Luxury Vacation Rentals for the Shoulder Season
September 5, 2007. The New York Times published a wistful farewell to summer vacation this weekend, interviewing seasonal inhabitants and workers on Cape May, on the Jersey shore. One young man who had spent the past 15 summers living and working on the Jersey shore described the annual trip home.
"It's probably the worst feeling, driving out on Avalon Boulevard across the bridge," he said. "Because you know your summer is gone."
One young man's misery may be another traveler's fortune, however.
As many resort areas move into the off-season, or hit the shoulder season between summer vacation and fall leaf-peeping or snowbird migrations, rates often dip a little. With the crowds down, visitors will also find the sights all to themselves.
Here are some ideas:
Florida – When a chill nips the air up north, the snowbirds take the cue and begin a mass movement. For many, winter is prime time in Florida. That means September and October are perfect for the rest of us.
Smoky Mountains – With school back in session, the traffic congestion has cleared on Newfound Road, the main artery through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The going should stay good until October when the fall foliage comes in.
Colorado – The Rocky Mountain state sees a lull in visitors until the snow falls, at which point skiers are coming from around the world. Late summer and early fall are great times to go for hikes because the afternoon thunderstorms lessen their intensity.
