labor Day is high tourist season from the top to bottom of the state. The exceptions are such desert areas as Palm Springs and Death Valley, where steaming temperatures drive away all but the hardiest frugal travelers.
Happily, prices drop dramatically in the fall and winter, with autumn being a particularly good time to travel. Crowds drop off, low-season rates kick in and winter rains have yet to plague parts of the state.
Disney World, Orlando, Fla.
Costly: Summers and holidays
Less Expensive: Early November
The best time to go to the Magic Kingdom is the first two weeks of November. The crowds shrink and the weather is warm enough for shorts and swimming, but not so hot you melt while standing in (shorter) lines. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are particularly attractive, with Disney World decorated for Christmas and Mickey and friends attired for the holidays.
The operating hours are shorter during slower times, so you may not have access to some entertainment. Evening shows usually aren't running, including the Fantasmic! and fireworks. All holidays are busy, especially those with a three-day weekend.
New York, N.Y.
Costly: Mid-March to December
Less Expensive: January to early March
New York isn't just the city that never sleeps; It's the destination that has no true slow season. The constant influx of people visiting for business and entertainment makes it particularly difficult to find good deals. At the times of year when corporate travel tapers off, tourist travel picks up. And travel providers also have to prepare for the influx of international tourists during the extended holidays of other countries. Ultimately, the best time to visit is during the worst weather, from January to early March.
The Best Time to Go Outside the U.S.
Bahamas
Costly: December to March
Less Expensive: June to September
The islands just north of Cuba become a hustling, bustling myriad of vacationers in winter, all reveling in the beautiful weather and the Caribbean experience. Fortunately, the off-season is more true to the real Caribbean lifestyle. The throngs have departed and people have settled into a less-hurried lifestyle. Mid-day temperatures from June to September may rise to an uncomfortable 85 to 90 degrees, but the Atlantic trade winds will blow the sweat off your body.
On the downside, hotels and resorts reduce their services and staff in the off season and some activities may be entirely closed. Still, it's a small price to pay for 20 to 60 percent discounts. You can barter your way to better deals in local shops and there's plenty of elbow room on the many golf courses. You can still enjoy tennis, water sports and other activities, with the added bonus of strolling into a restaurant without a reservation.
Cancun, Mexico
Costly: January to March
Less Expensive: April to early December
The high-gloss charm of Cancun features swashbuckling pirates, Maya dancers and beer-soaked spring breakers from the U.S. This party city is blessed with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that rival Acapulco.
Cancun's year-long sunny weather makes it a sunbather's paradise. Naturally, winter draws teeming hordes of northern tourists, seeking to escape from the cold, which means high prices. Summers can be hot and wet, with hurricane season starting in June and lasting until November. The beginning of December and the month of April experience comfortable weather, making it a pleasant and less expensive time to visit. Avoid spring break in March, however, as vacationing students take over from families and couples.
Caribbean Islands
Costly: December to mid-April
Less Expensive: Fall or late spring
The Caribbean is much more than beach umbrellas and froo-froo drinks. Outside these cliche pleasures you'll find a history built on piracy, slavery and Rastafarians. The islands' pleasures range from high peaks to beyond-green forests.
Located just North of Cuba, the Caribbean Islands are most heavily visited from December through mid-April, as travelers flee the chilly northern weather for sunny skies, warm temperatures white-sand beaches. For the best rates, visit in the late spring or summer months. Better yet, check out the Caribbean in September and October. The best budget islands to visit include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Aruba.
Europe
Costly: Summer
Less Expensive: Easter to mid-June, August to February
Let's face it; Everyone should visit Europe at least once. Whether you're a backpack-toting student or suitcase-wheeling senior, Europe is an endlessly fascinating destination.
Off-season travel is usually much more fun, as crowds are smaller, prices are lower, lines are shorter, and you can actually glimpse some Europeans between the masses of camera-laden tourists. Europeans take August off, so this is considered part of the low season, except for Paris where workers vacation in July. Some restaurants and shops close as residents head out of town for a month-long holiday, a tradition Americans should definitely adopt. The off-seasons are particularly appropriate for independent travelers who prefer self-directed visits, rather than the tour-bus masses of high season.
Ireland
Costly: July and August
Less Expensive: April to June and September to October
The Emerald Isle is known for its rain, so you can expect a certain amount of damp at any time of the year. The weather is likely to be at least as good in May, June and September as in the summer months and hotels are less busy. Spring flowers are at their best in April and May, and October offers a frugal fan's choice of free arts festivals.
BOOMER BONUS
If you're really looking for something exotic, why not try Fiji?
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Namale Resort & Spa
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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