Traveling is a passion for many, and while the idea of exploring new destinations is thrilling, the timing can make a significant difference. Shoulder season travel offers unique opportunities that can redefine your travel experiences.
It’s that time of the year again, the much-awaited shoulder season!!
I have a couple of very budget-friendly trips planned for this season and next, and I hope some of you will find this helpful so that you can book trips as well! In this week’s blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling during shoulder season: what it means, best places to visit, pros and cons, and more!
What Exactly Is Shoulder Season?
Simply put, there are two major shoulder seasons every year: April-May and September-October.
It is the time between peak tourism season and the least desirable travel times of the year. This period is what many refer to when they talk about during shoulder season travel.
For some places, summer is peak tourism time. Think Europe in July – the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the colors are vibrant. For other places, the dead of winter will be peak tourism time. Think Caribbean destinations in December – when it gets too cold in other parts of the world, people flock to the warmth.
On the opposite hand, there are some places that probably wouldn’t be worth spending a ton of money on during certain times of the year – Iceland in January for example. It’s dark like 20 out of 24 hours or something crazy, so naturally this is the least ideal time of year to visit. Shoulder season is the in-between.
Pros of Traveling During Shoulder Season
The benefits of traveling during shoulder season in Europe, and elsewhere, are plentiful.
Here are a few:
Cost
Traveling during shoulder season is significantly cheaper than traveling during peak tourism time. These places know when most people are going to be there, and they raise their rates accordingly. When tourism season starts to die down, they still want to attract people to visit, so they lower rates to keep people interested. Flights, hotels, transportation, and even a lot of tourist attractions will be cheaper and you can save tons!
Crowds
Traveling outside of peak tourism time means fewer crowds and less “touristy vibes”. It means more availability, shorter lines, and less waiting. This is probably my favorite “pro” because I often find that this is the best time to find the most authentic experiences in new places. The locals are more likely to be out and about when the tourists are gone, and those are the best people to talk to and learn from!
Weather
Typically, the weather during shoulder season is still amazing, just not as extreme. In Europe, for example, it will still be warm and beautiful but it won’t be HOT. To me, this is a pro because I don’t like to feel like I’m on fire when I’m sightseeing and walking a lot. It also definitely won’t be cold yet, so you won’t have to worry about snow or ice or packing tons of warm clothes.
Cons of Shoulder Season Travel
Like all things, traveling during shoulder season has its drawbacks:
Missing Out on Season Specific Activities
Unfortunately, there are some things you simply can only do during specific seasons. For example, Italy would be an ideal place to travel in October because you’d miss the summer crowds. However, if you were visiting the Amalfi Coast, it might be too cold to swim. If you want to visit Amalfi specifically to ride a catamaran around the island and swim, this would be a serious con. It’s definitely worth considering what you’ll be sacrificing.
Best (and Worst) Places to Visit During Shoulder Season
When you’re considering traveling during shoulder season, some destinations stand out more than others:
April
- Best – Some of the best places to go in April will be in Western Europe. Choose from any of the major cities: Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, etc. The weather will be warming up but won’t be too hot yet – you might have to deal with some rain, but the smaller crowds and cheaper prices make up for it (in my opinion).
- Best – Another great option here will be Australia. Remember, their seasons are backward so it will be turning to autumn around this time. Temperatures will be cooling off and crowds will be slimmer.
- Worst – The Netherlands. This will actually be peak tourism time in the Netherlands because the famous tulip fields will be in full bloom and tourists flock to see them. This is still a bucket list trip for me, don’t get me wrong, but just the worst time of year in terms of shoulder season traveling.
May
- Best – A great option for May will be Japan. You will have just missed all of the cherry blossom festivals, which are a huge tourist attraction and drive prices up. The weather will be nice and the crowds and prices will be much smaller. This, though, is a great example of what you’re willing to sacrifice – if you really want to see the cherry blossoms, this wouldn’t be ideal for you.
September
- Best – I know this trip seems far-fetched and it’s on a lot of people’s “one-day” lists, but go with me here: South Africa! SA is actually a very affordable trip if you travel during shoulder season or off-season. This time of year is early spring in SA and prices are much lower!
October
- Best – Back to Europe, but this time it’s Southern Europe! This time of year Northern Europe will have started to get cold. If you stick near the Mediterranean, it will usually still be warm. If you’ve ever wanted to see Southern Italy (Rome, Naples, Sicily), Southern France (Provence), Spain, Portugal, etc., now is your time to go and save big!
Now obviously this list isn’t comprehensive. Shoulder season travel are different in every region of the world – just make sure you do your research and check out some blogs to read about the pros and cons of traveling to your destination during each time of year!
In Conclusion
Shoulder season offers travelers a unique blend of advantages, from cost savings to fewer crowds. While there are a few potential downsides, with the right research and planning, it’s possible to have a fulfilling travel experience.
Thanks for joining in on this one, and I hope you’re inspired to plan some trips!
Remember, if you have queries about shoulder season travel, or need help with your travels, feel free to ask.
Here’s to making your next trip the best one yet!
FAQs
Why Should I Consider Traveling During Shoulder Season?
Great question! Traveling during shoulder season comes with a heap of advantages. Imagine exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona or the romantic alleys of Paris without the usual touristy hustle and bustle. Besides, your wallet will thank you! Costs for accommodations, flights, and attractions often dip during this period. And, from my personal experience, the interactions with locals become richer and more authentic. This is probably my favorite “pro” of traveling during this season.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Shoulder Season Travel?
While I’m a massive fan of traveling during shoulder season, it’s only fair to mention some potential cons. Depending on the destination, you might miss out on some season-specific activities. For instance, if you dream of swimming off the Amalfi Coast, October might be a tad too chilly for a dip. But don’t get me wrong, for every activity you might miss, there are countless other experiences waiting for you, minus the crowds!
Which Destinations Shine Brightest During Shoulder Season?
Oh, the places you’ll see! While shoulder seasons vary by region, Western Europe in April, Japan in May minus the cherry blossom rush, or South Africa in September are all splendid choices. Remember, it’s all about timing and location. And if you ever want a personalized recommendation, reach out! I’ve got a treasure trove of shoulder season gems up my sleeve.
Are Flight and Hotel Prices Really Cheaper During Shoulder Season?
In a word, YES! The beauty of traveling during shoulder season extends to your budget too. As the tourist rush slows down, many hotels, airlines, and attractions drop their prices to lure travelers in. It’s a win-win: destinations get a steady stream of visitors, and you get to enjoy world-class experiences without breaking the bank.
