Following a busy summer travel season highlighted by record numbers of air travelers, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), other travelers are choosing to vacation outside of high season when costs are more affordable and popular destinations are less crowded. The main driver cited for this uptick in interest and bookings is a need to scale budget and planning due to economic pressures and less discretionary income.

“While interest in travel is still very high, more travelers are looking for bargains. Shoulder season and off-season travel offers a variety of benefits, including more options for cost-conscious adventurers,” said Roni Deeds, travel advisor for AAA Club Alliance. “And while many families must travel during the summer when the kids are out of school, other travelers purposefully choose autumn and winter when more affordable pricing to popular destinations is available and those locations are less overrun by tourists.”

What is “shoulder” season?

Shoulder season is the time of year between a destination's peak season and its off-season. It can vary by destination, climate, and the main attraction, but it's usually spring (roughly March, April, and May) and fall (September and October) in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, while many people travel during the holidays to visit family and friends all over the country and world, many destinations see lower demand the week before or after a major end-of-year holiday and offer great deals for people who are able to travel at that time of year.

AAA Travel Advisors are still seeing a good deal of availability for many exciting destinations for shoulder season travel, including to Europe and the Caribbean, and recommend people reach out now and explore available options.

What is off-season travel?

The off-season in the travel industry is generally November through February in the Northern Hemisphere. Travel during this time of year has some advantages as well, while the weather is colder and wintry - ideal for some and undesirable for others.

Depending on destination, some attractions and business may close or have reduced operating hours during the off-season, for example boat tours in winter. One exception to the rule is the wide array of ski destinations who are in high season during the snowy winter months, which lasts into spring in some locations. Another exception is Thanksgiving week and Christmas through New Year’s Day, which are considered peak travel times, when airlines, hotels and rental cars are in high demand. AAA Travel Advisors recommend booking now for the 2024 holiday season to ensure desired availability to meet travel needs.

Benefits of shoulder and off-season travel

Shoulder season travel provides a variety of advantages that many people enjoy while also being more affordable, including:

• Smaller crowds, allowing you to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed
• Shorter lines and less demand for tickets at popular attractions/destinations and more availability at tables in favorite restaurants
• The intense summer heat has subsided in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing a less sweaty, more comfortable travel experience
• Airline seat assignment and flight time availability is often better at booking that during high season
• Better prices than at peak season, not only for airfare and tour packages, but also for hotels, rental cars and train tickets
• Fewer tourists increase opportunities to interact with the locals and have a more authentic experience in the country or destination
• Many theme parks, cities and regions host cultural and food festivals in the fall and spring, providing a festive and unique experience of local cuisines and traditions

AAA Travel Advisor tips and picks for shoulder/off-season destinations

There are a variety of advantages for shoulder season and off-season travel to just about any location, but AAA Travel Advisors have assembled a list of some of their favorite tips and places to visit during these times of year.

Domestic

• The southern cities of New Orleans and San Antonio are fabulous during the fall, allowing travelers to enjoy their vibrant heritage and food scenes without the stifling summer heat
• The National Parks located in the western United States (such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion and Rocky Mountain), which are extremely crowded during the summer peak season are just as beautiful and more peaceful during the fall and winter months (please note that some roads or sections of the parks may be closed during winter, so plan ahead and check specific national park websites)
• River cruises along waterways such as the Mississippi or the Columbia/Snake Rivers offer a unique way to see this part of America
• Alaska cruises are extremely popular, and early fall is a good time to go; with sailings for this year extremely limited or sold out, now is the time to plan for 2025 or beyond

International

• Springtime in Amsterdam, Netherlands is a wonderful time to enjoy the abundance of colorful tulips on a guided tour vacation 
• Autumn is the perfect time to sail along Europe’s rivers, passing by vineyards and castles, then stopping in the ports of travelers’ favorite cities onboard a European river cruise; popular river journeys include those on the Rhine, Rhone, Danube or Seine
• Winter is extremely festive when filled with over a thousand Christmas markets in just as many European cities, with decorations and twinkling lights everywhere, and a huge array of sellers offering handmade ornaments and goods, and holiday foods like fresh gingerbread and hot chocolate
• Spring and fall sees unique itineraries at value rates on repositioning cruises during off seasons, including transatlantic sailings (as ships change itineraries to/from Europe), Panama Canal to Hawaii cruises, and Hawaii to Vancouver cruises for the transition to Alaska cruise season
• Enjoy the still-pleasant weather of the Mediterranean region, visiting the Greek islands, Italy, the south of France, Spain or Portugal and discover local celebrations in the off season, such as Three Kings Epiphany in Florence, Italy
• Experience “fire and ice” landscapes, for instance, visiting volcanoes and hot springs to glaciers and black sand beaches during an Iceland tour
• Unique seasonal experiences in fall and winter are available in Alpine European countries, including Octoberfest in Germany, ski season in Switzerland and Austria, and the beautiful and history-laden tours of Eastern Europe, including visits to Prague, Czech Republic, Budapest, Hungary, and Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why book with a travel advisor?

Using an experienced travel advisor – such as one from AAA Travel – to help book travel or a vacation provides support from a professional who can save you time, unlock savings and offer invaluable expertise and counsel that will help make the travel experience more enjoyable. AAA members also have access to booking benefits you may not have access to yourself, including onboard credits or discounted rates. Travel advisors also act as your advocate with vendors and can help you rebook or change travel plans if issues arise during your trip.

For more inspiration or to book a getaway this fall or winter, travelers may contact your local travel advisor to talk about options or visit AAA’s free Trip Canvas planning tool to search vacation destinations or check out AAA Diamond hotels and restaurants, top trending tours and cruises.

# # #