It’s now time to celebrate the offseason. In a world of overtourism, it’s important to note that being a contrarian traveler has its benefits.

Go to Venice in November or February. Cruise the Mediterranean in December, not July.

And visit Jackson Hole and Aspen in the fall.

Think après ski, without the ski.

In the summer months, up to 30,000 people a day are in Athens, attempting to hike up to the Acropolis. Not very attractive.

In December, only a fraction of that number, and less chance of heat stroke on the way up. Same applies to cruising Alaska. Go in May or September. No kids on the cruise, and no overwhelming crowds in small Alaska port cities and towns.

You don’t need to get a suntan in Paris. Go there for Thanksgiving, a holiday not celebrated in Europe.

And when you think about it, the offseason is actually becoming the preferred season for smart travelers, with more than 180 countries that are safe and open.