As summer winds down, there’s still ample opportunity to take advantage of what’s known as the “shoulder season.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it essentially refers to the times before and after the peak travel seasons. The idea is that prices tend to be a bit lower and crowds less overwhelming, while the weather remains enjoyable.
For instance, U.S. National Parks often see a drop in visitors, which means cooler temperatures but also potentially less available services since kids are in school and demand is usually lower.
“Shoulder seasons can differ by location, but generally, for popular spots, you’re looking at periods between April to early June and then September to October,” a travel enthusiast shared on TikTok. Some areas where you might find good deals during these times include Western Europe, the Caribbean, parts of Mexico, Southeast Asia, and coastal cities across the U.S.
As travel approaches in late August and September, experts from booking sites like Expedia recommend these five shoulder season destinations:
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Sedona, Arizona
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
A report by Skyscanner indicated that about a third of Americans were looking to save money and avoid crowds during this off-peak season, with the figure rising to 42% among those aged 18 to 24.
Some of the most affordable places to travel in late August and September include:
Domestic
- Buffalo, New York
- Portland, Oregon
- Orlando, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Miami, Florida
- Denver, Colorado
- San Francisco, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
International
- Tokyo, Japan
- London, UK
- Rome, Italy
- Buffalo, New York
- Tirana, Albania
Besides inexpensive flights, the shoulder season brings lower ticket prices for theme parks. For example, September typically features the lowest average admission costs for Disney Parks, a trend expected to continue into October 2026.
Remember that peak travel times can vary depending on the location, so it’s wise to conduct a bit of research before you book your trip.
Travel experts recommend planning ahead. Just because you’re saving by visiting during the shoulder season doesn’t mean you should leave your trip planning until the last minute. Booking four to six months in advance is a good approach to snag the best deals.
