Shoulder Season Travel Explained

What is it?

Shoulder season is the travel period between a destination's peak and off-peak seasons. For many popular locations, this means spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). It's considered a sweet spot, offering a desirable balance of pleasant weather from the high season and the lower prices and smaller crowds of the low season. It effectively acts as the 'shoulders' on either side of the summer peak.

Why is it trending?

Shoulder season travel is growing in popularity due to a shift in traveler priorities. Increased flexibility with remote work allows people to travel outside traditional holiday windows. There is also a strong movement against 'over-tourism,' as travelers seek more authentic and less crowded experiences. Budget-consciousness is another major factor; people are actively looking for better value without sacrificing quality. Travel influencers often promote shoulder season as a smarter, more sustainable way to see the world, further driving its appeal.

How does it affect people?

For travelers, the shoulder season provides significant advantages. They benefit from lower prices on flights and accommodations, making trips more affordable. They also experience destinations with fewer tourists, resulting in shorter queues at attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere. This allows for a more immersive cultural experience. For local communities, this trend helps distribute tourism income more evenly across the year, reducing the strain on infrastructure during peak times and supporting more stable, year-round employment.

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