No matter when you decide to visit La Isla del Encanto, that’s the best time to visit Puerto Rico. As its nickname says, there's a certain kind of luxurious magic to the island. Any time is a good time to revel in all that the Caribbean island offers, like tasting fresh and local cuisine alongside the crystal-blue sea and dancing with friends in the historic-yet-buzzy streets of Old San Juan, whether you check in to a colorful Airbnb or a swanky beachside resort. And there's no shortage of things to do for all kinds of travelers: For the shoppers, explore PR’s stylish boutiques or vintage shops, some recommended by the iconic and local music artist Bad Bunny. For those seeking adventure, hike the limestone cliff caves of Arecibo. Around every corner in Puerto Rico, there are lush rainforests and beaches, history and art, music and cocktails—you name it.
Why 'dead weeks' are the best time of year to travel
06.12.2024 - 21:25 / thepointsguy.com / Samantha Brown
The weeks after Thanksgiving might be the best time of year to travel. Prices are low, the weather is often mild and attractions are uncrowded.
Travel expert and TV personality Samantha Brown recently posted a Reel on Instagram stating as much, saying, "The Monday after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of what is known as a dead week. ... It represents a huge lull in travel, so things like airfare and hotels are 50% off their summer peak price highs."
In an email interview with TPG following her video, Brown expanded, saying, "Dead Weeks begin the Monday after Thanksgiving and can run up to two weeks following the holiday. The week is especially 'dead' when Thanksgiving falls earlier in the calendar, like it did in 2022 when it was on the 24th."
"Looking at the first two weeks of December, there is a definite opportunity for cheaper fares, a 'mini shoulder season' between Thanksgiving and the uptick that happens for Christmas," an Expedia spokesperson shared. "For example, a roundtrip ticket from NYC to Paris starts around $620 this week and climbs to over $1,000 starting on the 17th."
However, they added that travelers are increasingly coming home the Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving weekend to avoid crowds and the high prices associated with returning on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so airports remain busy the first half of that week.
Accommodations are also cheaper then. According to Vrbo, occupancy levels and average daily rates on vacation rentals drop during the first two weeks of December.
Even using points and miles can get you better deals during these periods — dead weeks are one instance where dynamic award pricing can work in your favor because demand and prices are low.
These dead weeks are an ideal time for travel to Europe. There are basically no crowds, it's not very cold yet and prices are cheap, yet things are fun and festive thanks to the start of the holiday season.
"Europe in winter can be really magical because you're not worrying about the excessive crowds you'll experience during the summer months with high heat AND high prices. It's a lot more relaxing," Brown told TPG. "Right now, people are fixated on the Christmas markets, and they are very busy in places like Munich, Cologne, and Vienna, but even Portugal has Christmas markets which are low key and are favorites amongst the locals."
Related: The 15 best Christmas markets in Europe
Brown adds that saving money in secondary cities beyond Paris and London is particularly easy. She especially loves Vienna and Budapest, Hungary, this time of year.
"People complain that it gets dark early, but these cities are magical at night with their monuments all lit up," she told TPG. "Vienna has so many former
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