| | Timing matters | | by Katie Genter, Lead writer |
|  | During my summer visit to Athens, Greece, when extreme heat closed the Acropolis midday, I couldn't help reminiscing about my previous March visit to the city.
I fondly remembered lower temperatures, fewer crowds and cheaper hotel rates. As I listened to other guests debate whether to visit the Acropolis, I was glad I'd previously visited during a cooler season.
Of course, it's important to remember that seasonality varies by destination. Even with fixed dates, you can pick a destination suited to your availability. Likewise, if you want to visit a specific destination, you can choose an ideal time to visit and avoid overcrowding and high prices.
In the case of Athens, peak season is June through August. Sure, you'll have the best weather on the Greek islands, but you may not enjoy sightseeing in the heat. Cheaper, cooler months are April, May, September and October.
Or, consider Tulum, Mexico. Its peak season runs from December through April, but you'll find much cheaper rates between June and September. You may face afternoon showers or seaweed on the beach, but you'll often see hotel rates that are 60% lower than in peak season.
Finally, there's the Maldives. Peak season is December to April, but the cheapest time to visit is between May and October. You may face some rain and rougher seas, but you can snag overwater villas for significantly less, and the monsoon season brings turtle nesting and chances to snorkel or dive with whale sharks and manta rays.
Here are some stories to help you plan the best time for booking and travel:
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