10 Good Reasons For Travelling Off-Season

Hello!

We have not reached the end of the Venice Travel Diary yet, but since the trees are heavily shedding their leaves, it't time for an intermezzo. 

Before and after our week in Venice we've spent a few days in Carinthia. Yes, Carinthia, the Southern province in Austria, the region only 3 hours away from Vienna, which I love over above any other region in Austria.

We love to take vacations during off-season. Being DINKS, having the freedom to travel off-season, I see many only advantages. 

#1: Stress-free parking space

Search for a (free) parking lot, close to a lake side? Something we hardly ever never experience. (pictured: not our car)

 #2: Colourful nature

Blossoms? Are highly overrated. Plants go through their most interesting phase in autumn.

 #3: Most of the staff will be on leave (*)

With most of the staff is on leave, we can approach interesting places such as the "Parkhotel" in Pörtschach at the Lake Wörthersee unhindered.

(*) this is an advantage as long as you don't want to stay in a hotel. 

Nobody showed up and interrogated us.

Personalhaus = hotel for hotel staff

Parkhotel = hotel for tourists

Still exploring the grounds of the Parkhotel. Pictured: the alleyway to the private tennis court

The tennis court seen from below, standing at the seafront

... which brings me to

 #4: Pleasant walks in the sunlight

Company at the seafront at Lake Wörthersee next to the Parkhotel

During high-season it would be impossible for me to enjoy a walk in direct sunlight. But now, with the temperatures around 16°C, direct sunlight is enjoyable any daytime.

#5: Everything around you says "Break"

The lake off-season is remote. A remote sight is inviting. It invites me to do .. nothing.

#6: You can actually hear nature 

During high-season there is a lot going on on a public beach. Kids jumping into the water aka shrieking girls, mobile phones ringing, motorboats in front of you, honking cars in the back. But now, during off-season, all you can hear is the sound of dry grass, moving gently in the autumn breeze. 

 #7: You will develop a slower path

The spectacular colours around slow your path. So much to see, so much to capture. #teamcolourlove

Shades of green and yellow, spotted on a banal parking lot next to the street

#8: You have the chance to enjoy Panoramafreiheit at its best 

In Austria we are allowed to take pictures of private property as long as we stand on public ground. 

Since most of the oweners of the villas around Lake Wörthersee are away off-season, you can enjoy your right of the Panoramafreiheit unhindered.

The ability of houses to transform over time, how they transform over time, is something that fascinates me. 

Two examples:

Pictured below is a perfect match, where the car compliments the house really well. I mean, imagine a Hyundai. No, don't imagine a Hyundai! Just look at the old Volvo:

This lettering is wearing an expiration date, unfortunately.

 Some of the more recent buildings leave me rather clueless:

 #9: You can stop for silly poses anywhere, anytime. No one around to look.

Seems "Sushi Bruch" became the successor of the once so famous ...

.... Mixed Grill.

# 10: After a pleasant day you will enjoy a stress-free ride back home

Empty roads during off-season (picture taken on our way to the lake)

Off-season in Venice? Is something we still need to find. Nevertheless, we've enjoyed those busy days in Venice. More stories to come soon!

Have a nice Sunday,
Paula