Travelling during a shoulder season is becoming increasingly popular and it’s not hard to see why. So, what are shoulder seasons? Quite simply, they are the gaps between a country’s peak season and off-season periods. It has been shown that airline tickets are on average 23% cheaper than peak times during the shoulder seasons. So here is a list of all the best places to go during these times to give you some inspiration.
1. Croatia
The shoulder season period in Croatia is in May and late September to October. This is when the temperatures will be milder and there are fewer crowds. The temperatures during these times average around 20 degrees. In coastal areas, they can still get up to 25 degrees. This means it is still warm enough to enjoy swimming and other activities although the sea may be a bit chilly!
Another perk of travelling during a shoulder season is you have more chances to speak with the locals and experience the culture. Take a day trip to the seaside city of Sibenik, which has two World Heritage Sites; Sv. Nikola Fort and St. Jacob’s Cathedral. While you’re here, try a traditional Croatian meal at a local restaurant. Some restaurants will close during a shoulder season but chances are that most will still be open.
Dubrovnik is normally a bustling city and very popular with tourists due to its links to the TV series Game of Thrones. If you’ve never watched it, not to worry, you’re still in for a treat. The city during the shoulder season is still busy but much easier to navigate than during the summer. In May, for example, everything is still open so you can take a stroll around the historic old town or take a cable car up Mount Srd. At the summit, you will admire views of the famous red roofs of Croatia and can get that perfect holiday photo.
2. Japan
Travelling to Japan in a shoulder season would mean going either between late April to mid-June, or mid-September to early December. Consider Tokyo for your next trip, as the capital of Japan it is the perfect way to experience the culture without the peak travel crowds. During the famous cherry blossom season at the end of March, hotel prices start at £111 for a 4-star hotel per night. However, looking at travelling in October, the prices half and start at around £55 for a 4-star hotel per night. Plus, travelling in the shoulder season means you have more accommodation options. During peak periods, hotel availability is limited and must be booked well in advance.
Visit Tokyo in the Autumn and catch the Tsukimi festival, which is a traditional moon-viewing event. It occurs every year during September and the idea of it is to express thanks for the year’s harvest. You are encouraged to try traditional dishes such as ‘mooncakes’ or ‘Tsukimi udon’ which are boiled noodles with raw egg. Head to Tokyo Tower which will be lit up for the festivities and immerse yourself in the centre of the action.
Also in Japan is the cultural heart of Kyoto. If you visit Tokyo in October, make sure you pay a visit here. By train, it will take you about 3 hours or you can fly which takes about an hour, and they are both similar prices, starting on average at around 14,000 yen (approximately £74). Travelling in October means you will be there for the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages). This is held every year on the 22nd of October and is a parade of people dressed in historically accurate costumes from most Japanese decades. The parade is to celebrate Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital city from 794 to 1868. It is the perfect way to experience Japanese culture without the price tag or huge crowds.
3. Italy
The shoulder season might be the best time to visit Italy. The season is between April/May and September/October. Recently, there has been a surge in temperature across Europe with Italy seeing temperatures of around 40 degrees at the start of August. This is part of the reason shoulder season travel is becoming more popular. Temperatures in April/May are still warm but more manageable.
Travelling to Tuscany in Autumn means your trip will coincide with ‘La Vendemmia’ or The Grape Harvest. This is where vineyards will spend their days picking the best grapes for their wine. The best way to experience this cultural event is by booking a guided tour. With Tuscany having many different vineyards to choose from, you could try somewhere new every year! Learn about the art of winemaking and then wander the old streets of the nearby villages to immerse yourself in the culture.
A lesser-known destination in Italy is Rimini. This is a coastal city with 15 kilometres of sandy beaches that are popular with holidaymakers. In May, temperatures peak at 22 degrees meaning it is still warm enough to sunbathe. While you’re here, rent a paddleboard or jet ski and get out of your comfort zone, both are covered as standard by our Free Spirit policy!
4. Iceland
Visiting Iceland during the shoulder season means going in September/October or May. Iceland is unlike the other destinations we’ve looked at as during the Winter, most of Europe has its off-season and almost all restaurants are shut. It could be argued that Iceland has two peak seasons: one in June/August and one in December as people head over to try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
In Northern Iceland, whale watching is popular with May to August being the best time to go. The town of Husavik offers boat tours to spot whales. Going in May means there will be fewer tourists, but many venues will be opening up after their off-season. While you’re here, enjoy the Icelandic coast with a mountain bike tour to explore the scenery and make the most of your trip.
The shoulder season is also a great time to visit one of Iceland’s Hot Springs, the Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous. This geothermal spa is known for its year-round warm waters and crystal blue colour. Even if you are visiting in a shoulder season in October, the water temperature will still be between 37-40 degrees. But you do have to walk from the lockers to the lagoon and temperatures in October are normally between 2-7 degrees. It might be worth opting for one of the Lagoon’s robes to keep you toasty for the walk!
5. Spain
In Spain, the shoulder season runs from April to June and September to October. There are some companies in Spain that no longer offer hiking trips in July and August due to the extreme heat. If you visit in September, most people are back to work or school, but the temperatures are still warm, averaging up to 22 degrees. Spain will likely appeal to you if you want a classic beach holiday without the crowds.
Pay a visit to Costa del Sol in Autumn to play a round of golf. The courses will be much quieter at this time and the heat less intense. This way you can play on well-known courses such as The Valderrama without worrying about the heat. The Valderrama is actually named the number one golf course in Spain!
If you are planning on travelling in April, be sure to visit Seville. This is when they have the Feria de Abril which is the festival week. Women wear traditional flamenco dresses with men in suits and you can dive into the local culture. They have flamenco dancing, horse parading, and more. While you’re here, try the local drink a ‘rebujito’, a mix of Manzanilla sherry and lemonade.
Take out insurance to cover you during the shoulder seasons
Which of these shoulder season holidays would you like to try? Whatever time of year you decide to travel, make sure you’re covered with insurance from Free Spirit. We’re here to help you travel with confidence at all times. Plus, if you take out a Free Spirit Annual multi-trip policy, you can travel at any time of year, so you can find yourself a shoulder season bargain!
Please note that all pricing above is correct at the time of publication.