For many of us, Summer has long been seen as the ideal time to travel, with the weather generally better and longer, sunnier days. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best time of year to go away. With the school holidays and many families booking their holidays during the Summer months, it means it can be much more crowded, and prices reach their peak. This is where shoulder season can be a better alternative.
If you are looking at ways to stay within budget and enjoy fewer crowds and more comfortable weather conditions, choosing to travel outside of Summer could be ideal for you. There are many destinations that still offer great weather and fantastic experiences during shoulder season, plus if you are looking for a relaxing break, you’ll enjoy a quieter atmosphere with better prices.
What Is Shoulder Season and When Does It Occur?
Shoulder reason refers to the period between peak and off-peak travel times, typically covering Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to early November). These months sit on either side of Summer, hence why ‘shoulder’ season, and before and after the Winter period. The idea is that the shoulder months still offer pleasant weather that’s neither too hot or cold, and much lower demand as they are outside of the peak months.
The exact timing can vary slightly depending on your destination, but the concept remains the same across most of Europe and beyond. If you’re heading to the southern hemisphere to visit Australia, for example, the seasons differ, so you’d have to factor this in. In terms of visitors to Ireland, shoulder season is a popular time, with 604,500 tourists visiting in September 2025, a 5% YoY increase, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office.
When travelling from Ireland, shoulder season gives many holidaymakers the opportunity to travel outside of school holidays and the busy Summer months, especially if you do not have school age children. This makes it easier to get better holiday deals while still enjoying good weather in many popular destinations.
Enjoy Better Value for Money
Once you start to look at trips away during Spring and Autumn, you’ll notice that prices can be significantly different, and who doesn’t like to make savings where they can. Saving on your holiday whilst not losing any quality is appealing when you have a budget to stick to, so if you have the flexibility to travel outside of peak Summer, you’ll benefit from lower costs overall.
Flights and accommodation are often more affordable, as demand is lower compared to the Summer months. This means you may be able to stay in better hotels, choose more convenient flight times, or even extend your trip without exceeding your budget. You’ll also be able to take advantage of visiting attractions, going on tours or even dining at off-peak times, helping your money to go further throughout your holiday.
If you are looking to get the best value, travelling in Spring or Autumn can help you enjoy a premium experience at a more accessible price point, all while avoiding the inflated costs associated with peak travel.
Fewer Crowds, More Authentic Experiences
If you want to explore somewhere without the crowds and noise that come with peak travel, you can experience this in shoulder season. Think of shorter queues, more availability with popular attractions, and generally a more relaxed feeling, helping you feel more immersed in your destination without the overcrowding. Taking your time to truly appreciate your surroundings at a pace that suits you and your family can make the whole holiday feel more relaxing.
Quieter periods can often lead to more meaningful interactions with locals too, whether you are dining in a family-run restaurant or browsing a local market. Without the pressure of peak season crowds, you can explore without feeling rushed and discover hidden gems that might otherwise be overlooked during busier times of the year.
Pleasant Weather for Exploring & Relaxing
One of the many reasons people travel in the Summer is that the weather is generally at its best. However, this can mean some destinations feel very hot and dry, which is less comfortable when exploring. Spring and Autumn provide a milder climate for many destinations in Europe, so that you can avoid the intense heat which accompanies May to September. This is ideal for beach holidays, hiking holidays and city breaks where you want to explore without feeling uncomfortable. It also means you can still pack light but have a few layers for colder evenings.
Destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal are particularly enjoyable during these months, offering warm but mild conditions for exploring cities, coastal areas, and countryside locations. If you’ve visited any of these before during peak Summer, you’ll know just how hot it can get, and how quickly this can interrupt your plans, having to find regular shade and stay hydrated. If you can avoid Summer, you’ll be rewarded with more pleasant conditions.
Travel Smart: Planning & Peace of Mind
To make the most of shoulder season travel, you’ll want to carefully plan each aspect of your holiday as early as possible. Booking your accommodation, flights, and any activities you really want to do together can help ensure you don’t miss out on preferred dates and take advantage of some great deals before they get fully booked. It also means you can arrange other aspects of your trip that are essential and have time to compare options.
Travel insurance is one of these, and it provides peace of mind throughout your trip. The unexpected can happen even with the best-made plans, so choosing a comprehensive policy can ensure you are covered if anything were to happen and protect you from any unexpected costs. Providers like Staysure can cover emergency medical expenses whilst providing 24/7 assistance when you need it, helping you get support at any time. When comparing policies, look for those that cover everything you may need, whether it’s cover for a pre-existing medical condition or suitable limits for trip cancellation. Choosing carefully will ensure there are no gaps in your coverage so that you have one less thing to worry about when away.
Another important thing to check is whilst you can enjoy lower costs with shoulder season, some businesses and attractions may differ with availability. Check activities and off-peak timings for attractions, just in case they are operating with reduced hours outside of Summer. The last thing you want is to arrive to find that some of your itinerary is either unavailable or limited due to the time of year.
Lastly, double-check the weather at your destination and plan the clothing you will take. As mentioned, you should still enjoy favourable weather conditions, but taking suitable layers you can easily change will help if you feel too hot or cold. Spring and Autumn can bring changeable weather, so keep in mind it may still rain or turn cold when windy. Check the forecast for the duration of your stay so that you can be prepared.
Top Destinations for Shoulder Season Travel
Some destinations are perfect for Autumn and Spring travel, but if you’re unsure of where to go, here are some suggestions to inspire you that can provide the ideal balance of good weather, great value and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal remain popular choices during the shoulder season, with warm temperatures and fewer tourists compared to Summer. City breaks to destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, and Prague also offer a more relaxed pace and shorter queues at major attractions (but do still book ahead if you can).
Alternatively, taking a staycation within Ireland still provides stunning landscapes in both Spring and Autumn, ideal for those who prefer to stay closer to home. You’ll get to enjoy vibrant, seasonal colours and much fewer crowds in popular regions too.
If you have an eye on long-haul travel, destinations like Japan can be particularly stunning from March to May thanks to cherry blossom season, whilst city breaks to New York or Toronto can provide milder weather and fewer crowds compared to Summer travel. Plus, long-haul flights can be considerably cheaper at this time too.
A Smarter, More Comfortable Way to Travel
If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of off-peak travel before, why not make 2026 the year to do so? If you have the flexibility and don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, you can find many great destinations and make savings on the overall cost of your holiday.
Seeing the world during Spring or Autumn offers a smarter and more rewarding way to experience travel. With better value, fewer crowds, and more comfortable weather, shoulder season provides a well-balanced alternative to peak Summer holidays. Sometimes, the best trips are not about following the crowd, but about discovering the benefits of travelling at the right time.