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Discover five underrated travel destinations where visiting in the off-season means fewer crowds, beautiful scenery and better deals

Chad Madden / Unsplash

Summer may be the traditional season for vacations, but it is not always the smartest time to visit some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. Once peak-season crowds disappear, travelers can find a different version of popular vacation spots, with quieter streets, cooler temperatures, changing leaves and, often, significantly better prices.

That is the appeal of traveling during the shoulder or off-season. According to Reader’s Digest, shifting a trip by even a month or two can open up destinations at a fraction of their high-season cost. The savings can be especially noticeable at hotels, while fewer visitors can make outdoor attractions, restaurants and local sights more enjoyable.