As global travel rebounds and peak-season prices soar, more travelers are turning their attention to shoulder season. This is the best time to see the world without the crowds, driven by rising costs and changing preferences. That once-overlooked travel window is now gaining traction for its value, comfort and flexibility.
Travelers are now shifting their priorities and rethinking their next trip. More people realize that comfort, affordability and authenticity don’t have to come at the cost of experience.
Why travelers choose shoulder season
Going on a trip during shoulder season provides a practical and peaceful way to explore the world. Major attractions are easier to enjoy without the pressure of large crowds, letting travelers move at their own pace. This period, between the high and low travel seasons, often features lower prices, local culture and more temperate weather, which are perfect for vacations.
Tim Hentschel, co-founder of HotelPlanner, tells Forbes that if travelers can be flexible with their time, shoulder season travel “feels like a no-brainer.” He adds, “It puts consumers in a far more favourable position if they are willing to let go of some of the sentimentality surrounding peak season travel,” highlighting how shifting priorities and flexibility are redefining smart travel.
The key benefits
Shoulder season transforms the vibe entirely. Imagine fewer lines, more local charm and a budget that goes further than expected. It’s when travel feels like a secret you discover before everyone else does.
Lower costs, higher value
During shoulder season, airfare and accommodation prices often drop well below peak levels, offering substantial opportunities for savings. An analysis of nearly 600 airfares from the United States in August 2024 showed that flights during Christmas week cost 57% more on average than those in late August, a classic shoulder season window.
These savings go beyond budgeting basics. They create room for longer trips, better accommodations or unique experiences such as private tours and cooking classes. Add in vacation rental discounts on platforms like Vrbo, sometimes as much as $600 per night in destinations like Myrtle Beach and Pensacola, and it’s easy to see how shoulder season delivers serious value.
Peaceful travel experiences
When crowds thin out, destinations feel more accessible and less rushed. Popular attractions are easier to navigate, and travelers spend more time soaking in the atmosphere rather than standing in lines.
The slower pace fosters deeper connections with local culture and place. Fewer visitors also mean easier access to guided tours and one-on-one conversations with locals or small business owners.
Mild weather, major comfort
One of the biggest draws of shoulder season travel is balanced weather. Spring and autumn often bring moderate temperatures and fewer storms, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking or enjoying outdoor cafes.
In places like southern Europe or coastal cities, shoulder months provide enough sun without summer’s sweltering heat. Travelers can relax on beaches, explore vineyards and attend outdoor events with less discomfort, enhancing the season’s sense of ease.
Where to go during shoulder season
Picking a shoulder season destination is like finding a hidden door into a familiar world; everything feels more relaxed and local. The air is cooler, the lines are shorter and you get to experience the magic without elbowing your way through crowds.
US parks and fall cities
National parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon become more inviting in the fall, offering a scenic retreat into nature. Cooler weather makes hiking easier, while changing leaves add bursts of color to already stunning landscapes.
Outside the parks, cities such as New York and Boston come alive with fall events, food festivals and harvest markets. Venues are easier to access without summer’s long lines. This balance of vibrancy and space makes urban fall travel just as rewarding as nature escapes.
Europe’s cultural capitals
Europe in spring and fall feels refreshing and vibrant. Cities like Paris, Rome and Barcelona regain a local rhythm, while Tuscany and the Dolomites offer scenic views without summer heat or winter snow.
Travelers can enjoy seasonal festivals, food harvests and cultural events with more breathing room. Trains and museums also become more enjoyable without the crowds, and airfare often drops after the summer holidays end.
Mediterranean escapes
Mediterranean countries experience milder temperatures in April, May, September and October, offering pleasant weather without peak-season heat. Beaches stay warm and inviting, yet far fewer sunbathers crowd the shores. With fewer visitors, historic towns like Dubrovnik, Santorini and Seville feel more relaxed, and coastal roads, ferries and tours are easier to access.
How to plan a stress-free shoulder season trip
Planning for shoulder season means strategizing for something better. With research and flexibility, you can unlock smoother travel days, incredible savings and far less stress.
Know the local calendar
Travelers should consult regional calendars for holidays and school breaks, as these can lead to larger crowds. What qualifies as shoulder season in France may differ from Thailand or Australia, depending on local customs and school schedules.
To identify optimal windows, travelers can use tools like Kayak Explore to track seasonal flight trends. These insights help pinpoint quieter, more affordable times to visit.
Book flights first
Book flights before anything else, as some airlines cut service outside peak months, and shoulder season routes may sell out quickly or have limited availability. Early booking locks in better prices and ensures more options in terms of timing and destinations.
Watch for deals, too. Travelers can set price alerts on booking platforms like Hopper or Expedia, or subscribe to airline and hotel newsletters. Many of the best shoulder season deals appear just before or after peak dates, often as flash promotions, so acting fast helps secure significant savings.
Try smaller destinations
Travelers seeking more relaxed experiences should consider destinations just outside major cities. Usually unaffected by seasonal tourism, these towns keep their charm year-round. Visiting smaller locales makes the shoulder season feel even more personal and rewarding.
The best time you’re not booking yet
Shoulder season is making headlines as travelers look for better value and a more relaxed pace. As peak-season fatigue sets in, more people are opting for experiences that feel less manufactured and more meaningful. The perks of traveling outside the rush, such as lower prices and deeper cultural connections, are reshaping how people time their trips and what they value most in their experiences.
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.
The post Shoulder season travel is the best time to see the world without the crowds appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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