Or simply rejigging journey calendars by a few days.

"If you can't travel during off-peak times, select an off-peak day," says Wicks. Tuesdays and Wednesdays have the cheapest airfare.

Here are other recommendations from well-traveled experts.

Get on a boat during the hurricane season

"You just have to be flexible about itinerary changes."

During hurricane season (which runs from the start of June to end of November), travelers are more likely to encounter a storm. "But unlike a hotel, a cruise ship can change route to avoid it," she adds.

"This means you can take advantage of good deals without much chance of seeing bad weather."

If a storm impacts the itinerary, it may not be possible to see every port scheduled. "Cruise lines often try to replace with other islands not affected."

Head to the tropics during rainy season

Bali, Thailand and the Philippines are typically less popular during the rainy monsoon season. But going during this time can mean more adventurous water sports and amazing discounts.

"On the other hand, the wet is better for river rafting (better flow conditions) and waterfall chasing," she adds. "There's also something wildly beautiful about sitting on your open terrace and watching a storm roll in, then roll back out again."

Storms usually only last 30 minutes, says Carroll. "Then the sun is back out to play."

"However, it's still the tropics, so if rainy evenings aren't your thing then avoid January to April and October to November," he says.

In Thailand, a spell of rain actually clears up the air and cools things down, says Chalermsak Suranat, Tourism Authority of Thailand director for Dubai and the Middle East.

"The greener countryside is more relaxed thanks to empty beaches and quieter hotels. And the prices of hotel rooms are slashed."

The rainy off-season in the Philippines is a perfect time to save money and do outdoor activities (like surfing, white water rafting, kayaking and river boarding) without breaking the bank, says Wanda Teo, Philippines tourism secretary.

"Despite downpours, the sea remains calm. It appears like a vast swimming pool with turquoise waters," she adds. The result is a setting perfect for discovering marine life in Palawan, snorkeling and finding Nemo.

"Travelers can also discover the perfect selfie backdrops with a waterfall after rain in Mindanao and Visayas."

For added luxury, there's the option of renting an entire island in the Philippines during the much cheaper off-peak season. They can be booked on Airbnb.

Try a winter spot in summer or autumn

When people think Lapland, they think winter, piles of snow and freezing temperatures.

"Lapland is the antithesis to the urban hustle and bustle," she says. It has beautiful national parks with cold fresh air. "The water is so pure that you can drink it straight from the streams."

"Also, one of the best-kept secrets is that the Northern Lights can be seen for a full eight months, starting from late August."

In summer, travelers can experience the midnight sun lighting up the sky 24-hours a day.

"Hiking, horseback riding or quad biking in the middle of the night, under the glow of the midnight sun, is an experience that will stay with you forever."

Finland's free national parks are recommended. "Start with Nuuksio National Park. From here, explore the many hiking trails or even go out by canoe," Brett adds. It's possible to eat and pick wild blueberries and mushrooms along the way.

"All across Finland they follow the rules of "every man's right" (jokamiehenoikeus), which states travelers can camp in the wild for free."

Similarly the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Austria and France take on a lush natural beauty that's rarely seen during its crisp white winters.

Some hotels shut, but the result is that the valleys are less busy overall.

Go to a summer place in the winter

Florence, Florida and the Mediterranean are all spots loved for their warm weather and promise of sun. But heading there during the colder months can mean incredible discounts and quiet attractions.

Winter sports like ice skating and snow tubing are popular, while Florence's winding roads are less busy.

Just make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as June to November is Florida's hurricane season, he adds.

Most people think of the Med as a summer vacation, says McDaniel.

"But spring and fall will get you to beautiful ports when they're less crowded." Weather can be colder, making it perfect for people who want more sightseeing than beach time.

In addition to better prices and free upgrades, cruise lines tend to offer longer itineraries with more leisurely schedules, she says.

Visit a business spot during the holidays

As a serious business hub, Geneva's quiet season happens during regular peak seasons for other destinations.

"In the summer travelers can enjoy the lake and water activities (like cruises, paddle boarding, water skiing, etc). There are outdoor events like an open-air cinema (Cine Transat) and free concerts like Musique en Eté and Les Aubes Musicales."

Skip the big attraction for smaller delights

Wherever the animals are expected to migrate, prices are the highest.

"The northern Serengeti from November to March is an ideal off-peak choice," she adds. "It has great game all year round in a beautiful setting, with the only flowing river in the Serengeti."

Travelers can enjoy wildlife sighting without the crowds. "Plus, they might even catch the migration if they are lucky!"

The animals are still there, he adds. "But there are far fewer people viewing them."

Kyoto draws throngs of visitors during the cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season. "Yet visiting from late spring to early summer is a great time to explore the city's famous gardens and temples," says Takao Yamamoto with the Kyoto City Tourism Middle East office.

"There's also beautiful weather to enjoy cycling or rickshaw rides in the Arashiyama district, all with fewer tourists around."

Brave the desert in the summer

"The Dubai summer is scorching hot," he acknowledges. "But there's plenty to enjoy out of the sun." These include Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, water parks, over 96 malls and climate-controled pools at many hotels.

Like Dubai, Qatar is incredibly hot during the summer. Yet it can be culturally fascinating to visit during the Ramadan period (expected to fall from the end of May to the end of June in 2017).

"Once the sun sets, locals break their fast, get ready for fun, food, music, shopping and late nights."

Plan your trip around a low-key event

St. Lucia in the Caribbean is popular from mid-December to April.

The weather is more humid and wetter during the summer and autumn months, he acknowledges. "But rates are cheaper and St Lucia is simply beautiful for the scenery."

Head to Goa between June and August. While the monsoon rains are in full force during this time, travelers can enjoy Sao Joao (24 June) and Bonderam (celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August).

On the island of Divar, locals celebrate Bonderam with a vivid flag parade and a brass band. "It's a memoir to the protest by the locals against the Portuguese, which gives a glimpse into the history of this beautiful destination."

While Goa's certainly rainier during this time, there will be fewer crowds, less traffic, lush green landscapes and swelling waterfalls.

Find Africa's gorillas in the rain

Gorilla trekking is expensive any time of year.

In April, May and November, permits can be found for $150 less than the peak-season purchase price. Safari and accommodation rates drop as well.

"These are the best months to travel to Uganda if you don't mind a little extra rain."

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the top spots to visit during low-season due to fewer visitors. "Tracking and photographing gorillas is always a challenge, but it's even harder with a large group of tourists all trying for the best photo."

"Chance of rain increases, but in Bwindi it rains year round."

Johnston recommends combining a gorilla trek with a safari or chimpanzee trek. "You're already there during low season, so you might as well check a few more experiences off the bucket list."