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- Tagged shoulder season travel.
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Summer is behind us, and many of us are looking ahead to take a trip when there are fewer tourists, special tour deals, and lower airfare and hotel prices. You’ll also get more authentic experiences, as locals will have more time to connect during the slower tourist season.
Key Takeaways
- Make your travel rewards go further. Shoulder season often offers better availability for airline miles, hotel points, and upgrades.
- Plan ahead for seasonal changes. Check tour schedules, attraction hours, and local events, and pack for changing weather to make the most of your trip.
- Don’t skip travel insurance. Weather disruptions, delayed flights, lost baggage, and unexpected medical emergencies can still happen, making travel insurance an important part of protecting your investment.
Shoulder-Season Destinations to Consider
Some of the best shoulder-season destinations include the following:
- Greece is a great option in September and October, as you don’t have to deal with the crowds at some of the most popular islands in the summer or when visiting cultural sites like the Acropolis in Athens. Plus, it’s not as hot (but still warm enough for the beach), and you get better hotel rates.
- Italy and Portugal also still have great weather, lower accommodation costs, shorter lines at major attractions, and relaxed coastal sightseeing. The islands of Madeira and the Azores also shine in the off-season with sunny weather and whale watching.
- Japan, a popular destination, is great in November, with stunning autumn foliage in parks and temple grounds. Visit Kyoto, including its famous sites like Tofuku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji-go), and Nikko. November weather in Japan averages around 62 degrees, making long walking tours pleasant.
- France is always ideal for a romantic getaway or birthday celebration, especially in the fall. You can bask on the beaches in Nice or wander the Louvre with fewer crowds.
- Hawaii, from September to December, gives visitors some of the archipelago’s best weather. Head to Kauai, one of Hawaii’s least visited islands, known for its lush landscape and laid-back pace.
- Argentina’s shoulder seasons offer the chance to experience some of the country’s most iconic landscapes with fewer crowds. Imagine Patagonia with blossoming landscapes and abundant wildlife. Southern right whales are present off Península Valdés during this period, and Magellanic penguins are nesting. Spring (September through November) is particularly well suited for exploring Iguazú National Park, with pleasant weather and impressive water flow.
- Iceland in September brings opportunities to see whales. You have milder temperatures and lower prices.
Look for Hotel and Airfare Bargains During the Shoulder Season
Many international airfares drop during the shoulder season. You can see a 20% to 30% drop in hotel and airfare costs to Europe and the Mediterranean when traveling September through November compared to July and August. Domestic U.S. travel also drops by up to 30% after Labor Day. Check out package deals on travel sites like Expedia and KAYAK.
If you want to use airline miles or hotel loyalty points, you may find even greater value during the shoulder season. Award availability is often better than during peak travel periods, making it easier to redeem points for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. Many hotel loyalty programs also offer reduced point redemption rates or special promotions, helping travelers stretch their rewards even further while enjoying fewer crowds and a more relaxed travel experience.
Protect Your Travel Plans
Although shoulder-season travel often means fewer crowds and lower prices, the unexpected can happen. Traveling between seasons can bring more unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, tropical storms or hurricanes, and fog that can delay or cancel flights. Transportation strikes, delayed or lost luggage, and unexpected illnesses or injuries can also disrupt your plans and result in costly out-of-pocket expenses.
Travel insurance can help protect your investment if your trip is interrupted by a covered event. Depending on the policy you choose, coverage may help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, cover emergency medical treatment while traveling, and provide benefits for travel delays, medical evacuations, and lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage. Before you leave, review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered so you can enjoy the savings of shoulder-season travel with greater peace of mind.
TravelInsurance.com can help you find the right policy for your trip so you can enjoy your getaway, knowing you’ve got coverage if something goes wrong.
Shoulder Season Travel Tips
- Check attraction and tour schedules. Some guided tours, ferries, and seasonal attractions operate on reduced schedules or fewer days during the shoulder season. Reserve popular excursions in advance and confirm operating hours before you arrive.
- Verify restaurant and business hours. While restaurants, shops, and attractions generally remain open, especially in popular destinations, some may have shorter hours or close one or two days each week after the peak tourist season ends.
- Pack for changing weather. Shoulder seasons often bring cooler mornings, warmer afternoons, and occasional rain. Dress in layers and pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, especially if you’re visiting mountainous or coastal areas.
- Book accommodations strategically. Hotels may offer lower rates, but some boutique properties and seasonal resorts reduce availability or close for maintenance. Reserve early if you’re traveling during festivals or regional events.
- Take advantage of flexible travel dates. Flying midweek or adjusting your trip by a day or two can often unlock even greater savings on airfare and accommodations.
- Reserve rental cars in advance. While demand is generally lower, rental car inventory can be limited in smaller towns, islands, and national park destinations during the shoulder season.
- Monitor local events. Harvest festivals, wine celebrations, cultural events, and holiday weekends can make certain destinations busier than expected, even outside peak travel months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the shoulder season for travel?
A. The shoulder season is the period between a destination’s peak and off-season. It typically offers fewer crowds, lower airfare and hotel rates, pleasant weather, and a more relaxed travel experience.
Q. Is shoulder-season travel less expensive?
A. Often, yes. Airfare, hotel rates, and vacation packages are frequently lower than during peak travel periods. Travelers may also find better availability when redeeming airline miles and hotel loyalty points.
Q. Do I still need travel insurance during the shoulder season?
A. Yes. While shoulder season often offers better value, travel disruptions can still occur. Unpredictable weather, flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage, transportation strikes, and unexpected medical emergencies can affect your trip. Travel insurance can help protect your investment if a covered event interrupts your travel plans.
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