The Best Destinations to Visit During Shoulder Season, According to a Travel Agent

Here’s my hot take: Summer is the worst time to travel. Every destination is crowded, which means hotels are expensive and reservations are nearly impossible to snag. And don’t even get me started on airport lines from check-in to customs. Peak-season travel certainly has its charms (you can’t deny that sunny weather makes any vacation better), but there’s a better way to travel that gives you more bang for your buck. It’s called shoulder season.

What is shoulder season?

If you’ve ever traveled during peak season (looking at you, Europe in July), you know the unique frustration of sharing your dream destination with, well, everyone else. Shoulder season is the travel sweet spot between the busy time of year and the off-season. Hotels and tourist attractions are still open, and cities are still alive with the last of peak season energy, but everything is quieter because most of the tourists have already packed up and gone home. Shoulder season is usually spring or fall, typically falling between September and November in the Northern Hemisphere and March to May in the Southern Hemisphere. And it’s the savvy traveler’s secret weapon for experiencing destinations at their absolute best.

Benefits of Shoulder Season Travel

Need more convincing? Here’s why shoulder season travel offers the most bang for your buck:

1. You see places at their best and least busy

The beauty of shoulder season travel goes way beyond just fewer tourists—though that’s definitely a major perk. Beach trips to the Mediterranean, for example, are actually better for swimming because the ocean reaches its warmest temperatures in September and October. All those months of summer sun have been slowly heating up the water, making it feel luxuriously warm well into October.

2. Hotels and flights are often much cheaper

You are also more likely to snag great travel deals during shoulder season. Hotels and airlines, eager to fill rooms and seats after the summer rush, often drop their prices significantly. That five-star hotel that was completely booked and busy in August will probably have rates for a fraction of the price come October. Travel agent tip: If you book with a travel advisor or send the hotel an email in advance, you can often get free upgrades upon arrival since many of the luxury rooms will be empty.

3. You don’t have to fight the crowds to see the most popular sites

Dying to try a new restaurant? Want to visit that famous museum? If you’ve ever tried to get into the Louvre in the summer, you have to set aside a whole day just to wait in line under the beating sun. But the Mona Lisa is just as beautiful in the fall, and you can see her in a fraction of the time. Plus, no more setting your alarm for 3 a.m. to play the Resy lottery trying to book a trendy restaurant reservation. During shoulder season, you can often walk right into the most coveted spots and be seated immediately.

4. You can experience the seasons in a new place

Shoulder season often lets you see some of the more romantic seasonal landscapes. Head to the East Coast or Europe in the fall, and you will have perfect, crisp days and delightful fall foliage. Destinations fit for hiking or exploring on foot are definitely best during shoulder season when it’s not too hot. But make sure to do your research. Some places are empty for a reason, like during rainy season (maybe even hurricanes and monsoons!) or around cultural holidays.

5. You can travel like the locals

With fewer tourists around, you’ll find yourself sharing cafes with locals rather than other travelers, stumbling upon neighborhood festivals rather than tourist traps, and photographing popular landmarks without 20 strangers in your frame. Plus, the lighting tends to be gorgeous this time of year, with golden spring and autumn sunlight that makes everything look just a bit more magical.

Where to Go During Shoulder Season

As a travel agent, I say skip the overrated busy season. Instead, consider visiting these bucket-list destinations during the shoulder season:

1. Tokyo, Japan

Feel like everyone’s going to Tokyo lately? You’re not imagining it. As of May 2024, Japan is welcoming over 8 percent more tourists than they were before March 2020. And it’s no wonder why. Tokyo is an emerging global capital for food (in my opinion, it’s where you’ll find the best pizza in the world), fashion, and all-around good vibes. Spring in Tokyo might bring cherry blossoms, but autumn is the best time to travel and avoid the crowds.

2. Paris, France

Speaking of the post-pandemic tourism boom, Paris has always been a global object of wanderlust. Still, thanks to the Olympics and a certain Netflix series, it’s more popular than ever. The shoulder season offers the most quiet Parisian experience you’ll get. The August exodus of locals has ended, bringing back that authentic Parisian energy. Whether you’re visiting the classic spots like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre (which will have far shorter wait times) or trying that viral wine and gelato bar (yes, it is worth the hype), Paris is always a good idea. Picnic in the Jardins de Luxembourg, surrounded by fall foliage, and cozy up in historic cafes with a cup of chocolat chaud topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

3. Mexico City

As one of my all-time favorite destinations to visit and recommend, Mexico City is amazing all year round—but especially in the spring and fall. It has become one of the top foodie destinations in recent years, and visiting during the shoulder season gives you the best chance at eating all the Michelin-starred food you can stomach. You’ll also conveniently avoid the particularly humid summer. October and November bring perfect temperatures, and you can catch Day of the Dead celebrations if you time it right. Don’t miss the Sunday art market in San Angel, and take a day trip to ride in hot air balloons over Teotihuacán.

4. Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera is replacing the Amalfi Coast as one of the best multi-city, beach-hopping destinations. While Istanbul is always bustling (and that’s part of its charm), the shoulder season offers idyllic beach clubs in Bodrum or Antalya. Prices will have fallen, and the scorching summer heat will give way to perfectly balmy days, while the Mediterranean Sea stays wonderfully warm through October. Make sure to cruise the turquoise waters on a traditional Turkish gulet boat and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Not to mention, the shopping in the Grand Bazaar is much more pleasant without the summer crowds.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sante Fe is a favorite destination in the fall as the weather remains sunny but the air is still crisp, making the conditions perfect for exploring the desert landscape. It’s also an ideal destination to marry the relaxation of a spa trip with low-key cultural excursions. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, explore the historic Plaza, and hike the Dale Ball Trails. The natural hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves are also at their least busy during shoulder season—you might even have them to yourself.

6. Scotland, Great Britain

There’s nothing more autumnal than Scotland when crisp fall foliage abounds. From Edinburgh to the Highlands, Scotland comes alive in autumn with cultural events and exhibitions, and the landscape turns gorgeously golden. Duck into Edinburgh’s plethora of old bookstores and visit the trendy bakeries showing off the growing pastry scene. Or head to the countryside and escape the bustle of city life.

7. Coastal Maine

I spent much of my teenage life in New England and can confirm that fall is the best time to visit, especially Maine. The summer residents have all packed up back to New York and Connecticut, making it idyllic and very much akin to the Nancy Meyers coastal chic vibes you’ve seen onscreen. Take a crisp morning stroll on the beaches, visit the lighthouses, and admire the New England mansions in the scenic fall. Or head to the lakes for a cold but refreshing swim with no other souls around.

8. The Croatian Coast

For a different kind of coastal retreat, head to the castle-filled landscapes of Croatia. Come fall, the Adriatic Sea is perfectly warm, and the summer yacht crowds have departed, letting you enjoy Dubrovnik’s city walls pretty much solo. Make sure to island-hop without the peak season prices, enjoy wine tasting on Hvar, and explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

9. Southern California

SoCal weather is famously temperate year-round. So, when the crowds disappear from September and October, make the most of the sunshine and head to Palm Springs, Ojai, or the California Coast. The only downside: The Pacific Ocean pretty much never gets warm, unlike the bathlike temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea during shoulder season. However, outdoor pools abound, and they’re at their emptiest and warmest during shoulder season. Surf in Malibu without the usual lineup, hike the trails in Torrey Pines, and enjoy uninterrupted beach picnics in Laguna.

10. The Balearic Islands

Mallorca and Menorca have become some of the buzziest island destinations in the summer. Travelers seeking solace from the Ibiza crowds have started to flee to the Balearic Islands, which has given rise to tons of new hotels and food spots. Bad news: prices have soared, and crowds pack the beaches—that is, unless you visit during the shoulder season. Since many island hotels are seasonal, you can get the best deals by booking your stay in their final months before shuttering for the winter.

Why travel during the shoulder season?

Shoulder season travel isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a nice perk)—it’s about experiencing destinations at their most livable and lovable. Surrounded by locals, you’ll feel more like a traveler than a tourist, which makes for a more enriching experience. It’s also a recipe for less stress, fewer holiday rows, and an experience that’s actually relaxing. Even shoulder season is becoming an increasingly popular time to travel among in-the-know jet-setters, so make sure to book your fall and spring retreats ASAP!