Escaping Crowds on Vacation

For most people, vacation is a time to decompress from the daily stressors of life. Rest and relaxation are the only items on your to-do list. However, depending on where you travel, other people might have this same idea and you’re stuck battling rude, cranky crowds wherever you go. Unfortunately, sometimes this is inevitable. Follow our tips for escaping crowds while you’re on vacation.

Rent a house. Instead of staying in a crowded hotel, look into renting a house for the duration of your stay. With sharing options like Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO, it’s easier than ever to find the exact type of accommodation you desire.

Visit attractions on off-peak hours. Do your research and check the most popular times to visit a particular attraction, then plan your schedule around those times. On a similar note, visit a destination in the off-season. Places like New Orleans and Phoenix can be uncomfortably hot during the summer. As long as you don’t mind the heat, you are less likely to battle crowds than during cooler months. Ski towns in Colorado and Utah are filled with tourists during prime winter ski months. Instead, opt to visit in the summer when crowds are sparse.

Look into local walking tours. Guides should know their way around the city and tend to avoid high-traffic areas or know shortcuts. You are more likely to visit destinations off the beaten path. You’ll learn more than exploring on your own, too.