You can already feel your toes in the white sand, smell the salty air, and taste the sweetness of a tropical daiquiri. You’re dreaming of your next vacation, and you’re not alone.
Research shows that Americans take over two billion domestic vacations and 93 million international trips annually. Americans generally enjoy going on vacation to satisfy their curiosity, hunger for exploration, and desire for personal growth.
Every season can be an excellent time to travel, depending on your goals and interests. Let’s explore the best time of year to go on vacation.
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1. Spring Season
Spring, which runs from the later part of March to the latter part of May, is one of the top family vacation seasons. This travel season offers fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful flowers.
Popular destinations in the spring include Washington, D.C., known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. You can also visit national parks, like Yosemite or Glacier National Park.
2. Summer Season
Another excellent time to travel is in the summer, between June and August. The benefits of summer include the warm weather, dynamic festivals, and longer daytime hours.
Excellent summertime activities range from going to the beach to taking a road trip to a museum. Top summer destinations include Chicago, Illinois; Maui, Hawaii; and San Diego, California.
3. Fall Season
Between late September and late October is another popular travel time for Americans. Fall season advantages include the temperate weather and fall foliage. You may also encounter fewer tourists in the fall since schools are in session after the academic summer break.
Popular autumn vacation activities include visiting harvest festivals, going hiking, and viewing the gorgeous leaf colors in the New England area. Add in-demand fall destinations like Boston in Massachusetts, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Tahoe in Nevada to your bucket list, too. Fall is also a wonderful time to visit Berlin Ohio Amish Country.
4. Winter Season
Are you dreaming of a wintry vacation? Between December and February is another top time to travel. In the northern part of the U.S., you can experience a winter wonderland and take advantage of numerous skiing opportunities and holiday festivities.
Other exciting winter vacation ideas include exploring a Christmas market or viewing Alaska’s Northern Lights. A few other sought-after winter destinations range from Tennessee’s Gatlinburg to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley.
5. Shoulder Season
A shoulder season, the weeks after and before a destination’s peak season, is an exceptional time to travel since you’ll experience fewer crowds and moderate temperatures. These seasons include the months of September, June, April, and November.
Two other popular spots to visit during the shoulder seasons are Florida’s Destin and Arizona’s Sedona.
Go on Vacation at the Best Times
The top times to go on vacation depend on the destinations you’re interested in visiting and the activities you’d like to do there. Travel to a national park in the spring or go to a vibrant festival in the summer.
Fall is excellent for hiking, and winter is a good time to go to a ski resort. Consider the above-listed seasons and activities as you seek to plan an unforgettable vacation this year and beyond. Also, if you enjoyed reading this article, check out our other “Travel” section articles for more great content.
