Here’s my passionate opinion: Summer is the worst season to travel. Because all destinations are crowded, hotel prices are high and reservations are nearly impossible to get. And avoid waiting in airport lines from check-in to customs. While traveling during peak season certainly has its appeal (there’s no denying that sunny weather makes your vacation even better), there are more cost-effective ways to travel. It’s the so-called shoulder season.
What is shoulder season?
If you’ve ever traveled during peak season (looking at you, Europe in July), you know the unique frustration of sharing your dream destination with others. Shoulder season is the sweet spot for travel between the busy and slow seasons of the year. Hotels and tourist attractions are still open and the city is still buzzing with the last energy of the peak season, but most of the tourists have already packed up their bags and gone home, so everything is quiet. Shoulder season is usually spring or fall, typically September to November in the Northern Hemisphere and March to May in the Southern Hemisphere. And it’s the savvy traveler’s secret weapon for experiencing a destination at its best.
Source: Dupe Photos |Cora Parsley
Benefits of shoulder season travel
Need more convincing? Here’s why shoulder season travel is the most cost-effective.
1. Find out the best and least crowded places
The beauty of traveling during shoulder season is not just that there are fewer tourists, but that’s definitely a big perk. For example, a beach trip to the Mediterranean Sea is actually good for swimming, as the sea temperatures are at their warmest in September and October. Months of summer sun slowly warm the water, making it feel luxuriously warm even into October.
2. Hotels and flights are often much cheaper.
You are also more likely to get great travel deals during busy seasons. Hotels and airlines often slash prices to fill rooms and seats after the summer rush. That five-star hotel that was full and crowded in August will probably be half the price in October. Travel Agent Tip: If you book with Trip Advisor or email the hotel in advance, you can often get a free upgrade on arrival as many luxury rooms become available.
3. No need to fight crowds to see the most popular sites
Want to try a new restaurant? Would you like to visit that famous museum? If you’ve ever tried to enter the Louvre in the summer, you’ll have to spend an entire day waiting in line under the blazing sun. But Mona Lisa is just as beautiful in the fall, and you can see her in just a few moments. Plus, you no longer have to set your alarm for 3 a.m. to try to book a reservation at a trendy restaurant and win the Resy lottery. During shoulder season, you can often walk to the most popular spots and be seated within minutes.
4. Experience the seasons in a new place
More romantic seasonal scenery is often seen during the shoulder season. If you go to the East Coast or Europe in the fall, you’ll be treated to perfect, crisp days and beautiful fall foliage. Destinations suitable for hiking and exploring on foot are ideal during shoulder seasons when it’s not too hot. But be sure to do your research. Some locations may be empty for some reason, such as during the rainy season (even hurricanes and monsoons!) or around cultural holidays.
5. Travel like a local
When there are fewer tourists, you’ll want to share cafes with locals instead of other travelers, encounter neighborhood festivals instead of tourist traps, and visit popular lands to avoid having 20 strangers in the frame. You will have to take pictures of the marks. Plus, the lighting tends to be extravagant this time of year, with the golden spring and fall sunshine making everything look even more magical.
Recommended spots for shoulder season
As a travel agent, I say the overrated peak season should be avoided. Instead, consider visiting the next destination on your bucket list during shoulder season.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Source: Pexels | Nick Kwan
Do you feel like everyone has been going to Tokyo lately? You don’t imagine it. As of May 2024, Japan has welcomed over 8% more tourists than before March 2020. It’s no wonder why. Tokyo is an emerging world city of food (in my opinion, where you’ll find the best pizza in the world), fashion, and all-around good vibes. Cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo in the spring, but fall is the best time to travel without the crowds.
2. Paris, France
Source: Pexels | Chris Molloy
Speaking of the post-pandemic tourism boom, Paris has always been a target of global wanderlust. Still, thanks to the Olympics and a certain Netflix series, it’s more popular than ever. The shoulder season offers the most tranquil Parisian experience. After the exodus of locals in August, the real Parisian energy has returned. Whether you’re visiting classic spots like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre (where the wait times are much shorter) or trying out a trendy wine and gelato bar (which is worth the hype), Paris is always worth a visit . Have a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg surrounded by fall foliage, or relax with a chocolatier topped with whipped cream at a historic café.
3. Mexico City
Source: Pexels |Bhargava Maripati
One of my favorite destinations of all time to visit and recommend, Mexico City is amazing all year round, but especially in the spring and fall. It’s become one of the top foodie destinations in recent years, and visiting during the shoulder season gives you the best chance to gorge yourself on Michelin-starred gourmet food. Particularly humid summers can also be avoided. October and November offer the best temperatures and, if you time it right, you can take part in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Don’t miss San Angel’s Sunday Art Market. Take a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan on a day trip.
4. Turkish Riviera
Source: Pexels |Engine Accult
The Turkish Riviera is quickly replacing the Amalfi Coast as one of the premier multi-city beach-hopping destinations. Istanbul is always busy (and that’s part of its charm), but during the shoulder season you can enjoy the idyllic beach clubs of Bodrum and Antalya. Prices are falling, the scorching summer heat is giving way to completely calm days, and the Mediterranean remains surprisingly warm throughout October. Cruise the turquoise waters on a traditional Turkish gulet boat and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Needless to say, shopping at the Grand Bazaar is much more pleasant without the summer crowds.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Source: Unsplash | Maddie Baker
Santa Fe is a popular fall destination. The weather remains sunny, but the air is still crisp, providing perfect conditions for exploring the desert landscape. It’s also an ideal destination to combine the relaxation of a spa trip with a calming cultural tour. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, stroll through the historic plaza, and hike the Dale Ball Trail. The Ten Thousand Waves natural hot springs are also at their busiest during the shoulder season, and you may have them all to yourself.
6. Scotland, United Kingdom
Source: Unsplash | Brian Walker
There’s nothing quite like autumn in Scotland, filled with crisp fall foliage. From Edinburgh to the Highlands, Scotland comes alive in autumn with cultural events and exhibitions, turning the landscape a gorgeous golden hue. Browse through Edinburgh’s many second-hand bookstores and visit trendy bakeries that represent Edinburgh’s growing pastry scene. Or you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the countryside.
7. Coast of Maine
Source: Pexels | Robert Schrader
I spent most of my teenage years in New England, and I’m a firm believer that the best time to visit Maine is in the fall. Summer residents are flocking back to New York and Connecticut, where an idyllic atmosphere is in the air, much like the coastal chic of Nancy Meyers on screen. Stroll along the beach on a crisp morning, visit a lighthouse, and admire New England mansions in the beautiful fall. Or you can head to the lake for a cold but refreshing swim without anyone else around.
8. Croatian coast
Source: Pexels |Jian Tan
For a different kind of coastal retreat, head to Croatia’s castle-dotted landscape. In autumn, the Adriatic Sea is perfectly warm, the summer yachting crowds leave, and you can enjoy the walls of Dubrovnik almost alone. Go island hopping without peak season fees, enjoy wine tasting on Hvar Island, and explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
9. Southern California
Source: Pexels |Demian Tejeda-Benitez
Southern California’s climate is famous for being warm year-round. So when the crowds thin out in September and October, make the most of the sunshine and head to Palm Springs, Ojai, or the California Coast. The only drawback is that, unlike the bath-like temperatures of the Mediterranean during the shoulder season, the Pacific Ocean rarely gets warm. However, there are many outdoor pools, and they are at their emptiest and warmest during shoulder season. Go surfing without joining the usual lineup in Malibu, hike the trails at Torrey Pines, or enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach in Laguna.
10. Balearic Islands
Source: Unsplash | Mariya Olynyk
Mallorca and Menorca are among the most popular island destinations in the summer. Seeking relief from the crowds of Ibiza, tourists are beginning to seek refuge in the Balearic Islands, where a number of new hotels and gourmet spots are springing up. The bad news: Prices are high and unless you visit during shoulder season, the beaches are packed with crowds. Many of the island’s hotels are seasonal, so you’ll get the best deals if you book your stay in the last few months before they close for the winter.
Why travel during shoulder season?
Traveling during the shoulder season isn’t just about saving money (although that’s a great perk), it’s about experiencing your destination at its most livable and appealing. Being surrounded by locals will make you feel more like a traveler than a tourist, which will enrich your experience. It’s also the secret to a less stressful, less crowded holiday experience and a truly relaxing experience. Even the shoulder season is a time when travel is becoming more popular among savvy jet-setters. Book your fall and spring retreats as soon as possible.
meet the author
Langa Chinyoka, Contributing Writer
Langa is a writer and strategist based in Los Angeles. She currently works as an editor and content strategist at a marketing agency. Her work has appeared in The Paris Review, British Vogue, Highsnobiety, Eyeswoon, Camille Styles, The Good Trade, and more.
