Off Season Travel Creates Risk and Bargains for Travelers

There is a reason that airline tickets are cheaper during the "shoulder season": less people want to or can travel then. According to travel websites like Hotwire.com, the shoulder season is the best time for travelers to get the greatest bargain for their dollars. According to a Hotwire.com press release, the shoulder season is defined as (and known as) right after the high season when everyone wants to be in a certain destination but when it is still highly desirable.

The high season is generally assumed to be the summer months, or around a certain holiday, depending on the location. Regardless, travelers will pay top dollar to be in a destination at these times. In contrast, the shoulder season (a.k.a. off season travel) is a time very close to, but not quite at, the high season. Because of different variables, the shoulder season moves according to the destination. In Europe, April through May and September through October are shoulder seasons; while mid-summer is a Caribbean and South American shoulder season.

Consider visiting the Grand Cayman Islands during hurricane season, for example; or Budapest during the Christmas holidays. If a hurricane does not touch down, as Hurricane Dean did this August, in the Grand Caymans or if the Hungarian winter is mild in December, as it was in 2006, then the shoulder season is a bargain. As these two examples demonstrate, traveling during the shoulder season is a crapshoot.

The Good

The laws of supply and demand drive travel prices in every capacity, from airline tickets to room rentals to activities. Traveling during the shoulder season means having fewer crowds, and paying less for the same accommodations. Paris is lovely in late May, but not packed as it is in June. Similarly, the hotel rooms often are available at up to 25 percent less than they are one month later during peak tourist season. Restaurants are filled with Parisians, more than tourists, and visitors can get a more authentic experience. For travelers with flexible schedules, shoulder season travel is a great way to see premiere destinations at a fraction of the cost.

The Bad

For those with restricted vacation schedules or limited time periods in which they can travel, such as families with school age children or individuals in holiday-related businesses, traveling during the shoulder season is not an option. Similarly, weather restrictions start to impact the beauty of a destination. Stockholm, Sweden, is an amazing city, but during a snowy and cold early March day it is a less appealing destination than, say, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The Economic Reality

The tourist industry operates year round, from airlines to hotels to museums to all-inclusive travel agencies. So of course, shoulder season travel will be sold as a fabulous way to see the sights. And it is, under the right circumstances. While travelers may not be able to enjoy the entirety of a destination due to weather constraints or general closings, they can likely take a flight for a lower amount, book a hotel room at a reduced rate, and enjoy a greater range of activities while there, with fewer crowds. They may have to endure weather conditions or may not be escaping weather at home, but for travelers on a budget, shoulder season traveler is the way to go.

The term "shoulder season" was created by the travel industry as another venue to hype good travel. Knowing this, travelers can make a more informed decision about when to visit a destination and why, but also know that even if it isn't the premiere time to see a location, they can still have a fantastic visit.

Sources:

PRNewswire