Timing is Everything, the Cheapest Times to Travel

Maybe this is the year that you’re looking to travel more, but you're on a budget. If that's the case, then you may want to know the best times to travel with the best deals on flights. Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, teamed up with a cheap travel expert to determine the cheapest times to travel this year.

According to their experts, there are high, low, and shoulder seasons throughout the year when traveling. The high season is going to be the most expensive time and most popular time. This season typically takes place from mid-May through the third week of August. They did note that holiday weeks are also subject to high-season markups.

Meanwhile, the low season is a slow season. It runs from mid-October through mid-March, with the exception of major holiday weeks. They said that this is the most cost-effective time to travel. "Low season or slow season is going to typically be the dates that people are not traveling. These are going to be the cheaper options for flights and stays across the board," said their expert. The magazine points out that when traveling in the low season, you may find that your options for entertainment, dining, and shopping are limited due to seasonal closures.

If you're looking for a great compromise, they said that you get the best of both worlds during shoulder season. What exactly is shoulder season? Well, it's in those months right before the high season or right after. They said it typically runs from mid-March to mid-May and late August to mid-October.

"The rates are going to be more normal. This is also the time when the weather just tends to be better for most places," said their expert.

If you're more of a spontaneous traveler, the magazine recommends following the deal rather than searching for specific dates. This can be done by subscribing to travel newsletters, setting flight alerts, and looking for last-minute flights for less. They said this is better than waiting for great deals to "coincide with dates that you’re available to travel."

See what other tips they have to offer when it comes to traveling here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.