5 Off-Season Vacation Packages in the West That Cost Under $400

noblige / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Given how expensive travel can be, it’s no wonder that so many people opt for off-season vacation packages instead of peak season ones. Not only is off-season travel generally cheaper, but you can find some great deals when you bundle multiple things into one vacation package.

But when is the off-season in the western U.S. and where should you go?

“Late fall (November) and late winter (February-March) are ideal off-season times,” said Emily Dreilich, travel expert at Voyagers Travel. Traveling during these times lets you avoid the summer tourists and the winter holiday crowd.

As for where to go, GOBankingRates put together this short list of vacation packages to check out in the West this off-season.

Los Angeles Explorer Tour Package

The LA Explorer tour package is a three-day trip that lets you explore the Los Angeles area. It costs $385 and includes two nights at a hotel, an expert guide, meals, and transportation. It’s geared toward travelers ages 18 to 35.

Here’s the basic itinerary:

• Day One: Start in Los Angeles. This first day, you’ll have free access to a hop-on-hop-off bus that’ll get you around the city as you please. During this day, you can check out bars on Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. that night, you’ll stay at a hotel in Little Tokyo.
• Day Two: Continue in Los Angeles. This is a great day to check out Venice Beach — weather permitting — or visit some local amusement parks. You can also do the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour if you skipped it the day before.
• Day Three: End in Los Angeles. It’s time to go back home or, if desired, extend your stay. You’ll need to pay extra for that, though.

Premier/Anniversary Package in Oregon

It might not be warm enough to go swimming, but you can still enjoy a romantic holiday with a loved one with this off-season package. The main highlight is the stay at the Whale Cove Inn, which is located in Depoe Bay.

For $210, you can add a romantic package onto your stay. This includes a bottle of chilled French Champagne, two monogrammed Whale Cove Inn robes, and flute glasses that you can keep as mementos.

The inn itself has seven signature suits and a premier suite, so you have some variety. If you feel like splurging a little, the premier suite comes with many amenities, including a private oceanfront balcony and an outdoor jacuzzi tub.

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

If you enjoy hiking, then the Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada is something you must check out. With a maximum group size of 12 people, all of whom must be 15 or older, this is a tight-knit tour that gives you the opportunity to see places like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.

The tour spans over five days and has the following rough itinerary:

• Day One: San Francisco. Start with a group hike around Lands End Trail. During this hike, you’ll get to see the Golden Gate Bridge and many other locals. After this, return to your hotel or explore Chinatown.
• Day Two: Yosemite National Park. Head out to Gold Rush Country in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and explore some beautiful waterfalls and cliffs.
• Day Three: Mammoth Lakes. This is an easy hike around Tuolumne Grove on the Giant Sequoias trail. It also includes the Tuolumne River trail and the Pothole Dome.
• Day Four: Convict Lake and Mono Lake/Lake Tahoe. Hike around Convict Lake where you’ll take in views of Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain. Later in the day, you’ll get to explore the South Tufa Nature Trail and take a scenic drive to Lake Tahoe.
• Day Five: Lake Tahoe/San Francisco. Hike the shores of Upper and Lower Echo Lakes before going back to San Francisco.

This package includes four nights at a hotel, breakfasts, and access to a 15-passenger van that takes you to and from the various activities. Pricing varies based on when you go.

Food Lovers Trip in Oregon

The Inn at Northrup Station in Portland, Oregon has several special offers for off-season travelers. This particular trip is geared toward foodies, so if that’s your kind of thing, you might want to check it out.

It includes:

• Lost Plate Food Tour tickets (15% off)
• King or double queen suite
• Keepsake wine glasses
• Bottle of Fullerton Oregon Pinot Noir
• Moonstruck chocolates

You’ll have to book directly with Lost Plate for this tour. The estimated cost of a two-day stay is $348.

Scenic Seattle, Portland and Oregon Coast

If you have a little more time, this eight-day tour gives you plenty of opportunity to explore the scenic Seattle, Portland, and Oregon Coast. It includes several things, including a luxury coach, breakfast every morning, and a few other meals. It also includes accommodations, a travel director and, of course, a driver.

The itinerary includes:

• Day One: Make your way to Seattle. Depending on what time you arrive, you can start exploring this day or head straight to your hotel.
• Day Two: Take a guided dive into Seattle’s local history and culture.
• Day Three: Visit Bainbridge Island and Port Angeles.
• Day Four: Explore Olympic National Park.
• Day Five: Visit beautiful Astoria.
• Day Six: Continue to explore the Pacific Northwest and sample the local cuisine.
• Day Seven: Visit the Columbia River.
• Day Eight: Head home (or on to your next destination).

The price for this one isn’t listed online, so it’ll depend heavily on your choice of accommodations and restaurants. You can keep costs low by choosing local places to eat or preparing some meals at home. You can also choose a hotel outside of the city center and take local transit in.

Share This Article: