🌍 Tips for Traveling in the Shoulder Season (2025 Edition)

Looking for the perfect time to travel—without the crowds, sky-high prices, or extreme weather? Enter the shoulder season: that sweet spot between peak and off-peak travel.

Typically falling between April and June (spring) and September and October (autumn) in most regions, the shoulder season offers the best of both worlds: lower costs, mild weather, fewer crowds, and still-plentiful attractions. Whether you’re eyeing a guided holiday in Thailand, a wine getaway in France, or a nature-filled escape in Canada, this is the time to go.

Let’s explore why you should consider shoulder season travel and how to make the most of it with expert-backed tips.

---

🧭 Why Travel During the Shoulder Season?

Here are the top reasons why shoulder season may be the ultimate time to explore the world:

✅ 1. Fewer Crowds

Forget elbowing your way through tourist-packed streets or fighting for that sunset photo at iconic viewpoints. Attractions are quieter, allowing for a more authentic and relaxed experience.

✅ 2. Better Prices

Airfare, hotels, and even tours are typically 20–40% cheaper than during peak summer or Christmas holiday seasons. You’ll get more value for your money.

✅ 3. Pleasant Weather

Depending on the region, you’ll enjoy milder temperatures without the extreme heat or cold—perfect for outdoor adventures, walking tours, or beach lounging.

✅ 4. Seasonal Beauty

Spring and fall bring spectacular natural backdrops. From cherry blossoms in Japan to fiery fall foliage in New England or Tuscany, you’ll witness landscapes at their most photogenic.

✅ 5. Everything’s Still Open

Unlike the low season (often winter), most tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants remain open—just without the chaos of summer.

---

✈️ Top Tips for Shoulder Season Travel Success

🌲 1. Choose Tree-Rich Destinations

If you're travelling for seasonal aesthetics, pick destinations that showcase nature. Parks, countryside towns, and forested areas offer either blossoming beauty (spring) or vibrant foliage (autumn).

Examples:

• Spring: Kyoto, Washington D.C., Amsterdam, Chiang Mai
• Fall: Vermont, Bavaria, Seoul, Patagonia

Concrete-dominated cities may not provide the same visual or atmospheric impact.

---

🧦 2. Pack Merino Wool for Weather Flexibility

Shoulder season weather can be unpredictable—a sunny 22°C one day and chilly rain the next. Merino wool is your travel MVP:

• Regulates body temperature
• Odour-resistant and moisture-wicking
• Great for layering

✅ Essentials: Merino wool socks, base layers, lightweight sweaters, and underwear.

---

🕒 3. Double-Check Seasonal Hours

Attractions may have reduced operating hours, especially in smaller towns or less tourist-heavy areas. Some might open later or close earlier in spring or fall.

📅 Before you go:

• Confirm opening times on official websites
• Call or email accommodations/tours in advance
• Download apps like Google Travel or Rome2Rio to track logistics

---

💰 4. Search for Shoulder Season Deals

Not all accommodations lower prices in the off-season, but many do—especially boutique hotels and local operators.

🛎️ Tips to find deals:

• Use fare comparison tools (e.g., Skyscanner, Hopper, Kayak)
• Filter for off-season rates on Booking.com or Airbnb
• Check for promo codes or discounts on travel forums and deal sites
• Contact accommodations directly—they may offer better pricing than third-party sites

---

🌐 5. Explore Lesser-Known Destinations

Shoulder season is a great time to venture beyond hotspots and explore emerging or under-the-radar destinations.

• Instead of Santorini → try Milos or Naxos
• Instead of Paris → explore Lyon or Strasbourg
• Instead of Phuket → head to Krabi or Koh Lanta

These alternatives are often cheaper, quieter, and equally breathtaking.

---

📍 Bonus: Where Shoulder Season Really Shines in 2025

🌸 Spring (April–June)

• Japan: Cherry blossoms, mild weather, cultural festivals
• Portugal: Coastal towns like Cascais are quiet yet warm
• Morocco: Comfortable temperatures in cities like Marrakech

🍁 Autumn (September–October)

• Canada/New England: World-famous fall foliage and harvest events
• South Korea: Beautiful landscapes and crisp, clear days
• Italy: Wine harvest season and fewer crowds in Rome and Florence

---

🎒 Final Thoughts

Shoulder season travel is about smart timing—avoiding the rush, saving money, and enjoying destinations in their purest, most pleasant form. With the proper packing, planning, and destination choices, you'll want an experience that feels like a luxury trip without the premium price tag.

So if you’re dreaming of an international adventure or a local escape, consider booking it for the shoulder months. It’s the travel industry’s best-kept not-so-secret anymore—and 2025 is the perfect year to take advantage.