DAYTON — September 5, 2024 — After a busy summer travel season marked by record numbers of air travelers, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other travelers are choosing to vacation outside of peak season, when costs are more affordable and popular destinations are less crowded.
“Travel interest remains high, but more travelers are looking for deals. Off-season and “low season” travel offers many benefits, including more options for budget-conscious adventurers,” said Kara Hitchens, public relations manager at AAA. “And while many families must travel during the summer when kids are out of school, other travelers are deliberately choosing the fall and even winter for less expensive trips to popular destinations when they are less crowded with tourists.”
What is the “shoulder” season?
Shoulder season is the time of year between a destination's high and low seasons. It can vary depending on the destination, climate, and main attraction, but it is typically spring and fall in the Northern Hemisphere, roughly March, April, and May for spring, and September and October for fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, so fall is shoulder season in one hemisphere and spring in the other. Additionally, while the holidays may be peak travel times for some destinations, a week before or after can also be a less-in-demand and less expensive shoulder time to book.
Advantages of traveling in low season:
Off-season travel offers many benefits that make travel less stressful, more comfortable, and in many cases, less costly for consumers' bank accounts. These benefits include:
• Smaller crowds allow you to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
• Shorter lines and lower demand for tickets at popular attractions and destinations and tables at favorite restaurants.
•Summer heat has subsided in the northern hemisphere, making for a less sweaty and more comfortable travel experience.
•Airline seats and flight times may be more available to choose from.
•More advantageous prices than during the high season, not only for plane tickets and tourist packages, but also for hotels, rental cars and train tickets.
•With fewer tourists, there are more opportunities to interact with locals and have a more authentic experience in the country or destination.
•Many theme parks, cities and regions host cultural or food festivals in the fall and spring, offering a glimpse into local cuisines and traditions.
Travel Agent Tips and Picks for Off-Season Destinations There are a variety of perks to traveling off-season to almost any destination, but AAA travel agents have put together a list of some of their tips and favorite places to visit during these times of year.
Domestic:
• The southern cities of New Orleans and San Antonio are ideal during the fall, allowing travelers to enjoy their vibrant heritage and culinary scenes without the sweltering heat of summer.
• National parks in the western United States (such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, and Rocky Mountain), which are extremely busy during the peak summer season, are equally beautiful and more peaceful during the fall and winter months. Some roads or sections of the parks may be closed during the winter, so plan ahead.
• River cruises on waterways such as the Mississippi or Columbia/Snake Rivers offer a unique way to experience America.
• Alaska cruises are extremely popular and early fall is a great time to go. With Alaska cruises being extremely limited or sold out this year, now is the time to plan for 2025 or beyond.
As we head into the unofficial final weekend of summer, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% from last year, while the cost of domestic travel is down 2%, according to booking data from AAA Travel.
International:
• Enjoy spring tulips in Amsterdam, Netherlands with a guided tour on your vacation.
• Fall is a great time to cruise along vineyards or discover a different view of your favorite cities aboard a European river cruise along the Rhine, Rhone, Danube or Seine.
• Stroll through Christmas markets in many European cities amidst twinkling lights, handmade decorations and the smell of fresh gingerbread.
• Consider unique itineraries at low rates for off-season repositioning cruises. Repositioning cruises take place in the spring and fall. These may include transatlantic crossings when ships change routes to/from Europe. Other repositioning cruises sail via the Panama Canal to Hawaii, then from Hawaii to Vancouver to kick off the Alaska cruise season.
• Take advantage of the still pleasant climate of the Mediterranean region by visiting the Greek Islands, Italy, the South of France, Spain or Portugal. Discover local festivals out of season, such as the Epiphany of the Three Wise Men in Florence, Italy to enjoy the customs and culture.
• Discover the “fire and ice” landscape from volcanoes and hot springs to glaciers and black sand beaches on a trip to Iceland.
• Unique seasonal experiences are available in European Alpine countries such as Switzerland and Austria, during Oktoberfest in Germany, as well as beautiful and historical tours in Eastern Europe, including must-see sites like Prague, Czechia, Budapest, Hungary, and Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Using an experienced travel agent, like a AAA Travel Advisor, to help you plan your vacation can save you time and allow you to take advantage of member savings and benefits that you may not have access to on your own. Travel agents also act as advocates for your trip and can help you change your reservations or travel plans if issues arise during your trip.
Off-season travel:
Traveling in the off-season—typically in the Northern Hemisphere, from November to February (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays)—can have some advantages, like much smaller crowds and lower prices, but be warned, the weather can be too cold and not ideal for some travelers.
Depending on the destination, some attractions and businesses may close or have reduced opening hours during the low season, for example boat tours in winter or ski resort restaurants or cafes during summer.
While the winter months are typically the off-season for travel, Thanksgiving week and the holiday season from Christmas through New Year’s are considered peak travel times, with airlines particularly busy and hotels and rental cars in high demand. AAA Travel Advisors recommends booking now for the 2024 holiday season to ensure availability that meets your needs.
