For travelers looking to add an international trip to their bucket list, the “shoulder season” of travel between February and May can be a prime time, not only for lighter crowds and milder weather in many places, but for finding excellent travel deals on flights and hotels.
FlightHub, a leading flight-booking platform, helps travelers find affordable fares year-round. But according to CEO Henri Chelhot, the shoulder season is when your travel dollars go the furthest. “You can fly farther, stay longer, and upgrade without blowing your travel budget,” Chelhot explains.
What is shoulder season?
A well-known term in travel, shoulder season refers to the period between a destination’s peak and off-peak times, when demand may drop, but travel conditions are still exceptional. For the most popular destinations, the shoulder season typically lands between late winter and late spring, right before the summer rush. Rather than sweating in the punishing heat of the summer months in tropical locations or battling high-season holiday travelers in December, vacationers can enjoy better weather and fewer crowds in their favorite places.
The best time to travel: February to May value window
FlightHub stresses a value window between February and May, especially for international travel. “Many international routes will see less demand compared to the rush during summer break and the winter holidays,” says Chelhot. FlightHub customers will see fares and hotel costs adjust accordingly.
“For frugal travelers, they don’t have to sacrifice experience to save money,” Chelhot says.
Shoulder season offers more competitive pricing on flights and hotels for the most popular destinations due to less demand and more availability. Many destinations also roll out travel specials during the shoulder season to entice travelers outside the busy season.
“On FlightHub, consumers will see more options at lower price points for international travel during shoulder season,” explains Chelhot. Using the site’s flexible date search, travelers can scan an entire week or month and quickly spot the cheapest combinations of departure and return dates. “You’re stacking the deck in your favor,” says Chelhot. “Suddenly, the hottest destinations in Asia, Europe, or the Caribbean become within reach.”
Fewer crowds and less cost can lead to an authenticity sweet spot
When people dream of traveling internationally, they are often seeking authentic experiences in dream locations. They want to see Scottish castles, walk the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, or experience authentic Japanese cuisine. With fewer visitors to prime locations during shoulder season, the authentic feel of trips can be changed, meaning shorter lines, fewer crowds, and more genuine interactions with locals at the places people most want to visit.
This calmer pace can make these bucket-list destinations feel more accessible and authentic. During shoulder season, people can have slower mornings, linger over coffee at the place only the locals frequent, and immerse themselves in the feel of the vacation spot.
Better off-season weather means a better vacation
Shoulder season also aligns with better weather in many of the most popular international destinations. For example, spending spring break in Europe can mean cooler mornings, sunny afternoons, and parks in full bloom.
“Because travelers are not battling the scorching mid-summer heat or bitter cold of peak travel times, they can pack lighter, spend more time outside, and get more value out of their travel days,” says Chelhot.
In addition to the price tag for the vacation being better, the experience can be better during the shoulder season.
Timing your international vacation right and getting the best deals with FlightHub
To make the most of the February-to-May season, timing and tools matter. Chelhot suggests planning an international trip several months ahead — three to six months is suggested — to get the best mix of price and availability.
On FlightHub, travelers can use flexible date tools to compare fares across several days or even weeks. Consumers can even avoid peak weekends and target less-busy midweek departures, which can often lower the price of flights. FlightHub even allows travelers to set up price alerts to track top shoulder season routes, so people can pounce on deals when they pop up.
“The shoulder season is a traveler’s opportunity zone,” says Chelhot. “For travelers willing to fly outside traditional peak times, you can unlock trips of a lifetime.”
Many travelers are becoming more budget-conscious, yet they are still eager to explore international destinations. Shoulder season offers an opportunity for travelers to visit their dream locations without breaking the bank or forcing them to battle heavy crowds.
FlightHub offers options for flexible planning and powerful search tools for finding the best travel deals. Travelers who want to take advantage of what may be one of the best-kept secrets in international travel can count on FlightHub to have just what they need to book that dream trip.