During certain times of the year, such as summers, spring break, and winter vacations, everyone seems to be traveling. However, these popular travel periods often see a surge in airline and hotel prices. An effective strategy to avoid these heightened costs is to plan your travel during the shoulder season. It requires some strategic planning and flexibility but can save you significantly on your vacations.
The term ‘shoulder season’ refers to the time falling between the peak and off-peak tourist seasons. Nearly every popular vacation destination has its peak and off-seasons. The peak season is when crowds are largest and the prices most exorbitant, and the off-season is when the weather might be less appealing for tourists, and usual hotspots lose their crowds and may even temporarily close down. To get the best deals, opting for the shoulder season is the wisest travel decision one could make.
The shoulder seasons vary based on the destination but generally fall around autumn and spring. For instance, the ideal time to visit a beach destination like Cancun, Mexico, or Costa Rica might be during the warm and dry winter months. In contrast, summer and early fall are less busy, thanks to scorching temperatures and potential bad weather. The shoulder season for these locations is around early May or April.
On the other hand, Greece’s shoulder season is around late September or October. So instead of visiting during the peak summer holiday season through July and August, travellers could enjoy the mild Mediterranean waters before winter by timing their visit correctly.
According to the latest statistics, travel prices (including transport, lodging, recreation, etc.) have increased by more than 20% since 2019. Despite the rise in prices, travelling off-peak or during the shoulder season can help save significant amounts of money.
Consider these examples:
1. Booking flights during the shoulder season could bring significant savings on ticket prices compared to peak travel months. On premium fares, you could save thousands of dollars per ticket.
2. Domestic vacation destinations also have shoulder seasons, and the savings can apply on fares you purchase, not just for international travel.
3. Hotel bookings during the shoulder season can offer significant savings compared to peak periods.
It is essential to remember that airfare and hotel prices differ depending on when you book, the days you travel, and several other factors. But regardless of these, off-peak times generally have cheaper prices due to lesser demand.
Another aspect of planning your shoulder season trip is the non-travel costs. Local restaurants and tourist attractions often lower their prices when there’s less tourist demand, offering discounts on ticket prices. Always research your travel destination to maximize your savings during the stay.
Shoulder season is an excellent time to take advantage of travel deals, but prices in popular destinations will still be relatively steep. Therefore, it is best to adopt a combination of strategies to make the most of each dollar spent on your trip.
Consider things like when to book, choosing off-peak flight times and days, and looking into alternative destinations. It’s also beneficial to have a travel credit card, as they offer discounts, savings, and more when booking and while on vacation. Many travel credit cards provide rewards and bonuses which can lead to substantial savings when you’re ready to book your trip.
Remember, planning your trip wisely will not only maximize your savings but also ensure a fantastic vacation with fewer crowds.
