Tips for Tuesdays: Shoulder Season - December

Today's Tip: Looking for great deals, fewer crowds, and near-perfect weather? Here's where you should go in the month of December:

• Costa Rica: After months of rain, the clouds are finally thinning. Go through mid-December to take advantage of the shoulder season.
• North American Rockies and European Alps: The snow has returned, but the winter season is just beginning. Go from late November through mid-December to take advantage of the shoulder season. 

Tips for Tuesdays: Shoulder Season - November

Today's Tip: Looking for great deals, fewer crowds, and near-perfect weather? Here's where you should go in the month of November:

• Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific: The water is crystal clear before cyclone season, making it a great time for snorkeling and diving.
• The Caribbean and Mexico's Riviera Maya: Before the holiday rush, beaches are empty and it's easy to find hotel deals. Go through mid-December to take advantage of the shoulder season before the holidays.

Tips for Tuesdays: Shoulder Season - October

Today's Tip: Looking for great deals, fewer crowds, and near-perfect weather? Here's where you should go in the month of October:

• Dubai: Days are cooler and camel-racing season has begun. Hotels, meanwhile, are enticing travelers with bargains. Go from early September through October to take advantage of the shoulder season. 
• Mediterranean resorts: Rates have started to drop, but you'll still find ample sun on island such as Crete, Ibiza, and Sicily.  
• Vancouver Island, Canada: Room prices have dropped by nearly half, and it's still warm enough to enjoy wine tasting at the island's many vineyards. Go through November to take advantage of the shoulder season.