One of the best strategies for having a quality vacation on the cheap is to travel in the off season. The benefits are measurable in terms of time and money saved. It’s easy to begin planning an affordable getaway to a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

First, pick the place you want to go. Then, do some research to find out when this locale is really hot and happening. That’s exactly when you don’t want to go. High season is when hotels and airlines charge outrageous rates because people are willing to pay them!

Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Cape Cod. However, you know that accommodations are expensive, even more so if you want to stay near the beach. Many tourists head to this part of Massachusetts during the narrow window when the air and ocean water are warm. It’s literally a handful of weeks each year. If a rollicking beach vacation is what you want, then choose another destination. Go to Cape Cod to watch the sea oats wave in the wind, peek into quaint shops, and stumble upon intimate restaurants. Bonus: There’s no long wait for a table in the off season. Stay in towns like Falmouth, Hyannis, or Provincetown in late April, May, September, or early October. You can still stroll along the beautiful beaches–you just might need to wear a sweater. If you get giddy imagining a romantic stay at a seaside inn, then an off season vacation to Cape Cod is for you.

If you’re craving a sizzling beach experience, head to Miami, Florida in July or August. The summer heat sends most tourists running. So, hotels offer ridiculously low rates, and air transportation to Miami and nearby Fort Lauderdale is downright cheap. Even though it’s an off time for the city, there’s no shortage of eye candy on South Beach. Enjoy a leisurely walk down Collins Avenue without having to fight the crowds. You can easily beat the heat with frequent dips in the ocean or pool. Discover how affordable popular destinations can be when you travel in the off season.