The Opposite

One of my favorite episodes from the iconic sitcom "Seinfeld" is titled "The Opposite." The central theme revolves around the character George Costanza, portrayed by Jason Alexander, who comes to the realization that every choice he has made in his life has been incorrect, leading him to conclude that his existence would be entirely different if he acted in opposition to his instincts. A particularly hilarious moment occurs when an attractive woman notices George; he approaches her and candidly discloses that he is unemployed and resides with his parents. To his surprise, the woman introduces herself and expresses her interest in him. In this instance, George defies his natural inclinations and exposes himself in a remarkably vulnerable manner. Upon rewatching this episode recently, I found myself reflecting on solo travel and the contrasting nature of our world. Solo travelers often operate in a manner that is quite different from that of our friends and family. For instance, you might choose to travel during off-peak seasons, when children are in school, or seek out less crowded destinations. Whatever the case may be, let's celebrate the notion of embracing the opposite.

Rolling the Dice of Offseason Travel

One of the contrasting aspects of planning and embarking on solo trips is the timing of your travels. Many solo adventurers tend to stick to a budget, which often leads them to choose periods when flight prices drop, accommodations (including hostels) are more affordable, and tourist spots are less crowded. From my own experiences, I've discovered that visiting a place during its offseason can be much more rewarding than going during peak times. However, there are some downsides to traveling during the offseason. The insightful Beating Jetlag highlights both the pros and cons of offseason travel through the author's journey to Sardinia:

Unfortunately, there are few direct flights to Sardinia in low season (especially to Alghero). Look for flight options with one stopover, or combine different airports (e.g. arrive in Olbia and depart from Alghero, or vice versa). If you still can't find any flight, try my Google Flights hack. Be mindful about opening times of some national parks. Always check their website or contact the local tourist office before visiting. Some restaurants might be closed, even if they show as open on Google maps. It’s always a good idea to call before going!

Traveling during the offseason can lead to lower prices and fewer crowds, but it might also come with a decrease in service quality. The weather is an important factor to consider; for instance, visiting the Northeastern United States in winter means dealing with cold and possible snow, while a summer trip to Arizona or Florida can expose you to intense heat. Indoor activities like museums and sporting events are always an option, but outdoor activities may be limited based on the weather conditions. Additionally, you might notice fewer group activities available, although this isn't a universal rule.

School's In, Solo Travelers Out

Fun fact about yours truly: I actually went to college with the goal of becoming a social studies teacher. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, and I ended up climbing the ladder in the insurance industry instead. My mother always said, "everything happens for a reason," and I truly believe it all turned out for the best. I have nothing against teachers, but I doubt I would have had the chance to travel solo as much! This makes me reflect on how many solo travelers tend to journey during the school year. In fact, you might find yourself traveling when kids are in school. With fewer families on the move, you’ll encounter less airport congestion, more available hotel rooms, and, best of all, smaller crowds at attractions. I’ve had great experiences traveling during the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My trips to Charleston and Wilmington, NC, were during this time, and the weather was pleasant (though a bit chilly in Wilmington). It wasn’t crowded, and I managed to explore the city without any issues. From my experience, the best times for solo travel in the U.S. are during the fall months (September to mid-November and early to mid-December), January, and late April to mid-June. Keep in mind, there are no strict rules set in stone, but traveling against the crowd usually works in your favor!

But I'm A Teacher!

If you're a teacher or professor with limited travel weeks each year, you'll need to think outside the box. Typically, educators have a month or two during the summer for travel, along with vacation weeks throughout the school year. If your job has specific restrictions on when you can take time off, don’t worry—traveling doesn’t always have to happen during the off-peak season. If you have the summer available, consider booking flights for weekdays, ideally from Monday to Friday, to avoid the weekend rush. If you do want to include a weekend, just be aware that it might increase your costs. During popular vacation weeks like spring break or winter holidays, you might want to steer clear of crowded beach spots in Florida and instead explore a National Park or a vibrant city (I’ve enjoyed many trips during spring break to places like Hudson Valley and Nashville). For winter or Christmas breaks, look for destinations in your area or places that are less busy, such as the upper Midwest or Northeast, where you can find great deals. Christmas is a wonderful time for family, but if you have the whole week off, consider a getaway between Christmas and New Year’s. Alternatively, why not celebrate New Year’s Eve in a new city? I did this during the pandemic when gathering with friends were canceled, and it was actually a fantastic experience!

Final Thoughts

The George Constanza character had some hilarious moments when he thought about doing the opposite of what was expected. Solo travelers can totally relate because going against the norm is part of the journey. Traveling in the offseason can lead to some unique experiences, like heading to a warm destination during the peak summer heat or exploring a cold city in winter or over the holidays, which often means spending time indoors. It could also be a great opportunity to discover a small town that doesn’t get much traffic while college kids are crowding the beaches for Spring Break. And let’s not forget the chance to visit that city you’ve always wanted to see during the holiday shopping season. Embracing the unconventional route is definitely something to celebrate!