Why you should travel in the off-season

The off-season is when smart travelers get going -- you'll get the best deals are when everyone else isn't traveling. Here's when to expect deals for various types of travel:

Europe off-season
Europe is a great place to visit in the winter, because you'll find lower airfares and no crowds in top cities like Amsterdam and Paris.

Caribbean off-season
In summer, think about traveling to the Caribbean. Everyone goes in February to escape cold weather up north. But in June, temperatures in the Caribbean only go up about five degrees. You'll also find no lines, no crowds, better service and better deals. Worried about hurricane season? Go early in the summer and you'll find amazing weather and empty beaches.

Ski resorts off-season
Off-season at ski resorts is when there's no snow -- but summer can be a great time to visit for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Cruise ships off-season
In May and October keep an eye out for great one-way deals on cruise ships. These are called "repositioning cruises," when the cruise companies move their ships from winter to summer destinations, such as from Barcelona to Galveston, Texas. The voyages still sail via popular cruise spots like the Caribbean, and are usually a fraction of the price of peak season cruises.

Related: top travel destinations of 2015

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