(To go directly to my picks click on the photos above)

People frequently ask me to find them a “deal” for their vacation travel. One of the best ways to get real value for your dollar is to travel in the off season. This morning I priced a cruise in the Mediterranean and was amazed at the bargain! For a 12-Day cruise leaving Barcelona on September 28th (meaning the cruise is actually in October), the price is $500 per person less than the same itinerary in August!

A balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas is only $1067 per person before taxes. That is only $89 per day! And October is still very nice in the Mediterranean. In Barcelona, the temperature still gets up to 27 degrees, Sicily averages 23 degrees and Istanbul is around 20.

My daughter & I took a motor coach tour in Europe at Christmastime one year. We spent Christmas Day in London and New Year’s Eve in Paris. The weather was about the same temperatures we get here in Vancouver but without the rain. Since my daughter lives in Montreal when she is living in Canada, it was downright balmy for her. The price was excellent and there were no crowds at any of the attractions. We loved it.

So if that destination you have always dreamed of visiting has been out of your reach financially, consider going during the off season. You might be pleasantly surprised.

In the meantime, hope you enjoy my picks for this month!