Traveling during peak season can be a hassle. For instance, going to Europe in the summer means dealing with inflated prices, limited availability, and large crowds of tourists.
That’s why many experienced travelers opt to vacation during “shoulder seasons” that fall between peak and low seasons – spring and autumn for many destinations. However, the rise of remote work and overcrowded peak seasons has led to increased interest in these shoulder seasons.
Take the Jersey Shore, a beloved seaside spot in New Jersey, for instance. This coastal area has witnessed a notable surge in visitors during the autumn months, with occupancy rates from October to December in 2023 rising by up to 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, as per a 2024 report from AirDNA, a short-term rental data firm. And the Jersey Shore is not the only destination experiencing an influx of visitors outside of peak season.
Image courtesy of AirDNA.
With many destinations seeing an increase in tourists during the shoulder seasons, how can you avoid the off-season crowds?
Explore less popular destinations
If everyone is heading to trendy destinations, maybe it’s time to veer off the beaten path.
For example, Japan experienced a surge in travelers this spring. The number of U.S. citizens traveling to Japan from March to May 2024 increased by 17% compared to the same period in 2023, and a staggering 41% compared to 2019, according to the International Trade Administration. Similarly, Greece saw nearly triple the number of U.S. visitors from March to May in 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.
Closer to home, popular national parks have experienced a surge in visitors during the shoulder season.
In Maine, Acadia National Park, which used to be busiest only in July and August, now sees high demand from June to October,” stated Chloé Garlaschi, a communications manager for AirDNA. “This shift reflects a broader trend where national park destinations are attracting visitors outside of their traditional peak times.”
If everyone is raving about Tokyo or Athens, Greece, consider researching destinations that have had fewer tourists in recent years. For example, Australia saw a 27% decrease in U.S. visitors in the spring of 2024 compared to 2019. China, which has seen a decline in U.S. tourism since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, had 78% fewer U.S. visitors this spring compared to 2019.
Discover hidden gems
Even in popular destinations, you can find offbeat locations with fewer tourists. While most travelers in Japan flock to Tokyo and Kyoto, fewer venture to mountain towns like Takayama, which offers stunning temples and a serene atmosphere. Additionally, the island prefecture of Okinawa in Japan’s south remains relatively unexplored by foreign tourists, despite its warm climate and unique culture.
In the U.S., well-known national parks like Acadia in Maine and Yosemite in California may be popular during the shoulder season. However, lesser-known parks such as Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado or California’s Channel Islands National Park tend to have fewer visitors.
Avoid inflated prices
When travel demand peaks, so do prices for flights, accommodations, and transportation. Seeking out deals can help you save money and steer clear of overcrowded tourist spots.
According to data from Hopper, a travel booking platform, these U.S. destinations are experiencing a surge in flight bookings this fall:
Meanwhile, these international destinations are seeing significant price increases:
While expensive flights don’t necessarily indicate crowded destinations, they do reflect high demand. These lists offer insights into which places are popular even during less busy periods.
Understand the shoulder seasons
Not all shoulder seasons follow the same trends, so knowing the best time to travel to avoid crowds goes beyond just considering spring or fall.
“In Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, we observe an unconventional seasonal pattern,” mentioned Garlaschi. “The peak season actually occurs in February and March due to the mild winter weather.”
While travel data show a growing interest in shoulder seasons, crowds (and prices) will still be lower during these off-peak times. You don’t necessarily have to travel to extreme locations to avoid overcrowding.
How to make the most of your travel rewards
sentence: “The dog chased after the ball in the park.”
Rewritten sentence: “In the park, the ball was chased after by the dog.”