The off-season is the perfect time to travel solo. Destinations are less crowded, so you can blend in with the locals and explore at a relaxed pace. You’ll also find better prices, including free nights and other incentives.
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To find out where solo travelers might find the best deals, GOBankingRates talked with travel experts to get their recommendations for the best destinations for solo travel under $1,500.
Niagara Falls, Canada
The Canadian side of the Niagara Falls offers the most spectacular views and a more cosmopolitan and resort-like atmosphere compared to the U.S. Off-season pricing and a favorable exchange rate make it a budget-friendly destination for American solo travelers.
Susan Catto, head of publishing, Canada at Travelzoo, told GOBankingRates that “the sheer variety of options for hotels, restaurants, concerts, theatre and wineries makes it easy to save in some areas while spending more in others, so you can customize your budget however you please.”
Expedia lists weeklong hotel stays starting around $700 in November, leaving plenty of room in your budget for the many dining and entertainment venues — not to mention spas, casinos and wine-inspired activities — located in and within a short drive of Niagara Falls.
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Lima, Peru
Peru is an exceptionally diverse country, Catto said, and Lima’s affordability, low crime and diverse cultural scene make the capital city an excellent way to experience it solo.
Lima considers itself the gastronomic capital of South America, with restaurants offering traditional and fusion cuisines. Between meals, you can explore historic sites, visit museums and galleries and enjoy Lima’s natural wonders while hiking, paragliding or relaxing on a beach.
GOBankingRates found many air-and-hotel packages for $1,200 or less flying out from Chicago O’Hare (selected for its central U.S. location).
Dublin, Ireland
Catto recommends Dublin for its rich history and hidden gems that are easily accessible to solo travelers.
“There is plenty to do in the city itself, and it’s easily walkable, making it a feasible destination for shorter trips,” she noted.
“For those who favor a more nature-focused experience, there are a number of good options for traveling beyond the city as well,” Catto said
In addition to must-sees such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Museum and the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin offers a thriving arts scene, with hundreds of performances, exhibits and experiences scheduled throughout the off season.
Air and hotel packages start at around $1,100 for a weeklong stay in November.
Comporta, Portugal
When most travelers think of Portugal, they think of Lisbon. But Carrie Culpepper of the hospitality marketing firm J.Mak Hospitality recommends Comporta, a small beach town about 75 miles outside of Lisbon, for a different travel experience.
Also known as the Hamptons of Portugal, the town is popular with Lisbonites during the summer season. But Culpepper says the fall shoulder season is perfect for solo travelers and a great pairing with Lisbon.
While some restaurants and activities might be closed during the winter months, low season offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy beaches, shops and restaurants.
“The area also has a ton of great activities to do and beautiful nature and wildlife to see,” Culpepper said, citing physical activities in the areas varied landscapes, including pastoral bike rides to the beach, stand-up paddleboarding in an estuary, horseback rides through sand dunes and exploring a bird sanctuary. Beyond nature, ancient culture awaits in the form of Roman ruins.
Rates are low this time of year, with single rooms at the AlmaLusa Comporta hotel, which J.Mak represents, starting at $160 per night. Elsewhere, air and hotel packages start at less than $1,000.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Top 4 Places To Travel Off-Season Under $1,200 as a Solo Traveler
