What is shoulder season?
If you're looking to save a few bucks when planning your vacation, a travel expert has revealed that you should keep the off-peak season in mind when booking your flights.
According to Daily MailTravel expert and CEO Jesse Neugarten explains that a “shoulder season” is the most cost-effective time to travel and generally refers to “the periods between peak and off-peak travel times, when destinations are less crowded and travel costs are generally lower.”
Neugarten gives an example: When traveling in Europe, shoulder season is late spring (April to early June) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is usually still good without the high prices and large crowds of peak season.
The travel expert also advises travelers to book their stay three months in advance to take advantage of the best deals. She also gives some tips on how to save money. These include:
- Plan your trip in advance,
- Be as flexible as possible,
- and use fare alerts for flights.
Tips to Save Money When Traveling on a Budget
If you still need a little help traveling on a budget, here are some additional tips to consider:
USE PRICE COMPARISON SITES AND APPS
Price comparison websites and apps are a great way to save money by finding the best deals on flights, hotels and car rentals by comparing prices from different providers.
Check websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights for airfares. saving money To find accommodation, consider Booking.com, Airbnb and Hostelworld. Set up price alerts to monitor fluctuations and book when prices drop.
CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
Hotels can be expensive, especially in popular tourist areas. Alternative accommodations can provide significant savings and unique experiences while still giving you a place to rest your head.
Look for options like hostels, guesthouses, Airbnb, home exchanges or even Couchsurfing.
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Taxis and rideshare services can be expensive, especially for long journeys. In some countries, public transportation is usually much cheaper and can offer you a more authentic travel experience.
Familiarise yourself with the local public transport system. Buy multi-day or weekly passes if they save you money. In some cities, apps like Google Maps or Citymapper can help you navigate easily on public transport. You can also consider renting a bike in cycle-friendly cities.
