Search Travel Market Report

united
united
mainlogo
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training & Events
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Barbara Peterson
    • Brian Israel
    • Daine Taylor
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Jessica Montevago
    • Marilee Crocker
    • Mary Gostelow
    • Paul M. Ruden
    • Steve Gillick
united

5 Reasons to Travel in Winter - and Where to Go

Sponsored by Avanti Destinations
by Denise Caiazzo / June 17, 2019


“Where should I go next?” - that’s the leading-edge question that avid travelers are always asking themselves. Google plays a part here, as consumers first search online to find the latest-and-greatest travel adventures. But this is where travel advisors can really shine. Once you get to know your clients’ needs and wants, one of your most important roles is to offer up trips that they didn’t think of themselves.

Suggesting winter and off-peak travel is one way to approach this challenge. Americans, in particular, tend to travel mostly in the spring and summer. But there’s much to be said and experienced about journeying out during the winter months and off-peak season of October through May. Here are five great reasons to do so, to pass along to your clients.

1. Lower prices, more value
Who wouldn’t want to book flights and quality accommodations at lower prices? Traveling off-peak can be a boon to the pocketbook. It can even open up the ability for travelers to visit destinations that are beyond their budgets during peak season.

One trend that Kirsten Peterson, owner and senior travel consultant, at Peterson Travel Group, has been noticing: “I have seen more families wanting to travel to Europe during their winter or spring breaks, instead of the more typical summer vacation time. The weather is not as ideal for touring, but they have a lot of other off-peak benefits. And since it is less expensive, I’ve seen more families able to take advantage of this type of international travel.”

Eric Slatkin, a travel agent at AAA Travel Pasadena, said he is also seeing more river cruising during the off months. In general, he said traveling off-peak gives the possibility to add more and do more.

2. Fewer crowds, less hassle

In addition to lower fares, there are fewer crowds and less hassle when navigating popular tourism sites off-peak. Travelers can take their time and easily walk through museums, plazas and other attractions that are normally crowded to the max. They may even be able to get that special table that is typically booked months in advance. This all leads to memorable experiences that reflect back to you, their trusted travel agent.

3. More personalized service and perks
Off-peak travelers tend to receive more personal attention from hotels, restaurants, and other services. And sometimes, the perks are outstanding. Peterson gave this example: “I had clients traveling in Florence just this past spring, and the hotel offered them an upgrade to the entire top-floor, panoramic suite with private outdoor jacuzzi! The suite was not being occupied, so the upgrade was available, and my clients said the experience was truly once-in-a-lifetime! I’ve already received multiple referrals from them and have several new clients.”

Slatkin shared this: “I had a wonderful experience traveling during off season. I was on a river cruise during late October. It was half full with the same amount of staff, so service was amazing and the tour group size was not as large. Plus, we had the added advantage of being able to see more things, as it wasn't very crowded. We also met more locals and had many more cultural experiences.”

4. Bragging rights of taking the road less traveled
While sun-and-sand have their rightful place in the vacation hierarchy, once a traveler has been-there-done-that a few times, they may want to try something different. Paint enticing pictures for your clients that they will want to experience and brag about to their friends and family - like being mesmerized by the Northern Lights from a sled during an expedition led by the local Sami people in the Arctic Circle, or exploring the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg’s history and architecture dusted with dazzling white snow. Instagram? You bet.

Wherever they decide to travel, Peterson said, “Hotels are very thankful to have business during their traditionally less-busy travel times, so they are more willing to offer your clients little extras. Seek out special tickets or other unique benefits you can provide to your clients, which are all easier to obtain during off-peak times. These special extras are what will help make their trip wonderful - and your clients will thank you with repeat business and lots of referrals.”

5. Beat the winter blues
One way to beat the winter blues is to escape to a warm climate. Another way is to embrace all the magic and wonder of the season: the blankets of snow, the tranquil and crisp feel of the air, the layers of favorite clothing and mittens, the outdoor adventure sports, and then returning to the warmth of a fire and a Hot Toddy.

What’s more, there are some amazing experiences that can only be done in winter, such as the Northern Lights, winter festivals in Asia, and Europe’s Christmas markets.

Winter destinations to book
Now that we’ve talked about why your clients should consider traveling in winter or off-peak, where should you send them?

Slatkin suggests traveling anywhere in Europe; and noted that going to “Hawaii and Mexico during winter months is great, still great weather, just less people and cost tends to be lower.”

Peterson said cities in Europe have been especially popular with her clients lately - the strength of the U.S. dollar has made travel to Europe more affordable for American travelers.

Here are 10 winter and off-peak destinations to consider:

  • Lapland’s snow hotels and Northern Lights
  • Christmas Markets in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Munich, Salzburg, or Berlin
  • Norway’s Bergen and Stavanger fishing villages and Viking history
  • Reykjavik’s frozen towns, glacier hikes, and geothermal baths
  • Rail journeys through Switzerland’s majestic winter wonderland
  • City tours of London, Paris, Vienna or Prague, sans the crowds
  • Train travel to Scotland’s many castles and the Winter Garden
  • Tour of St. Petersburg’s architectural and historical splendor in the snow
  • Japan’s snow monkeys basking in the hot springs at Jigokudani National Park
  • Italy’s nationwide winter celebration of Carnevale

Peterson offers one caveat in selling winter travel: “There are some destinations that truly shut down during off-peak travel dates, and your clients may have a difficult time finding things that are open. Be sure to do some research and make sure your clients know what to expect.”

Here’s the main takeaway: Any time is a good time to travel. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, there are unique experiences at destinations all across this globe that will excite and delight your clients. Suggest something new for the next winter season; you never know what might spark their interest.

FROM THE SPONSOR:
Your independent travel clients want the perfect trip - multiple destinations with special interest sightseeing and activities; accommodations with personality and style; and smooth, trouble-free connections throughout. Let Avanti make complex FIT easy for you to book, whether your clients are headed to Europe, Central and South America, or Asia. Since 1981, we’ve been selecting the best these destinations have to offer and weaving it all together with the right connections for a seamless experience that will delight your clients - and have them coming back for more. Uncommonly rewarding FIT.

What we sell: Avanti Destinations is the leader for independent travel to Europe, Central America, South America, and Asia, offering a wide range of modular FIT packages, including air, rail, cars, hotels, sightseeing, transfers, and other experiential travel options. We also now accept group bookings of 15 or more passengers. We specialize in providing hand-picked, locally owned hotels in large and small cities, as well as hard-to-find-options for experienced travelers. Visit Avanti’s Agent Portal to begin booking your client’s vacation of a lifetime, and become an off-season travel expert with Avanti’s Go365 Campaign.

  1
  1
united

MOST VIEWED

Brought To You By
  1. Israel Looks Ahead to Reopening for Tourism
  2. Travelers to Quintana Roo Will Soon Have to Pay Tourist Tax
  3. CDC: Vaccinated People Can Now Travel Without Testing or Quarantining
  4. Greece Will Welcome Travelers Again Starting on May 14
  5. CDC: U.S. Cruises Could Resume by Mid-Summer with Restrictions
  6. American Express Discontinues Non-Franchise Travel Associate Platform

MOST EMAILED

Brought To You By
  1. CDC: Vaccinated People Can Now Travel Without Testing or Quarantining
  2. Travelers to Quintana Roo Will Soon Have to Pay Tourist Tax
  3. Greece Will Welcome Travelers Again Starting on May 14
  4. Allianz Adds ‘Epidemic’ Coverage to its Travel Insurance Policies
  5. Travel Advisors Add Fees, Urge Clients to Purchase Insurance
  6. NCLH Submits Plan to CDC, Will Require All Guests to Be Vaccinated
Tip of the Day

I think being in contact with [my clients] gave them more confidence in me and the suggestions I offer.

Linda Kinsey, Custom Travel & Cruise

 Share...
Daily Top List
Brought To You By

5 Things Every Travel Agency Should Do To Boost Business

1. Specialize
2. Give a personal touch
3. Find your niche and sell an experience
4. Maintain a high standard of quality
5. Become a salesman…but inspire trust

Source: Azavista.com

 Share...
Previous Daily Top List
united
TMR Recommendations
Sandals
Sandals® Grande Antigua Resort & Spa – The World’s Most Romantic Resort
hbar
KNTO
Learn about Korea's amazing 5,000 year tradition, history and culture. Become a Korea Travel Specialist!
hbar
Top Stories
TMR’s Wellness Travel Outlook for 2020-2021 Is Now Available
TMR’s Wellness Travel Outlook for 2020-2021 Is Now Available

The Outlook surveyed over 1,100 travel advisors about what is happening and trending within the world of wellness.

Read...
Reflecting on 2020: Looking to Wellness and Medical Tourism in '21
Reflecting on 2020: Looking to Wellness and Medical Tourism in '21

As 2020 comes to an end, TMR invited a number of travel advisors and suppliers from all over the world to pen their own letter to the industry, reflecting on the year that was and looking to 2021.

Read...
ALG Vacations | Ready. Set. Go.
Read...
Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Dealing with the ‘New Normal’
Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Dealing with the ‘New Normal’

The U.S. Travel Association has partnered with the Infectious Disease Society of America and the CDC to try to establish consistent practices across the country.

Read...
CBP Postpones Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers Reopening
CBP Postpones Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers Reopening

Amid a resurgence in Coronavirus cases, the TTP enrollment centers will remain closed at least through Aug. 10.

Read...
The Travel Corp. Adds Trained Wellbeing Director on Guided Tours
The Travel Corp. Adds Trained Wellbeing Director on Guided Tours

The new program, which excludes tours in Australia and New Zealand, will begin with the launch of its domestic trips this year. 

Read...
News Briefs
  • Kentucky Derby is Rescheduled to September Because of COVID-19 Impact
  • Tianguis Turistico Rescheduled for September Amid COVID-19 Worries
  • Alaska Airlines Suspends Change Fees
  • Uniworld Amends 2020 Cancellation Policy Due to Coronavirus
  • Delta Air Lines Commits $1 Billion to Become Carbon Neutral
  • Tourism Cares Launches Online Auction
TMR Outlooks
Expedition 2020
Wellness Outlook
Distribution Outlook
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/-FN5SliZm8E/0.jpg
Video: How Will Advisor Commission and Supplier Compensation Change?
About Travel Market Report Mission Editorial Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
243 South Street, OysterBay, NY, 11771
News|Leisure Travel|Land Vacations|Cruise|Canada Retail Strategies|Well-Being|Luxury|Training
© 2005 - 2021 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy