WHY LOW SEASON TRAVEL CAN BE THE MOST REWARDING OF ALL

The joy of low season travel is nothing new for those seeking the best value for money and the fewest crowds. But there are some parts of the world where the allure of off-peak travel goes far beyond the obvious. This could be the spectacle of sea turtles nesting under moonlight on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, vibrant summer festivals sweeping across Japan, or the opportunity to swim alongside gentle whale sharks in the Maldives. This is travel at its most immersive; chances to observe natural spectacles unfold without performance, local life play out without interruptions, and to experience a deeper sense of place.

COSTA RICA - Turtle Nesting & Volcanoes

Costa Rica’s official ‘Green Season’ (or rainy season) falls between May and November, but – in a country with such an array of microclimates – the classic notions of a wet and dry season do not really apply here. You can expect tropical rain in the dry season, and plenty of warm sunshine in the wet season. This is one of the reasons that Costa Rica is so naturally beautiful! The only time we recommend you avoid travel is during October.

There are a number of distinct advantages to visiting Costa Rica outside peak season. Fewer visitors and more attractive hotel rates are a given, but you may also stand a better chance of glimpsing the elusive cone of the Arenal Volcano during May and June, as clouds move more quickly. By July, the incredible spectacle of the green sea turtle nesting season begins on the beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. At this time, female sea turtles lay hundreds of eggs in the sand - usually after dark - with the first hatchlings beginning to emerge and make their way to the water from September onwards. Responsibly operated turtle tours are available during nesting season through reputable lodges such as Tortuga Lodge.

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA - Mekong Delta Splendour

Although falling during Vietnam and Cambodia’s rainy season, the period between mid-August and November is the only time of the year where it is possible to sail from Ho Chi Minh City through to Siem Reap (or vice versa). This is the high-water season on the Mekong Delta, and a highlight of this time is having the chance to sail across Tonle Sap Lake. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides a remarkable glimpse into daily life in a community where schools, churches, pagodas, bars and even the police station float. A seven-night sailing on the Aqua Mekong allows guests to experience the waterways in supreme comfort. Along the way you can take skiffs through the canals to discover local life and learn more about the culture of people who very rarely set foot on dry land.

ITALY - Winter Truffles & Cultural Immersions

Rural Italy is well known for its natural beauty and thriving wine harvest during the autumn months but, as winter beckons, there are still plenty of reasons to continue visiting. Gourmands will delight in the proliferation of truffles on restaurant menus across the country. White truffle season runs from October to January in northern Italy, and winter black truffles are harvested between November and March. For a cosy Tuscan winter escape, Villa San Barberino offers opportunities to discover local cuisine with truffles aplenty - and roaring fires to greet you back at the villa. You will also be within easy driving distance of Tuscan gems such as San Gimignano, Florence and Siena.

Italy’s cities have equal allure over the winter months. Delve into Rome’s world-class museums and galleries with far fewer crowds, and enjoy a similar experience in Florence, illuminated by the month-long Florence Light Festival. Time a visit to Milan over the festive season to enjoy exceptional Christmas shopping, colourful markets, and a seasonal ice rink. Seasonal festivities in Italy wind down after the Epiphany on 6th January, but it is not too long before the advent of carnival in February shakes off the winter slumber once more.

Venice’s carnival inevitably draws the most enormous crowds, but this is certainly not your only option. The Carnevale di Viareggio in Tuscany is the largest outside Venice, with six parades showcasing towering floats that draw crowds of up to 100,000. Further south, the Carnevale di Putignano in Puglia is one of Europe’s most historic, as well as Italy’s longest-running, with weekly processions running throughout much of January and February.

SOUTH AFRICA - Safari Drama & Cape Sunshine

While May to September is the peak season for safaris in South Africa, the rainier months of December and January are still well worth considering. This is the time of plenty for the wildlife, with antelope and other herbivores in calving season. This means there are plenty of utterly endearing little zebras and impalas learning to walk and tottering around, which are of course highly attractive to any predators in this area. You are therefore more likely to see a hunt and even a kill during these months, before the young get more agile and better at escaping.

Conversely, low season in the safari regions coincides with warm, dry conditions on the Cape. This means you can take full advantage of the fabulous outdoor dining and activities in Cape Town and the Winelands.

JAPAN - Summer Festivals

While most visitors flock to Japan during the peak seasons of spring and autumn, the low season summer months offer the chance to experience some of the fascinating local festivals that take place throughout the country. Known as matsuri, these lively gatherings showcase ancient traditions and colourful performances, giving visitors a genuine insight into what makes up the fabric of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

For those wanting to walk the path less trodden, Kitakyushu, a city on the southern island of Kyushu, is host to the Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival. This matsuri typically features lively parades, traditional performances, music, and dance. Alternatively, the Awa Odori is a traditional dance parade held annually in Tokushima on Shikoku, just off the coast of Honshu. This historic matsuri is one of the largest and most famous dance festivals in the country. Matsuri are not just confined to the lesser-known regions of Japan, however. The Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka is celebrated on July 24th and 25th, and culminates in a spectacular boat procession along the Okawa River.

FRANCE - Festive Fun & Gourmet Delights

There is a winter experience in France to suit every possible taste. Incredible food is a given at any time of year, but peak truffle season in Provence runs from November to March. The markets of Luberon overflow with rich black truffles, they are a firm feature on restaurant menus, and truffle festivals take place throughout the region.

Those visiting France before Christmas will find plenty of festive markets to be enjoyed in towns and cities. Seasonal highlights include the captivating Festival of Light in Lyon, and the extravagant window displays of Paris’ boutiques. For the ultimate Christmas market experience, a visit to Strasbourg is also a must. The winter wonders of Paris can easily be combined with visits to Strasbourg and Reims on a festive itinerary to France.

Visiting France in winter is not just about Christmas, however. We also highly recommend casting away the winter gloom under the dazzling blue skies of the Côte d’Azur. Though it will not be beach weather at this time of year, the French Riviera is still an uplifting place to be with a wealth of cultural attractions to be enjoyed against a backdrop of sparkling Mediterranean seas. Visit France’s perfume capital of Grasse, browse the colourful art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or plan a February visit to the Côte d'Azur to coincide with Menton’s extravagant Lemon Festival or Nice’s magnificent Carnival.

MALDIVES - Marine Wonders

The summer months of May to September are traditionally low season in the Maldives, but – with shifting weather patterns – you may be surprised to experience plentiful dry weather, and a number of other seasonal attractions. This is the very best time of year to see whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll, and there is nothing quite like the experience of snorkelling and diving with these gentle giants. Base yourself at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island to take full advantage of these opportunities, as well as educational talks and speedboat trips in search of majestic whale sharks.

Low season is also the best time of year for surfing in the Maldives, with better breaks attracting world-class surfers. Even if you are just a beginner, you can still hone your skills in inviting warm waters. At Six Senses Laamu you can learn to surf straight from the beach, while Cheval Blanc Randheli features the only surf simulator in the Maldives.

SCOTLAND - Winter Warmers

Scotland is not always a destination that springs to mind for a winter visit, but those who do travel in low season will always receive an exceptionally warm welcome. It is still perfectly possible to venture beyond beautiful Edinburgh and delve into the enchanting countryside. Cast away the winter chill with guided tastings at whisky distilleries and warming meals in front of the fire in cosy pubs. Choosing a base like Gleneagles will ensure you have no end of activities at your fingertips – even during the changeable Scottish weather.

Winter is also the time of some of Scotland’s best-loved celebrations. Head to Edinburgh to experience one of Europe’s greatest New Year parties – Hogmanay. Three days of festivities in the city include torchlit processions, fireworks, and a street party (if weather permits). For a taste of Hogmanay festivities in a more serene setting, you could swap the bustle of Edinburgh for an indulgent stay at Inverlochy Castle - known for its wonderful Hogmanay hospitality. And, if you have left it too late to plan a New Year visit, Burn’s Night on 25th January provides another compelling reason to travel to Scotland over winter. Celebrating the birth of Scotland’s national poet, festivities usually consist of a ceremonial Burns Supper with an address to a haggis, toasts, spirited recitations, and Ceilidh dancing.

BHUTAN - Black-necked Crane Festival

November marks the beginning of winter in Bhutan but it is also the month when one of the country's most significant cultural festivals is celebrated. The Black-necked crane festival brings festivities and fervour to the Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan, celebrating the country’s sacred bird which returns from its annual migration to spend the winter here. The bird is considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity by the local Monpa people, who are also passionate advocates for the conservation of the bird’s natural habitat. The annual festival taking place on 11th November at the Gangtey Gonpa honours the bird in music and masked dance performances, and is an absolute must for those interested in Bhutan’s deep-rooted cultural traditions. A visit to Gangtey can be easily combined with other highlights of Bhutan such as picturesque Punakha and a hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in the Paro Valley - all perfectly enjoyable in the crisp winter air.