Casing the Country: When To Go

There are certain times of the year when you just don't want to be somewhere. Take Washington, DC, for instance, where most tourists visit in the summer when it's hot, sticky and downright miserable. But, a smart tourist knows to go in the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more pleasant and you can see such natural beauties, such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in April.

Timing is everything when it comes to travel, and knowing what to expect and when to expect it is a crucial step in planning a successful trip. Click below to see my tips on planning when to go somewhere.

• Weather can make or break your trip, so know what to expect before you go. Weather.com is a great place to find the average temperatures and rainfall for anywhere around the world.
• Holidays can affect your travel as well, so make sure you know when they are and what to expect. Every culture celebrates differently, and you need to be aware of how a day of celebration might impact your trip.
• Costs can be greatly affected by when you choose to go. Common sense will tell you that the beach is more expensive in the summer, as is a ski resort in the winter. Take the time to find out the high season for your destination. Often, if you plan your trip around a shoulder season (in the spring or fall, for example) you'll be able to take advantage of pleasant temperatures and lower rates.
• Finally, look for any cultural anomalies about where you are visiting. For example, it's widely known that many countries in Europe effectively shut down for the month of August, while everyone retreats on their own vacation. Do your research beforehand, and you won't end up disappointed.