Need a break from allergy season? Why not take a vacation? Head for lower-pollen destinations during the worst parts of the season for relaxation...and relief. Plan your getaway:

• Consult a map. Thinking of heading south to thaw out after a harsh northern winter? Be careful -- you may be traveling right into an allergy attack! In the Southern United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, tree pollen is typically worse from January to June, grass pollen from April to September, and ragweed from July to November. Heading north? Tree pollen's worse from March to June, grass pollen from May to August and ragweed from August to October. Learn more about how the allergy seasons vary by region.
  
  
• Imagine fun without sun. Pollen counts can fluctuate dramatically from day to day even in the same location because of changing weather. While a wet and chilly climate may not sound like vacation fun, pollen counts can be consistently low there. For example, Seattle is often overcast, but virtually free of ragweed pollen year-round -- and there is so much to do!
  
  
• Watch the wind. Windy weather can pull in pollen from hundreds of miles away, so try to travel where there isn't much of a breeze. The exception to this rule is an ocean setting, where the breezes coming in from offshore are pollen-free.
  
  
• Time your outings. Pollen counts ebb and flow throughout the day. Generally, levels are at their highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Sleeping in a little later might mean fewer sneezes once you're out and about.