Fact: Some vacation spots will never be cheap, but that doesn’t mean you should take them off your travel bucket list. Just like any popular city there are high and low tourist seasons with corresponding high and low costs. And thanks to our friends at TripAdvisor Rentals, we now know the best time of year to visit six of the priciest destinations in the world. Here’s exactly when to book your dream vacation for maximum savings potential.
These Are the Most Affordable Times to Visit the World's Most Expensive Destinations
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Published Mar 26, 2018
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When to go: Second week of February
Savings compared with peak travel time: 58 percent
One of the most luxurious cities on earth, Dubai offers an exciting range of things to do at any time of year. Spend your morning watching the sun rise from a hot-air balloon followed by a mesmerizing falcon show, then head out to the desert for a leisurely camel ride or some high-speed dune bashing. End your day with cocktails at the top of Burj Khalifa, aka the highest manmade point on the planet. Um, yeah, this is one trip that is definitely worth the splurge—especially when you’re saving almost 60 percent.
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Aspen, Colorado
When to go: Second week of October
Savings compared with peak travel time: 37 percent
Of course everyone wants to hit the slopes at the end of the year, but there’s a lot more to do in Aspen that doesn’t require snow. Beautiful hiking trails abound, as do opportunities for other outdoor adventures like paragliding and helicopter tours. If you’re looking for more indoor activities, you can take in a show at the Wheeler Opera House or a few beers at the Apsen Brewing Company.
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Santorini, Greece
When to go: Second week of November
Savings compared with peak travel time: 25 percent
Fact: Santorini is beautiful all year long, so there is really no need to visit when everyone else is also going (i.e., the end of August). The gorgeous views, awesome nightlife and relaxing spas will be just as picturesque and relaxing in November; plus, you’ll have the added bonus of having a sun-kissed glow right before you’re required to see all your relatives at Thanksgiving.
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Avalon, California
When to go: January and February
Savings compared with peak travel time: 46 percent
Located on Catalina Island just off the coast near Los Angeles, Avalon is an excellent place to start the year off right, especially for families. If your kids are eager for adventure, they can get their outdoor fix with the Zip Line Eco Tour, hike along Avalon Canyon Trail or go dolphin watching. Or if they (read: you) want something more low-key, we suggest practicing your swing along either the 18-hole or miniature golf courses and lounging on one of the many sandy beaches.
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St. Barthelemy, St. Barthelemy
When to go: Middle two weeks of October
Savings compared with peak travel time: 51 percent
Scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding, taking a submarine tour or bodysurfing are just a few of the many things you and your travel companions can get up to on any of the 22 beaches on St. Barts. And don’t all those activities sound more intriguing when everyone else you know will be piling on the sweaters and trying to navigate through a world of pumpkin spice-flavored everything?
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Wailea, Hawaii
When to go: September
Savings compared with peak travel time: 38 percent
We would take a trip to Hawaii pretty much any day of the year, but going in September has the extra perks of being the month with the lowest rate of visitors to the state (especially after Labor Day) while still maintaining temperatures in the mid-80s with very little rainfall. Bonus for any runners looking to visit: Maui often hosts its annual half and full marathons in September.
