United States in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited United States in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Times Square without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Los Angeles felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best New York pizza I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

road trip culture was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.