Why is 'Shoulder Season' the best time to go on holiday?

If you’re thinking about where to travel, looking for a more connected experience, and keen to do your part for sustainable travel, then consider travelling in the ‘shoulder season’.

Avoid the crowds, enjoy more bargains, and see destinations in a whole new light.

To inspire you further, we’ve unpacked what ‘shoulder season’ actually is and have some great places for you to try, whatever your preferred travel window. Plus, you can save 15 – 20% off many fantastic worldwide escapes!

What is shoulder season?

Shoulder season varies by destination, but it typically means the period of time between a region’s peak season and offseason.

So, if a destination’s peak season is the summer and its offseason is winter, such as in the northern hemisphere, then the shoulder seasons would be spring and fall. The term has been around since the 1960s, but no one’s quite sure how it got its name.

It has been said that because shoulder season tends to be in the spring or autumn when you might need a sweater to cover your shoulders? However it got its name, when considering where to travel, by embracing shoulder season travel, we open ourselves up to the joys of year-round getaways.

This means the opportunity to try many new experiences and to do our bit for the planet, its people, and its wildlife.

The benefits of shoulder-season travel:

Tourist hotspots are less crowded: Exploring destinations in the off-season unveils a quieter, more authentic side of many places you visit.

You can enjoy a more intimate and immersive connection with its culture, history, and nature. Better temperatures for exploration: Shoulder-season travel brings milder weather to many warm countries, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Without the discomfort of extreme temperatures, you can explore popular sights to your heart’s content.

A deeper engagement with local communities:

With fewer tourists around, interactions with residents become more meaningful, providing an opportunity to gain insights into daily life, traditions, and customs that might be overshadowed during peak times.

Financial advantages:

Accommodations, flights, and activities often come with lower price tags during off-peak times.

Why is it good for sustainable travel?

Lower environmental impact:

Popular destinations experience lower visitor numbers so the strain on local ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources is mitigated, contributing to the long-term sustainability of these areas.

Lower tourist numbers also mean less wear and tear on historical and cultural sites.

Support for local economies communities:

By choosing to travel during the shoulder season, tourists contribute to a more evenly distributed flow of income for local businesses. This helps support year-round employment and economic stability.

Authentic experiences:

With fewer tourists, shoulder-season travellers have the chance to experience destinations in a more authentic way. This not only enhances the quality of the traveller’s experience but also helps maintain the integrity of local traditions and lifestyles.

Promotion of year-round visitation:

By supporting shoulder season travel, destinations are encouraged to promote and develop year-round tourism offerings. This diversification helps reduce the environmental and social impact of tourism concentrated in specific seasons, making destinations more resilient and sustainable in the long run.



E-mail me to book your perfect Shoulder Season escape : lizzieab@designertravel.co.uk