Throughout most of the United States, you’ll find four different seasons. Choosing travel dates depends on which regions you wish to visit and which activities you wish to enjoy.

Both coasts are packed in the summer months from June through August for beach trips. However, the South stays warm for more months out of the year, allowing for great shoulder season travel.

Winters in the northern states allow for ideal skiing conditions, especially in the months of December through February.

Camping and visiting national parks are best experienced in the shoulder seasons from March through May and September through October to avoid high temperatures and an influx of tourists.