Timing is inevitably one of the factors people think about as they
decide when and where to travel. If you're getting ready to embark on a journey
— whether it's across the country or just to a neighboring state — there are
things you can do to make smart time-related choices.
Times of Reduced Traffic
Sitting in traffic for hours can be enough to put a damper on even
the most highly anticipated trips. You can avoid vehicular slowdowns by
determining whether your routes might be especially frequented during certain
times of the year versus others. For example, if you're planning on driving
down a major interstate that borders a coastal route, you might encounter many
cars full of people heading to the beach. It would be better to steer clear of
them by taking that route during the off-season for beach lovers.
In general, seasonal activities greatly impact the number of
people traveling on roadways or using planes, trains, and buses. Routes that
take people to ski resorts will typically be more frequented in the winter
versus the summer, just like individuals flock to seashores when it's
warm.
Even your best efforts to avoid time-related traffic may fall
short. That's why it's wise to plan some road-trip activities to stay entertained in the car or while
traveling in another way.
Peak Periods of Limited-Time Activities
The best time for your U.S.-based trip may also depend on the
timeframes surrounding whatever's on your itinerary. People head to
California's Antelope Valley to see the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and the seasonal wildflower bloom. The
tricky thing is that the peak timing varies from year to year and can begin as
early as February.
Also, many people go to Central Virginia's Skyline Drive to marvel
at the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves. They're not equally splendid during
each week of the fall season, making it necessary to research the conditions
for the year when you want to travel and make your trip plans accordingly. You
can usually go to state park websites and tourism board portals to get details
on the best times to travel during a given year.
Weeks That Don't Coincide With College Breaks
Thinking about going to Florida for several days? Take a look at
the college schedules first.
Many students learn Orlando spring break tips and use them when figuring out how to
enjoy fun in the sun and a break from the textbooks. Universities often have
spring breaks happening throughout March, so that's worth keeping in mind as
you pick travel dates. The month of December can also encourage college
attendees to travel, especially because many of them often get a month or more
away from campus around the holiday season.
There's no need to feel like you absolutely shouldn't travel at
the same time that the majority of college students take their vacations.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that you'll likely have to expect
larger-than-normal crowds.
It's not always possible to plan the best time of year for a trip.
Fortunately, though, these tips should get you off to a good start.
