Why shoulder season travel is on the rise

If you’ve ever battled crowds in Europe in July or paid eye-watering prices for a December flight, you already know peak travel season has its downsides. Think outside the box – or outside the school holidays – and make the most of these shoulder season travel tips.

Increasingly, savvy travellers are planning their trips in the “shoulder season” – the sweet spot between peak and off-season where the weather is still good, but prices and crowds drop dramatically. In fact, a study conducted by Travelsavers and the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel in 2025 found that 32 percent of travel providers saw an increase in shoulder season bookings compared to the previous year – some as much as 10 percent.

For Australians, that often means travelling between April and June or September and November, when flights are cheaper, popular destinations feel calmer and hotels are more likely to offer deals. The key is knowing where to go – and, how to book it.

Go to Europe in May, not July

Southern Europe can feel unbearably crowded in high summer, but May could secretly be one of the best months to visit. Temperatures are mild, flowers are blooming and many beach towns are just starting to come alive.

Instead of heading straight for Europe’s busiest hotspots, consider destinations that shine in the quieter months. Puglia, in southern Italy, offers beautiful coastal towns and exceptional food without the Amalfi Coast crowds. Mallorca’s beach clubs begin reopening for the season, but the island still feels relaxed and spacious. In Greece, Paros delivers whitewashed villages, seaside tavernas and golden beaches before the July/August rush begins.

Money-saving tip: Fly into Rome or Milan, which usually have the cheapest fares from Australia, then take a budget airline or train to smaller destinations.

Go to Bali in May or September

Bali is technically a year-round destination, but May and September are widely considered the island’s best months. The weather is still dry, but the huge mid-year tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet – or have just left.

It’s a great time to explore different corners of the island. Uluwatu offers surf breaks, dramatic clifftop views and beach clubs without the high-season chaos. Inland, Sidemen’s rice fields and boutique stays provide a quieter alternative to Ubud. Even Canggu feels a little calmer before the peak dry season/winter holiday rush.

Money-saving tip: Book villa stays mid-week – prices can drop significantly compared to weekends.

Visit Japan just after cherry blossom season

Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan. But travelling late April or May can be just as beautiful, with spring weather, lush gardens and noticeably smaller crowds.

This is also the perfect time to explore destinations beyond Tokyo. Kyoto’s temple gardens are especially peaceful once the blossom crowds disperse, while Kanazawa offers beautifully preserved traditional districts and excellent food. For something slower paced, Hakone is ideal for a ryokan stay, with mountain scenery, hot springs and clear views of Mount Fuji on bright spring days.

Money-saving tip: Look for mid-week Shinkansen tickets and hotel stays, which are often cheaper than weekends.

Choose autumn for Australian wine regions

If you’d rather stay closer to home, shoulder season is also the perfect time to explore Australia’s wine regions. Autumn brings cooler weather, harvest season energy and vineyard landscapes turning golden.

Destinations like Orange in regional New South Wales shine at this time of year, with crisp mornings, excellent cool-climate wines and a growing food scene. In South Australia, the Adelaide Hills offers scenic drives between boutique cellar doors, while Tasmania’s east coast pairs vineyard visits with fresh seafood and dramatic coastal views.

Money-saving tip: Visit Sunday to Thursday for cheaper accommodation and a more relaxed cellar door experience.

Book flights on the “in-between” days

One of the easiest ways to save money on travel is simply adjusting your departure dates. Flights are typically most expensive on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, when most people want to travel. Mid-week departures can prove significantly cheaper. Try departing Tuesday or Wednesday and returning Monday or Tuesday – and avoid the start and end of school holidays, when prices tend to spike.

Look for destinations just outside the hotspots

Another shoulder season trick is to stay near famous destinations, rather than directly in them. Instead of booking a hotel on the Amalfi Coast, consider staying in Puglia or smaller coastal towns nearby. Swap Mykonos for Paros, or base yourself in Kanazawa rather than Tokyo. You’ll often find better prices, more space and a more relaxed local atmosphere.

The best place to start? Asking fellow travelers. Websites like Reddit, TripAdvisor and other travel chatrooms and forums are full of first-hand accounts and expertise, so post a question or read existing threads.