Travel has staged a major comeback this year, but squeezing that bucket-list getaway into your budget feels tougher than ever.
A report from Visa shows U.S. domestic travel is surging, yet certain travel costs have climbed nearly 50% since 2020.
Stretching your travel budget to reach that picture-perfect destination takes some strategy, but there are effective ways to trim travel expenses significantly.
Whether your next stop is across the ocean or just the next state, the smartest approach to uncover deals and cut costs is to schedule your trip during shoulder season.
Wait, What Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season might sound odd, but it has nothing to do with clothing. The travel world typically divides the year into three seasons: peak, shoulder and low (or off) season.
- Peak (or high) season is when a spot is at its most visited — usually a stretch of weeks or months.
- Low or off season is when tourists thin out and residents settle in, often because the weather becomes too extreme for comfortable travel.
- Shoulder seasons are that ideal middle ground when crowds ease up and prices drop.
When Is Shoulder Season?
The exact timing of shoulder seasons varies by region of the globe. In general, two shoulder windows appear each year: early spring and autumn. Because seasons flip between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, weather patterns differ, but the shoulder-season concept holds true worldwide.
Of course, there are exceptions. For example, leaf-watchers push New England’s shoulder period toward November once the foliage peaks.
Along the Pacific Coast, shoulder season has crept earlier into spring as intense heat waves become more frequent.
Do your homework before booking shoulder season time off — timing matters.
8 Popular Places Where Shoulder Season Works Best
Not every shoulder season delivers the same payoff. Visiting a beach in March might be cheaper, but you could miss the sun you wanted.
Below are eight spots where traveling in the shoulder season delivers savings without sacrificing the main experiences.
- U.S. National Parks (September & October)
- The Pacific Northwest (October)
- Europe (October & November)
- New York City (November)
- Los Angeles (March & April)
- The Caribbean (April & May)
- New England (June)
- Hawaii (September)
1. U.S. National Parks
When to go: September & October
National parks, especially out West, are packed in summer but quiet down after schools resume. Fall is an excellent time to visit when temperatures cool and before snow forces road closures.
Pro tip: There are two free entrance days in the fall when park fees are waived: Sept. 24 (National Public Lands Day) and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). For current information, check the National Park Service website.
2. The Pacific Northwest
When to go: October
Visit cities such as Portland and Seattle before winter holiday travel ramps up. October is a great month to enjoy cooler weather, snag lower fares and embrace the region’s cozy aesthetic.
Although fall brings more overcast skies, you’ll generally avoid the heavier rains that begin in November.
Pro tip: Planning a Pacific Coast drive? Check out our budget-friendly road trip hints.
3. Europe
When to go: October & November
Dodge the summer backpacker crowds and explore Europe in late fall. Cooler temps make cities like Rome more tolerable, and you’ll catch colorful foliage and seasonal festivals across the continent.
Pro tip: If DIY touring isn’t for you, consider booking an economical guided tour to simplify planning.
4. New York City
When to go: November
While January and February can be less expensive, the cold can put a damper on your trip. Instead, visit New York in November — it’s the calm before the holiday rush, and hotels and flights are more affordable.
Pro tip: Keep your trip budget-friendly with ideas from our list of 20 free things to do in NYC.
5. Los Angeles
When to go: March & April
Avoid peak spring break travel, but early spring is mild and pleasant in L.A. It’s often a better choice than early fall when the region faces a greater wildfire risk.
Pro tip: Look into travel freebies and bargains available in Los Angeles.
6. The Caribbean
When to go: April & May
Late spring is ideal for Caribbean beach time — you’ll miss the bulk of the summer crowds and spring-break frenzies, and temperatures are comfortable. You’re also likely to avoid hurricane season and other disruptive weather.
Pro tip: Considering a cruise? See our money-saving cruise suggestions.
7. New England
When to go: June
Avoid peak fall foliage crowds and holiday-season bustle by visiting in early June. You’ll get pleasant summer vibes without the July–August surge that doubles the population of many coastal towns.
Pro tip: If car rentals are a concern, pick a destination that works well without a car, such as Burlington or Boston.
8. Hawaii
When to go: September
Hawaii draws spring-break and summer crowds, so September’s shoulder window is a sweet spot. Weather remains excellent, and many islands host Aloha festivals — lively local celebrations with rich Polynesian culture.
Pro tip: Because airfare to Hawaii can be pricey, follow our tips for booking with budget carriers.
How Much Can You Save by Traveling in Shoulder Season?
Skipping peak months and traveling in shoulder season can reduce some of the biggest travel costs, like flights and lodging. You might save roughly 15% to 20% or more on airfare.
Accommodation prices often drop substantially during shoulder windows.
For example, a hotel room in New York City that averages $350 per night in December can fall to about half that in late January and February. In the fall shoulder season, room rates in the city may average around $175 per night.
That reduces hotel expenses by 50% — from $1,750 for a five-night trip at peak pricing to approximately $875 for the same stay during shoulder season.
5 Reasons Shoulder Season Travel Cuts Costs
1. Lower Airfares
Airfare is often the priciest part of a trip, but it’s also where you can save the most. Use an airfare price tracker to monitor seasonal fare trends and sign up for alerts for airline sales.
Travel companies also sometimes offer deals on award travel in shoulder months, so a travel rewards card that earns miles can be useful.
2. Reduced Hotel Rates
Hotels see some of the most dramatic price shifts between peak and shoulder months. To capitalize, join loyalty programs at chains you frequent and hunt for special member or shoulder-season discounts.
Gabby Beckford, a solo travel expert behind Packs Light, recommends researching and booking early to maximize shoulder-season savings.
“For instance, I might want to visit Savannah during its spring shoulder season, but if I see a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration is happening, I’d avoid those dates and opt for the fall shoulder period,” Beckford suggests. “Timing makes a big difference.”
3. Thinner Crowds
Seeing popular sites with fewer people — and capturing better photos — is priceless. Beyond comfort, fewer tourists translate to real savings: shorter lines at attractions and quicker service at eateries, hotels and airports.
If you skip renting a car, less congestion often means shorter taxi and rideshare wait times and sometimes lower fares, since demand is reduced.
4. Greater Availability
With fewer travelers, you’ll face less competition for preferred seats and room types, and the risk that an attraction is closed is lower than in the dead of winter. Off-season closures happen, but shoulder months generally keep popular spots open while offering milder weather long enough to enjoy your itinerary.
5. More Local Flavor
Locals will tell you the real character of a place reveals itself when crowds thin out. Shoulder season is often when neighborhood events and smaller festivals occur, giving travelers a chance for more authentic experiences.
With fewer visitors, you’ll get a more relaxed pace and a better opportunity to connect with the destination on a deeper level.
Think About Travel Insurance for Shoulder Season Trips
Shoulder season savings carry slightly more weather-related uncertainty than peak-season travel. These months are chosen for cost and crowd reasons, but sometimes weather can disrupt plans.
If you travel during shoulder season, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect some of your savings should plans change. That way, you can recoup at least part of your investment and apply it to a future trip.
Kaz Weida is a senior writer for Savinly.
