Shoulder Season Travel: Why It’s My Favorite Way to See the World

When Josh and I plan our travel year, one of the first things I look for is the shoulder season in each destination we’re considering. If you’re not familiar with the term, shoulder season is the time between a location’s high and low tourist seasons. It’s a sweet spot where prices drop, crowds thin, and the weather can still be beautiful.

Over the years, traveling during shoulder season has allowed us to save thousands of dollars, enjoy quieter experiences, and visit places that would be too crowded or expensive at other times. In this post, I’ll explain what shoulder season is, why I love it, and how to work it into your own annual travel planning.

What Is Shoulder Season Travel?

Shoulder season is the “in-between” period for a destination’s tourism calendar. It comes right after peak season (when prices and crowds are at their highest) and before low season (when weather or closures might make a visit less appealing).

The exact months vary by location:

• Europe: Late April to early June, and mid-September to late October

• Caribbean: May and early June, or late August to early December (outside major holiday weeks)

• National Parks in the U.S.: Late April to early June, and September to mid-October

• Alaska: May and early September for cruises and tours

Why Shoulder Season Travel Works for Us

I’ve tried traveling in high season, low season, and shoulder season, and shoulder season almost always comes out on top. Here’s why.

1. Lower Prices Without Sacrificing Quality

Flights, hotels, and tours can be significantly less expensive during shoulder season. For example, we’ve booked cruises in May for hundreds less than the same itinerary in July. The ship, destinations, and onboard experience were just as good - the only difference was the price.

2. Smaller Crowds at Major Attractions

Visiting the Eiffel Tower in September versus July is night and day. You still see other tourists, but you’re not stuck in long, slow-moving lines or fighting for the best photo spots.

3. Pleasant Weather

In many places, shoulder season offers milder temperatures than peak summer. Walking tours in Rome or hiking in Zion National Park are much more enjoyable without sweltering heat.

4. Better Availability and Upgrades

Hotels and cruise lines are often more willing to offer free upgrades or added perks when they’re not completely booked. We’ve had unexpected hotel upgrades during shoulder season simply because the rooms were available.

How to Find the Shoulder Season for Your Destination

If you’re building an annual travel plan (like I outline in my How I Plan a Year of Travel post), identifying shoulder season is a great first step.

Here’s how I figure it out:

• Search “best time to visit [destination]” and note the peak season months.

• Look at weather patterns to see if the months just before or after peak season are still comfortable.

• Check historical flight and hotel prices using Google Flights and booking sites.
  

Once you know the peak months, aim for the few weeks just before or after.

Tips for Planning Shoulder Season Trips

Be Flexible With Dates

Even within shoulder season, prices can vary. Shifting your trip by a week or two can make a big difference.

Watch for Weather Variables

Shoulder season can mean a slightly higher risk of rain or cooler nights. Always check the forecast history and pack accordingly.

Book in Advance for Popular Spots

While shoulder season is quieter, some destinations still fill up quickly - especially for events or festivals. Booking early can lock in the best deals.

Destinations We Love in Shoulder Season

• Italy in Late September: The crowds are smaller, the heat is gone, and the wine harvest adds to the experience.

• Alaska in Early September: Fewer tourists, better wildlife viewing, and often lower cruise fares.

• Caribbean in May: Warm weather, calm seas, and pre-summer pricing.

• National Parks in September: Kids are back in school, but the weather is still great for exploring.

Why Shoulder Season Fits Our Travel Style

We like to mix big anchor trips with smaller getaways throughout the year. Shoulder season travel makes that possible without draining our budget. It also aligns perfectly with our preference for fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.

If you’re trying to plan a year of travel that feels both exciting and affordable, shoulder season should be part of your strategy. You can still enjoy peak experiences - just without peak prices or the overwhelming crowds.

Recommendations

Are you planning your next trip and looking for services that make travel smoother? Here are a few of my go-to recommendations:

• Stay Connected Abroad: I use Airalo eSIMs to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards in every country.

• Protect Your Data: NordVPN keeps my internet connection safe when I’m on public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafés.

  
  

• Travel Europe by Train: I book through Trainline for easy tickets across Europe, including London, Italy, Spain, and France.

  
  

• Relax Before You Fly: Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges around the world.

  
  

• Find the Right Stay: For vacation rentals, I like using VRBO.

  
  

• See the City with Ease: Hop-on, hop-off tours are a fun way to get oriented. Check out Big Bus Tours in Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, and Dubai.

  
  

• Book Tours and Transfers: I often use Get Your Guide and Viator to arrange activities, tickets, and transfers in advance.

  
  

• Hotels, Cars, and Flights: Expedia is one of my go-to sites for comparing and booking travel.

  
  

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase or booking through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me keep creating and sharing travel content here on From Lawrence with Love. Thank you for supporting the blog!