It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning an international voyage or a trip to the beach community by the coast. Knowing when to go can make all the difference in a successful trip. You might be surprised by the benefits of shoulder season travel. [Scroll to the end to Download your FREE Month-by-Month Destination Guide.]
Read more: Why Travel During Shoulder Season?Three Benefits of Shoulder Season Travel
Understanding the Travel Seasons
The travel year is effectively broken into three seasons to visit a destination: peak season, low season, and shoulder season.
First, let’s take a look at peak season. That’s when most people visit popular destinations. The airfare and hotel prices are usually higher than other times of the year. The weather will most likely be beautiful, but you’ll probably be dealing with crowds, higher prices, long-lines, more traffic, and less than attentive service from overworked staff.
Now consider the low season. You may land an amazing deal on airfare and accommodations. Yay! And, you won’t have to worry about fighting crowds. In fact, there no one may be there, depending on where you go. Will you find yourself in the thick of hurricane season? A blizzard? Sticky humidity? Many resort locations close up shop during the low season, so make sure you do your research before booking that flight.
This brings us to that sweet spot between peak season and low season: shoulder season. It’s my favorite time to travel.
By carefully planning your travel times, you can easily reap at least three benefits of traveling during the shoulder season.
Benefits of Shoulder Season Travel
1. Cheaper Fares and Rooms
The first benefit of shoulder season travel is that it is cheaper than travel during peak season. You will save quite a bit on airfares, hotels, rental properties, and tours.
This might allow you to visit a region you might not have been able to afford otherwise. Or, you may decide to put the money saved toward upgrades and other experiences.
In some areas, Florida for example, peak season coincides with school vacations. So if you’re traveling with children, expect that you may have to take the kids out of class for shoulder season travel.
(That’s what we did one year when we visited Walt Disney World in early May. Did the kids miss a week of Math? Yes. Do they have memories that will last a lifetime? Yup. Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was an ideal time to travel, in my mind.)
2. Fewer Crowds
Shoulder season travel is far less crowded.
This means popular attractions, like the Uffizi Museum in Florence Italy, may not have as long ticket lines, and once inside, fewer tourists vying for the same glimpse of world-famous art.
In fact, travel overall–by car, train, bus, and by foot–will be easier. If you’re like me, you prefer to escape the crowds.
Travel during shoulder season may also make it easier to get dinner reservations at an in-demand. And, you may find the wait staff more attentive since they are not overworked.
By the same token, you may enjoy personal service at shops and boutiques.
3. Moderate Weather
Some might argue that shoulder season travel does not offer the best weather. My experience has been otherwise. I’ve found that in some cases, the peak travel season is just too hot! And what good is beach weather if all the beaches and pools are swarming with guests?
Sure, you may not want to swim in Cinque Terre’s Ligurian Sea in February, but you can put your toes in (like I did), and enjoy cool, comfortable weather that makes sightseeing (and air-conditioner free bus rides) much more pleasant.
Here’s the thing. During shoulder season, the weather may not be perfect; but then again it might be. Case in point: We happened to luck out with high 70’s tp low 80’s (F) weather on a November trip to Cat Island, Bahamas. Perfection!
Is Shoulder Season for You?
So, maybe there is some dreamy place you’ve crossed off your bucket list because you thought it was out of reach…or too crowded…or hurricane season. Even if it’s local, like a cool-weather trip to Cape Cod is for me, take another looking to see if you can take advantage of the benefits of shoulder season travel.
[bctt tweet=”During shoulder season travel, the weather may not be perfect; but then again it might be.” username=”enjoytravellif1″]
Have you had good luck with shoulder season travel? Drop me a note in the comments below!
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
I love traveling during off shoulder season. I love visiting destinations and having the place for myself without any crowds. I get to take photos without photobombers. So far, the weather is not perfect when I travel during off shoulder season. There will be days where it will be raining but it does not really affect our trip.
Yes! The photography aspect is huge for me. (And sometimes you can get some really great moody shots on a rainy day!)
We too are great believers in Shoulder season travel for all the reasons listed above. In fact, we even tend to veer towards the low season. You will find us traveling to very hot places in summer when people are actually traveling away from them or very cold places in winter.
I like the way you think! It sounds like a really good way to experience a region as a local might, too.
Until now, I am forever traveling in shoulder season or low season because of costs etc and its fantastic. Even my first visit to Venice, Italy saw not many people around and I loved it. But now I have two young daughters, looks like I will have to travel peak season for a while. However I dont usually do all-inclusive resorts where the travel firms jack up the prices, I go to destinations where most British people dont go to for their vacations and still have a blast/find a piece of paradise. 🙂
I love that you’re finding off-the-beaten-path places to travel; that is also a great approach to avoiding crowds and saving money!
Though I love to travel during the shoulder season,my longer trip every year is invariably during peak season as that’s the only time my spouse is able to take out twenty days together.You are so very right on the benefits of each season.
Twenty days of vacation at any time of year sounds fantastic!
Shoulder season is definitely my favorite time of year to travel. Like you say: fewer crowds, milder weather and cheaper prices. The problem is that not everybody can take advantage of the shoulder season. If you have small children, you are bound to travel only when they are on vacation. But I am over that part of my life already, so I can benefit from the advantages of the shoulder season. Great information!
It truly can be more difficult timing-wise (and money-wise!) with children. Confession: When my kids were young, I actually pulled them out of school for vacations. I honestly felt the experience they received through travel was an important part of their education. I am also past that chapter now and happy to report that both embrace travel as young adults!
This is such a great idea! I tend to go at peak when it is crowded and more expensive, but it sounds like the in-between seasons are perfect both financially and crowd-wise. I need to research my destination list and figure out when to go!
Absolutely, Jennifer! I’m sure you will discover great savings and a more pleasant experience without the crowds. Try it out on your next trip!
Travelling in shoulder season is also my favourite time to travel. I like that there are fewer crowds. Although there may be fewer crowds, sometimes attractions are reduced so we still worry about booking in advance. We have often found the weather in shoulder season to be great. Especially in these days of weird weather.
I agree it is smart to do your homework before booking to make sure restaurants and attractions will be open. Most usually are during shoulder season (as opposed to low season) but it can be hit or miss. You are right about the weird weather, too. I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad about that…
I love to travel during shoulder season! September is my favorite, it’s my birthday month AND I can use a holiday in the mix so I get an extra vacation day! I don’t do so well with Apr-May, things aren’t green yet and look dreary
September is superb in so many locations; some of my favorite destinations offer great foliage, too! I could do without the “dreary” myself. You might try going a little further south for April to find spring in full bloom — but then you’re closer to peak season. 😉 Happy Birthday in advance!
I 100% agree with you on shoulder season. It’s my favorite time to travel (spring/fall). I also have found the weather to be favorable, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices!
I don’t know why more people don’t do it!
Great information. I’m planning a trip to Bangkok and Phuket next year. The cheapest time to visit is during their shoulder season which also happens to be the start of their rainy season. Per my research, March is a good time to visit because they are coming out of their rainy season and temperatures have not reached the level of HELL yet. And September is another good time because the region is beginning to cool down. I agree with you about traveling during the shoulder seasons.
Yes, look for that sweet spot, LaQuisha! I’ve had great luck with it. 😀