3 Ways to Beat the Crowds at Popular Travel Spots
Enjoy your vacation with the masses.
Maybe you don’t have much flexibility in your schedule and traveling in peak season is unavoidable. No worries. High season has its perks, if attractions stay open longer and transportation is more frequent. And you can still bypass the crowds with these tips.
Check www.cruisemapper.com for cruise ships scheduled to dock in your city, so you can estimate when must-see sites will be overrun. Many passengers prefer returning to the ship to eat meals, says Colleen McDaniel, of CruiseCritic.com, so you can sometimes avoid heavier crowds by exploring in the afternoon and evening.
You can also buy your way into a calmer experience. Prepay for tickets to in-demand sites, such as the Vatican Museum or Eiffel Tower, so you can sail inside rather than stand for hours in the ticket queue. Typically, the earliest or latest time slots will be the emptiest. City passes that bundle several attractions into one price might also fast-track your entry into those sites. Or join a tour that includes expedited entry (look for options labeled “Skip the Line” when searching for tours at www.viator.com).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Some museums or attractions, such as the Empire State Building, warn about busy periods or suggest quieter times and days on their websites. And some city websites tout offbeat itineraries that help you avoid the masses. If you would prefer quiet to convenience, choose accommodations in a residential neighborhood, and avoid the buzzing eateries near tourist attractions.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is Strong
From the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
By Quincy Williamson Last updated
-
24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You Money
Travel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Published
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
Frequent Flyer Tax Could Raise Billions for Climate
Could taxing frequent flyers help combat global pollution? Some climate scientists say yes.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
How to Make The Most of a Travel Insurance Claim
More travelers are buying insurance. If your trip is canceled, take these steps to increase your chances of recovery.
By Susan J. Wells Last updated
-
Great Deals on Family Vacations
Travel These budget and luxury family vacations will satisfy all three generations. We select the best camping, cruises, tropical adventures and more.
By Emma Patch Last updated