Monday, March 1st, 2010

If you want to find cheap airplane tickets, cheap vacation packages, or discount hotel rooms in the most popular vacation destinations, you should consider visiting during times of the year when they are least expensive. Savings can range from 20 to 50 percent off their highest demand times of the year.

The cheapest time to visit popular destinations varies depending on the destination. The following are timing tips to some of the world’s most popular spots:

London: airfares and hotel rates drop between October 15th and March 31st, except during the Christmas through New Year’s holiday period.

Of course two of the primary reasons for this price drop are rainy weather during this period and a lack of daylight, since sun sets around 3:45 pm. However, if the purpose of your visit is to enjoy museums, theater, and restaurants, this is an ideal time to visit.

Hawaii: travel between September and early December is when you can snag the lowest rates.

Caribbean: May is the month when prices drop as much as 50 percent from their winter highs. Weather is great at that time of year and you do not have to deal with spring break crowds. September through November is the slowest time of year on the islands. Keep in mind the hurricane season runs from June through November. The southernmost Caribbean islands such as Aruba, Barbados and Trinidad rarely are struck by hurricanes.

New York City: January through March usually is when the best deals can be found.

Aspen, CO: early December is an ideal time to find fabulous hotel rates. January prices are often less, except over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, as are dates after mid March, the time many schools are on break
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If you find the right time of year, great deals are available almost everywhere.