The best time to rediscover a destination - 'shoulder season'

(ARA) - The first few months of the year when many Americans are spending time at home trying to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation.  However, planning for a time known as "shoulder season," the time between peak season and low season, is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare, hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way.

"Many travelers don't think to travel in the weeks and months following the holidays," says Brad Dean, President and CEO for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "However, a shoulder season trip can be the best way for travelers to relax after a busy holiday season.  Destinations offer their lowest rates and best deals of the year at this time and consumers can get away for a fraction of the high-season cost."

So when is "shoulder season?" It will vary slightly depending on your destination. Figuring out a region's shoulder season could be as easy as checking out rates at a few area hotels to determine when the rates are at their lowest.

Consider these convincing facts about shoulder season travel and what a great value it can be for your vacation dollars:

* Hotel rates, airfare and attraction fees are often significantly lower during the shoulder season than any other time of year. Hotels especially are eager for business during this season and respond with deeply discounted rates and incentives to entice travelers.

* Last minute deals. You can plan and implement a very budget-friendly travel itinerary in a relatively short time - sometimes just a day or two as opposed to weeks or months of planning ahead that's needed during busier seasons.

* Shoulder season travel presents the opportunity to view and experience a popular destination, one you may have visited before during peak season, in a whole new way. For example, destinations like Myrtle Beach, S.C. that bustle and buzz with activity in the peak season can take on a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere in shoulder season. You'll have access to the same major attractions, shows, dining and shopping that peak season travelers enjoy, but at a less frantic pace.

* And in that vein, you'll enjoy free access to popular attractions. Lines for popular attractions - most of which will stay open year round - will be shorter in shoulder seasons than any other time of year. For example, in Myrtle Beach, top entertainment venues and attractions as well as multiple live entertainment theaters are all open for business but with shorter (if any) lines and less crowds.

* Because you'll be getting a great deal, there's also the opportunity to extend your vacation by a day or two and take some exciting trips to surrounding areas. The more relaxed attitude of shoulder season travel means you will feel more open to the idea of exploring the surrounding area. Visitors to the Myrtle Beach area, for example, can enjoy side trips to Huntington Beach State Park, the nearby picturesque community of Conway, and the Lowcountry gem of Pawley's Island.

Finally, shoulder season is a great time to travel to a drive destination, like Myrtle Beach. You'll find less traffic and a more relaxed commute to a location considered one of the top driving destinations for leisure travelers along the eastern seaboard and Midwest.

To learn more about shoulder season travel opportunities in Myrtle Beach, log on to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and DawgByte Productions

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