When is the best time to travel?

When is the best time to travel?  

What a loaded question!  Without a few follow up questions, it’s hard to say when the best time to travel is. There’s several key factors to take into consideration, but the biggest two factors I focus on are: Destination and What does ‘best’ mean to you?  I am asked a lot “When is the best time to go to Disney (Disneyland or Disney World)”  and before I can answer that, I ask them, “What does ‘best’ mean to you?”  More often than not, people say “when it isn’t crowded!”

Let's dial that down a little.  Disney's crowds tend to follow school calendars - when school is in session, it's not as busy as when School is out of session.  School break and holidays are hands down the busiest times to be in the parks.  People like to take advantage of their kids not missing school, but many people have that same idea.  So if your kids are at an age where missing some school time isn't going to be a huge setback, or if your kids or young, or if you are just doing an adults trip - try to travel during the school year.  Also keep in mind, the school years run differently throughout the country.  Some start in early August and get out of school in May.  Some start in September and get out of school in June. 

Holidays - believe it or not, Holidays are some of the absolute busiest times.  I have had several people inquire about traveling the week between Christmas and New Years thinking it wouldn't be so crowded because people would be staying home with their families.  Unfortunately, that week is the busiest of the entire year - even more so than the summer time. 

The best time for your family to travel may not be the same answer as another family.  It takes a few more questions to really determine what that is.  More items to take into consideration - weather, special events in the parks, refurbishment schedules, the list goes on.  These are all part of the qualification period when you start thinking about planning your next trip.  If your head is swimming now, don't worry - I'm here to hold your hand all the way through!