How to Travel for Less During Shoulder Seasons

Random Articles for Travelers

If you are an avid traveler who'd love to see every corner of the earth, then you've surely thought about how to save money while doing so. With accommodation and activities in peak time being the main culprits for traveling being so expensive, why not look into traveling during the shoulder seasons? What an absolute treat to be lucky and flexible enough to avoid peak season by moving about in the fall or springtime. Let's take a look at how you could stretch your money that little bit further to see all the sites you've been dreaming of.

Freedom to travel
Freedom to travel

Understanding Shoulder Season

You may not be too familiar with what the term shoulder season actually means, probably because the travel industry would like you to travel in peak season. However, if you are a digital nomad or a keen traveler who doesn't enjoy thousands of people around you at all times and has the freedom to choose when you travel, then shoulder season could be perfect for you. It refers to the period between the peak and off-peak seasons of a destination, characterized by a mix of favorable weather conditions, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices compared to the high season, but it still attracts enough visitors to maintain a vibrant atmosphere. Not only is the weather more enjoyable in shoulder seasons, you will also get incredible deals on catacombs tickets if you're lucky enough to visit Paris or bus tickets to see Warsaw if you're blessed enough to visit Poland, which has amazing and unique spots to see.

Whatever city or off-grid place you choose, one of the main advantages of traveling during the shoulder season is the opportunity to enjoy a destination with fewer tourists, which translates into shorter lines, more relaxed experiences, and better availability of accommodations. Additionally, many attractions and services are still fully operational, providing a similar experience to peak times without the associated crowds and high costs. You can always ask for a discount or haggle a bit more during this time because service providers need to sell their products or rent out accommodation that would otherwise stay empty. You can even save some money on flights, hotels, and tours, leaving you with more for your next trip; this can make travel more accessible and enjoyable without the financial strain often seen during the busiest times of the year.

Adapting to the Times

With the recent change in working life, going from fixed offices to more remote work, people have more freedom than ever to explore and live of their own volition. The standard 3-week holiday in June or July, after having to apply to the management for those days off, no longer really applies to the majority of people. If you are one of those blessed people who can work from anywhere or take leave at your discretion, then perhaps look into visiting your bucket list countries in the shoulder season, a time where the tourist industry is ready and the tourists are only trickling in bit by bit.

If you've seen a bit of the world or even if you've only traveled within you country up to now, you surely also know that what makes a trip so expensive is primarily the accommodation. Why not look into home exchanges, timeshares or even renting the same place every few years? There are so many flexible vacation options if you take the time to research and if you have the flexibility of traveling in shoulder season.

Sightseeing and activities aside, a holiday is made enjoyable by environmental factors, too. The level of humidity, average temperature, and UV exposure rates are significantly lower than in the peak summer months, ensuring that you get a slight glow to your skin and not a full-on burn. There's little point in visiting a walkable and beautiful city, only to not even be able to walk outside without the heat bowling you over. Another reason why shoulder season is such an intriguing option that you may not have known or thought about yet.

The Beauty of Traveling

Traveling is often regarded as an enriching experience for several compelling reasons, the first of which is broadening your horizons. When you immerse yourself in new cultures, languages, and environments, you will without a doubt gain a deeper understanding of the world and feel more gratitude for what you have in your daily life. This exposure can challenge any preconceived notions you may have been carrying around with you for some time now and encourage personal growth, making you more adaptable and open-minded. This is just one of the many reasons that traveling is so important no matter what age you are.

Travel to far-flung places
Travel to far-flung places

Another significant benefit of traveling is the opportunity to break free from your daily routine. Daily life can become monotonous, but exploring new destinations offers a refreshing change to all your senses. This break from the norm can reinvigorate your mind and spirit, leading to increased creativity and motivation upon return. So, even if you don't have months to spare and thousands of dollars in your bank account, you can make even a short trip an incredible start to your traveling life, especially when you budget well, fly, and move around during shoulder seasons, and remember that traveling is about your personal experiences, and not to show off to others.

Share this:

More Random articles you might enjoy

Guest Author

This article was written by a guest author according to Backpacker Travel's contributor guidelines. If you would like to contribute an article like this please contact us here

Tags

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

backpacker travel logo
COPYRIGHT © BACKPACKER TRAVEL 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.