You can score great prices on hotels and flights in January and May — just before and after the high season. And amazing deals on packages can also be yours during the fall hurricane season. Since many hotels and airlines have storm guarantees, it’s not a total gamble. “The industry has made a lot of concessions for travelers to make sure they’re protected,” explains Heather Leisman, director of merchandising at the travel site orbitz.com.

Europe

Straddle the summer peak season by planning a trip for late October to early November, or January through April. Or how about a spontaneous long weekend in Paris or London? “There’s great value in last-minute fares, even seven days in advance,” notes Leisman.

Skiing

February and March are the peak months, but you can find bargains — and usually plenty of snow — in January and the first two weeks of April. Not only are flights more reasonable, but many hotels offer free nights, upgrades or rate reductions. “April, in particular, is a time when you can get out west for dirt cheap,” says Leisman.

Disney

Consider September: Hotel rates are low then because families are focused on getting kids back to school, says Leisman. Have school-age kids yourself? Do Disney right before the school year starts, or over a long weekend.

Las Vegas

Vegas may seem like a hard sell in the summer. But that’s exactly when you can get the lowest prices — all while staying cool. Hotels pump out the AC, and visitors float around the pools. “It’s hot, but you don’t ever have to go outside, even to go from one resort to another,” says Leisman.