When to snag off-season deals

However, if you can be flexible with your dates and activities you can dodge these pitfalls and score some great deals. Here's when to find discounts to six of the most popular (and pricey!) tourist hotspots, according to Forbes Traveler:

The Caribbean and Central America

In the snowy months of winter our thoughts go south to sunny escapes. The problem is many travellers are thinking the same thing -- including families and students on spring break getaways.

If you're looking for the best weather and the best deals, try May and June when the temperatures start to rise and prices begin to fall (by as much as 50 per cent). If you want the lowest prices, September through November is the quietest time of year and when resorts are trying to fill rooms.

The caveat: The weather. Summertime means toastier temperatures than back home, but that's not a problem if you love the heat. Unfortunately, when the ocean warms up, the climate trouble begins. While hurricane season technically starts in May, it's late-August to mid-October when the islands and coasts will see the most storm activity. Even if a storm doesn't make landfall, rainy weather might put a damper on your vacation.

The chances of your vacation being ruined by a hurricane are pretty slim, but you can minimize your risk by sticking to islands that are less prone to hurricanes -- like Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba -- and making sure your resort has a hurricane guarantee so you can reschedule if needed. Travel insurance is also a must -- just make sure it covers the weather. (See Tips for travel during hurricane season for more information.)