One of the greatest benefits of retirement is the freedom to do the things you love on your own schedule. No longer shackled by your 9-5 (who are we kidding, it was more like 7 – 6:30) job, nothing stands in the way of your mid-Tuesday matinee or Thursday morning tee time. So why not apply this newfound superpower to your next vacation? Here are eight reasons why traveling mid-week can make your vacation more relaxing and get you inspired to start planning.
1. Less traffic
When you think back on weekend adventures in days past, did they always start with hours of staring at brake lights? Heading out of town on a Friday night, when everyone else was heading out of town, couldn’t be avoided back then. That’s not true anymore. Now your adventures can start on Tuesday morning if you want them too. Just think about it, you’ll be cruising against traffic at full speed just as everyone else is making their way into work.
Mick Haupt
The best attractions are the most popular. It makes sense, these places are great so lots of people want to experience them. But nothing crushes a vacation like spending most of it queued up. However, fewer people can get to a museum or historic site on a random Wednesday morning. And that’s exactly when you’ll be there, browsing, seeing, and experiencing all the same amazing places without spending an hour waiting to get in.
3. Less expensive
It’s simple supply and demand. When more people want something, the cost can be higher. But when a thing is less sought after, businesses often lower the price to attract more buyers. This universal law of economics plays out every week at travel destinations all over the U.S. Tour companies, transportation providers, and even Broadway shows often offer midweek discounts.
Museums are famous for having lower price tickets Monday through Friday. So not only will you skip the line, but you’ll save some cash while you’re at it.
4. Better flights
Ross Parmly
When you were on your employer’s schedule, you would book trips to begin on Friday or Saturday and end on a Sunday. That way, you could leverage weekends to save vacation days.
Unfortunately, everyone else was doing that too. The result was crowded and overpriced flights.
Now you’re free to roam when you want, so you have your pick of great fares. Actually, most travel experts say that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly.
5. More dining options
Even in small towns, it can be impossible to get a seat at the best restaurants on a weekend. If you can get there during the week, however, that shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, you can even find a restaurant’s most and least popular times in Google maps. They are listed by day and found in the same area where you can find photos, websites, and phone numbers. As an added bonus, bars and restaurants tend to offer weekday happy hours. Not only will you get to try the most popular places in town, but you’ll do it on the cheap.
6. Experience nature with fewer people
Dan Meyers
Strolling amidst towering redwoods or scented pine is an incomparable experience that can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It’s difficult to become truly immersed in nature when sharing the trail with hundreds of other hikers. Now, you don’t have to squeeze in a walk when everyone else does. Instead, you can amble at your heart’s content on uncrowded paths with unencumbered views.
7. More available services
It’s true, just about every tourism-related service operates on the weekend. But what if you need a post office or bank while on the road? When you’re traveling on a weekday, you’ll have access to these services so your vacation doesn’t come to a stop while waiting to take care of a simple errand.
8. Create some envy
Nick Dunlap
Sure, your vacation is all about you. But think about how much fun it will be to send your friends a campfire photo captioned: “Just a regular Tuesday night.” That’ll remind them just how much fun retirement can be.
9. KOA makes travel more relaxing
Vacations should be relaxing. Traveling midweek and staying at a KOA will help them stay that way. With over 500 KOAs across North America, you won’t be stressed looking for a convenient place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Amenities like on-site laundry and WiFi mean the little things will be easy to take care of. Plus, online booking and the downloadable app takes the worry out of planning your trip.
It’s time to get out of the habit of thinking vacations can only happen over the weekends and start thinking about all the fun things you can do (for less money!) while everyone else is still at work. So take advantage of the midweek deals, you’ve earned it.
