Perfect Timing
Best times to visit world’s most popular destinations
The Seven Wonders of the World earned the title for being among the most spectacular creations.
They can take your breath away for their majesty — and be absolutely miserable for the sheer number of crowds. Their fame is most of the problem; too many people want to see the most celebrated sites on the planet, resulting in crowds, congestion and eye-popping costs. The same is true for the world’s marquee travel destinations. The more famous and popular is, the worse the experience visiting — at least if you go during its high-season.
To avoid expensive disappointment, you could forgo such places entirely, heading off the beaten path or to “second cities.” Or visit when the bulk of the crowds have dispersed.
Lower demand means lower prices, particularly when it comes to airfare, says Laura Lindsay, trends and destinations expert for the flight booking site Skyscanner.
That doesn’t mean the lowest of the low season, either. February in Manhattan may be cheaper and quieter, but it also means gray skies, icy sidewalks and frigid temperatures — not ideal for exploring the city’s parks or waiting for a Broadway matinee.
We talked to experts for the perfect combo of good weather, fewer people and affordable prices in some of the world’s busiest destinations.
Rome: February to March
It’s hard to appreciate a perfect scoop of gelato when you’re standing elbow to elbow to eat it, so skip Rome in the summer. “The summer has gotten really hot and crowded,” says Simone
Amorico, CEO of Access private tour operator.
Instead, he recommends visiting the Eternal City in either the winter — outside of the frenetic “festive season” just before Christmas to New Year — or spring. “Then it becomes quite busy after Easter,” Amorico said. According to Skyscanner, you’ll find the lowest airfare in the heart of spring between March and April.
Another solid option: Thanksgiving. “It’s not crowded at all,” Amorico said.
Istanbul: September
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Last year, Istanbul was ranked the most visited city in the world with 20 million international visitors, according to the annual index from Euromonitor International, a global research company. Most travelers head to Turkey between June and August, which is why local journalist Jennifer Hattam — who wrote our guide to Istanbul — recommends waiting until September.
“It’s really quite perfect,” she said.