Best Shoulder Season Destinations 2025 (Save 50%+)

Want to know the real secret to traveling like you're rich without draining your bank account?

It's not about flying Spirit and eating gas station sandwiches. It's about timing.

Here's what most people don't get: you can visit the world's most incredible destinations for literally half the price—sometimes less—just by showing up when everyone else is stuck at their desk. We're talking the same luxurious hotels, the same stunning beaches, the same Instagram-worthy views. Just 50-70% cheaper.

I'm talking about shoulder season travel, and in 2025, it's your golden ticket to seeing more while spending way less. According to recent data from the U.S. Travel Association, travelers who visit destinations during shoulder season save an average of 54% on accommodations and 38% on flights compared to peak season. That's not pocket change—that's the difference between a weekend getaway and a two-week international trip.

In this guide, you'll discover the best shoulder season destinations for 2025, exactly when to go, what you'll save, and how Travel More Club members are slashing their costs by up to 89% on accommodations with zero blackout dates. Yeah, you read that right. Even during these sweet-spot travel windows.

Let's jump in.

Portugal (March-May, September-October)

Portugal is having a moment, and honestly, it's been having that moment for about five years now. But here's your advantage: while everyone else is sweating through Lisbon in July or fighting crowds in Porto during August, you can show up in April or October and have the country practically to yourself.

Spring in Portugal means temps in the mid-60s°F, wildflowers covering the countryside, and locals who actually have time to chat with you. The Algarve's beaches aren't packed yet, Porto's riverside cafés have tables available, and you can actually get a decent photo of Lisbon's yellow trams without seventeen tourists in your shot.

Fall is equally magical. September and October bring warm ocean temps, golden light for photography, and harvest season in the Douro Valley. You'll pay $89 per night for hotels that cost $210 in July. Flights from the U.S. East Coast drop to around $450 roundtrip instead of $850.

Travel More Club members recently saved 67% on a boutique hotel in Alfama (Lisbon's oldest neighborhood). The regular rate was $185/night in August; they paid $61/night in October. Same property, same ocean-view room, three months later.

What you'll experience: Wine tasting in Douro Valley, exploring medieval towns like Óbidos without tour buses, surfing in Peniche with local instructors who aren't rushed, and eating pastéis de nata that are still warm from the oven at shops where you don't have to wait in line.

Japan (Late March-April, November)

Cherry blossom season in Japan isn't a secret—it's basically the Super Bowl of travel. But here's what IS a secret: late November is absolutely spectacular, and it costs about half as much.

November in Japan means fall foliage that rivals New England, comfortable temperatures in the 50s-60s°F, and far fewer tourists clogging up Kyoto's temples. You'll still see stunning natural beauty, but you won't be fighting crowds at Fushimi Inari Shrine or waiting 90 minutes for a table at that ramen spot in Tokyo.

If you DO want cherry blossoms (I don't blame you), aim for late March or the first week of April depending on the region. Yes, it's popular, but it's still technically shoulder season with better deals than peak summer.

The numbers: Hotels in Kyoto drop from $280/night in peak season to $145/night in November. Roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo fall from $1,200 to around $650. That's $1,165 saved right there, and we haven't even talked about cheaper rail passes and restaurant reservations you can actually get.

Travel More Club members saved $1,247 on a 10-day Japan itinerary by booking for November instead of August. They stayed at the same ryokans (traditional inns), rode the same bullet trains, and explored the same cities—just without the sweltering heat and massive crowds.

What you'll experience: Peaceful temple visits where you can actually meditate, fall foliage hikes in the Japanese Alps, onsen (hot spring) soaking without waiting, and locals who are noticeably more relaxed and welcoming when their cities aren't overrun.

Pro Tip: Book your Japan Rail Pass at least three weeks in advance for additional savings, and plan your itinerary around the "koyo" (autumn leaves) forecast, which typically peaks in different regions throughout November.

Greece (April-May, September-October)

Greek islands in summer are beautiful, sure. They're also expensive, crowded, and hotter than the surface of the sun. I'm talking 95°F+ with zero shade and hotel prices that'll make you wonder if they're charging per person or per family.

Visit in May or September instead. You'll get 75-80°F weather, warm swimming temps, and those iconic white-washed buildings without the selfie sticks. Plus, Greek hospitality gets even better when locals aren't exhausted from peak season chaos.

May is particularly special because wildflowers are blooming across the islands, outdoor tavernas are reopening after winter, and everything feels fresh and new. September brings calmer seas, perfect for sailing or island hopping, and locals who are genuinely happy to see you instead of tourist-weary.

The savings: A villa in Santorini that costs $420/night in July runs about $165/night in May. Flights from major U.S. cities to Athens drop from $1,100 to $580. Ferry tickets between islands are easier to snag, and you won't be booking months in advance or settling for less-than-ideal accommodations.

Travel More Club members scored a stunning Mykonos hotel for $98/night in early May—same property that charged $385/night in July. They had beach chairs available every day, got reservations at waterfront restaurants, and said the whole experience felt more authentic.

What you'll experience: Swimming in crystal-clear waters without bumping into strangers, exploring ancient ruins in comfortable temperatures, dining at cliffside restaurants with actual availability, and genuinely connecting with locals who aren't running on fumes.

New Zealand (September-November, March-May)

New Zealand is literally on the other side of the world, so shoulder season here flips everything. Their spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) are your sweet spots for massive savings and incredible weather.

Spring brings newborn lambs dotting the hillsides (yes, it's as adorable as it sounds), wildflowers covering the landscape, and snow-capped mountains with green valleys below. Fall offers stable weather, autumn colors, and fewer international tourists because they're all heading home for their own fall and winter holidays.

The South Island in particular shines during shoulder season. Places like Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the West Coast are stunning without the summer rush. You'll pay less for everything from car rentals to guided tours to accommodation, and you'll actually be able to book popular activities without planning six months ahead.

The reality check: Summer (December-February) accommodation in Queenstown averages $210/night. Book for October or April and you're looking at $105/night for comparable properties. That's exactly half. Rental cars drop from $95/day to $52/day. Internal flights between islands decrease by 30-40%.

Travel More Club members saved $892 on a two-week South Island road trip by going in March instead of January. Same fjords, same glaciers, same mountain hikes. Just fewer campervans clogging the roads and way more money in their pockets.

What you'll experience: Hiking the Milford Track without crowds, wine tasting in Marlborough with attentive staff, photographing lupins in full bloom, and having New Zealand's legendary hospitality focused on you instead of managing tourist hordes.

Morocco (March-April, October-November)

Morocco in summer is an oven. We're talking 105°F+ in cities like Marrakech and Fes, making those beautiful riads feel less like romantic hideaways and more like places you're trapped because it's too hot to explore.

Visit in March, April, October, or November instead. Temperatures sit comfortably in the 70s-80s°F, perfect for wandering through medinas, hiking the Atlas Mountains, or spending days exploring the blue streets of Chefchaouen without feeling like you're melting.

Spring brings blooming desert flowers and green valleys in the mountains. Fall offers harvest season in the valleys, perfect weather for Sahara Desert trips, and locals celebrating the end of the intense summer heat. Both periods give you authentic Morocco without the peak season price gouging or oppressive temperatures.

The breakdown: A riad in Marrakech's medina costs around $280/night in December (peak winter season) but drops to $125/night in March or November. Guided Sahara Desert tours decrease from $450 to $310 per person. Even street food and souvenirs become more negotiable when vendors aren't surrounded by cruise ship tourists.

Travel More Club members paid $73/night for a stunning riad with a rooftop terrace in Fes during late March—the same property charged $195/night in April's peak week. They said the medina was busy but not overwhelming, and shopkeepers were actually interested in conversation instead of hard sells.

What you'll experience: Comfortable medina exploration, camel trekking in the Sahara without overheating, cooking classes in riads where chefs aren't rushed, authentic hammam experiences, and mountain hikes with views for days.

Pro Tip: Book your Sahara Desert tour directly with local operators in shoulder season—they're more flexible on pricing and small group sizes, often offering semi-private experiences at regular group rates.

Iceland (May-June, September)

Iceland exploded in popularity over the last decade, and summer prices show it. Everyone wants those endless daylight hours and theoretically warmer temperatures. But here's what they're missing: shoulder season in Iceland is absolutely spectacular, and you'll save a fortune.

May, June, and September offer longer daylight than most destinations, stunning landscapes, and fewer tourists competing for the same waterfalls, hot springs, and glacier hikes. September even offers decent chances of seeing the Northern Lights, which you can't see at all during summer's midnight sun.

The weather is unpredictable year-round in Iceland, so you're not sacrificing much by avoiding July and August. You'll still get plenty of sunshine, you'll just pack an extra layer and save $100+ per night on hotels. Fair trade.

The numbers tell the story: Hotels in Reykjavik average $245/night in July but drop to $135/night in May or September. Car rentals decrease from $125/day to $68/day. Tours and activities reduce prices by 20-30%, and you'll actually be able to book popular spots like Sky Lagoon or the Silfra snorkeling experience without planning months ahead.

Travel More Club members saved $1,134 on a week-long Iceland Ring Road trip by going in early June instead of mid-July. Same waterfalls, same glaciers, same hot springs. Just 40% cheaper and way less crowded.

What you'll experience: The Golden Circle without tour bus traffic jams, glacier hiking in comfortable temperatures, hot spring soaking without feeling like you're in a public pool, and Northern Lights viewing in September that summer visitors miss entirely.

Scotland (April-May, September-October)

Scotland in summer is lovely. It's also expensive, busy, and full of tourists wondering why Edinburgh Castle is so crowded and why that "traditional" restaurant is playing bagpipe music on loop.

Visit in spring or fall instead. April and May bring blooming heather across the Highlands, baby Highland cows (seriously adorable), and Edinburgh without the Festival crowds. September and October offer autumn colors, whisky distillery harvest celebrations, and cozy pub nights that feel genuinely Scottish instead of performatively so.

The weather? Look, it's Scotland. It's probably going to rain whether you visit in July or October. But shoulder season rain is way cheaper rain, and you'll have castles, distilleries, and hiking trails mostly to yourself.

The savings breakdown: Edinburgh hotels during the Festival (August) cost $315/night on average. Book for May or September and you're looking at $145/night. Highland accommodation drops from $185/night to $95/night. Rental cars decrease from $85/day to $48/day, and you won't be booking six months in advance just to find availability.

Travel More Club members paid $67/night for a B&B in the Highlands during late September—the same property charged $178/night in August. They had their choice of rooms, got personalized breakfast service, and said the owners actually sat and chatted with them about local hidden gems.

What you'll experience: Castle touring without crowds, whisky tasting at distilleries where staff has time to explain the process, hiking in the Highlands with trails to yourself, and pub evenings with locals instead of tourist groups.

Croatia (May-June, September-October)

Croatia's Adriatic coast became Europe's hot spot after Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik. Now, summer in Dubrovnik means cruise ship crowds, €8 beers, and hotels charging triple their off-season rates.

Visit in May, June, September, or October instead. The Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming, the stone streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town aren't packed wall-to-wall, and island hopping is actually pleasant because ferries have space and hotels have availability.

Spring brings fewer crowds as the season kicks off, with locals excited to welcome visitors. Fall offers calmer seas perfect for sailing, harvest season in Istria's wine country, and temperatures that are comfortable for exploring instead of seeking shade every 20 minutes.

What it costs (or doesn't): Dubrovnik hotels in July average $295/night. May or September? Try $135/night. Apartments in Split drop from $185/night to $89/night. Ferry tickets between islands are easier to get, and waterfront restaurants actually have tables available without reservations made weeks in advance.

Travel More Club members scored a sea-view apartment in Hvar Town for $104/night in early June—the same property wanted $340/night in August. They said the island was busy enough to feel lively but not overwhelmed, and beach clubs had loungers available every single day.

What you'll experience: Walking Dubrovnik's walls without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists, island hopping with ferries that aren't packed, swimming in secluded coves, dining at konobas (traditional taverns) where owners remember your name, and actually getting photos without photobombers.

Pro Tip: Book ferries between islands online in advance during shoulder season for the best schedules, but you won't need to book months ahead like summer requires—a week or two is usually plenty.

Vietnam (February-April, September-November)

Vietnam offers incredible value year-round, but shoulder season takes it to another level. The country's geography means different regions peak at different times, but generally, spring and fall offer the best combination of weather and lower prices across multiple regions.

February through April brings perfect weather to the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) before the summer heat and humidity hit. September through November offers post-monsoon freshness in the south, with green landscapes, manageable temperatures, and fewer tourists in places like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) shines in early spring and late fall, offering beach weather without the peak season crowds or prices. You'll find better hotel rates, easier restaurant bookings, and tour operators who aren't running on auto-pilot.

The financial reality: A boutique hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter costs $75/night in peak season but drops to $42/night in shoulder season. Beach resorts in Da Nang fall from $145/night to $78/night. Internal flights get cheaper, train tickets are easier to book, and you'll spend less on everything from food tours to boat trips.

Travel More Club members paid $31/night for a highly-rated hotel in Hoi An during October—same property charged $89/night in January (Tet holiday season). They said the ancient town was gorgeous without crowds, tailors had time to do quality work, and they could book popular restaurants the same day.

What you'll experience: Ha Long Bay cruises without dozens of other boats, Hanoi street food tours where vendors aren't overwhelmed, beach time in Da Nang with space to breathe, and exploring temples in Hue at your own pace.

Thailand (May-June, September-October)

Thailand is Southeast Asia's tourism heavyweight, and peak season (November-March) brings everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers. But shoulder season in Thailand offers something special: the country at its most authentic, with better deals and far fewer crowds.

May and June mark the beginning of the green season (a nicer term than "monsoon season"). Yes, it rains, but usually in short afternoon bursts that cool everything down. Hotels drop their rates dramatically, beaches aren't packed, and you'll see Thailand functioning as it does when it's not in tourist mode.

September and October offer similar benefits as the rainy season winds down. The landscape is lush and green, waterfalls are at their most impressive, and locals are gearing up for peak season, making them extra welcoming to early arrivals.

Cost comparison: A beach resort in Phuket charges $195/night in January but drops to $89/night in June. Bangkok hotels fall from $110/night to $58/night. Island accommodation in Koh Samui or Koh Lanta can cost 60% less than peak season. Cooking classes, diving trips, and island tours all reduce their rates.

Travel More Club members saved $743 on a two-week Thailand trip by going in early June instead of February. Same beaches, same temples, same street food. Just with afternoon rain showers they described as "actually kind of nice" and hotels that were half empty.

What you'll experience: Beach days in Krabi without elbow-to-elbow tourists, Bangkok temple visits in comfortable(ish) temperatures, island hopping with boats that aren't packed, and diving in the Andaman Sea with crystal-clear post-rain visibility.

Peru (April-May, September-October)

Machu Picchu is Peru's headliner, but visiting during Peru's dry season (June-August) means crowds, higher prices, and booking the Inca Trail months in advance. Shoulder season offers a smarter approach.

April and May mark the end of the rainy season, when the Sacred Valley is green and blooming, crowds are manageable, and prices haven't peaked yet. September and October sit at the end of dry season, offering better weather than summer but with fewer tourists as schools resume.

You'll still get good weather for hiking, better access to Machu Picchu tickets and permits, and lower prices on everything from Cusco hotels to guided tours. Plus, the Peruvian Amazon is actually MORE accessible during rainy season shoulder months (April-May) when river levels are higher.

The breakdown: Hotels in Cusco drop from $135/night in July to $78/night in April or October. Machu Picchu tour packages decrease by 30-40%. Flights from Lima to Cusco get cheaper, and you can book the Inca Trail with just a month's notice instead of three to six months.

Travel More Club members paid $67/night for a Sacred Valley hotel with mountain views in late April—the same property charged $158/night in August. They booked their Machu Picchu permits six weeks out instead of six months, and said the citadel still had morning mist creating magical photos.

What you'll experience: Machu Picchu with manageable crowds, Rainbow Mountain hikes without 200 other people, Cusco's historic center exploration at your own pace, Amazon jungle trips with high water for better wildlife viewing, and authentic interactions with locals.

Canada (May-June, September-October)

Canada's summer is short and Canadians know it, which means June through August brings everyone north for camping, hiking, and city exploring. Skip the rush and visit in shoulder season when Canada's beauty is on full display but your wallet isn't getting hammered.

May and June offer longer days, mild temperatures, and snow-free hiking in the Rockies. September and October bring fall foliage that rivals New England, comfortable temperatures, and locals who are more relaxed after the summer tourism rush.

Western Canada (Vancouver, Victoria, the Rockies) shines in fall when larches turn golden and crowds thin out. Eastern Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City) comes alive in fall with harvest season, changing leaves, and comfortable temperatures for city exploration.

Price comparison: Banff hotels charge $285/night in July but drop to $145/night in May or September. Vancouver accommodation falls from $195/night to $115/night. Quebec City hotels decrease from $165/night to $89/night, and you can actually book that Instagram-famous restaurant in Montreal without planning weeks ahead.

Travel More Club members saved $967 on a week-long Canadian Rockies trip by going in September instead of August. Same mountain lakes, same wildlife viewing, same glacier hikes. Just with golden larches, fewer tour buses, and hotel rates that didn't make them wince.

What you'll experience: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise without 6 AM arrival requirements, Vancouver city exploration in perfect weather, Montreal restaurant hopping with actual availability, and Quebec City wandering through fall foliage.

Spain (March-May, September-November)

Spain in summer is a tale of two extremes: coastal areas packed with tourists, and interior cities like Madrid and Seville that are genuinely too hot for comfortable sightseeing (we're talking 100°F+). Shoulder season solves both problems.

Spring in Spain means Seville's orange blossoms perfuming the air, Barcelona's Gaudi buildings without hour-long queues, and Madrid's museums at manageable capacity. Fall brings harvest season in La Rioja's wine country, perfect beach weather in San Sebastian, and comfortable temperatures for walking Toledo's medieval streets.

The Mediterranean coast stays warm through October, making beach time still possible. Interior cities cool down to actually pleasant temperatures. And cities hosting major events (like Seville's Feria) in spring offer authentic cultural experiences instead of manufactured tourist attractions.

The cost reality: Barcelona hotels in July average $245/night but drop to $135/night in May or October. Madrid accommodation falls from $185/night to $98/night. Coastal properties in Costa Brava or Costa del Sol reduce rates by 40-50%. Even tapas bars are more likely to have tables available without reservations.

Travel More Club members paid $89/night for a boutique hotel in Seville's Santa Cruz neighborhood during November—the property charged $235/night in April (Feria week). They said the city was gorgeous, restaurants had availability, and the Alcázar wasn't mobbed with tour groups.

What you'll experience: Barcelona's Park Güell without massive crowds, Real Alcázar in Seville at your own pace, tapas hopping in Madrid where locals actually hang out, wine tasting in La Rioja during harvest, and Basque Country beaches that aren't packed.

Pro Tip: Book your Sagrada Familia tickets online regardless of when you visit, but shoulder season lets you choose better time slots without planning months ahead, and surrounding areas are far less crowded.

Costa Rica (April-June, September-November)

Costa Rica doesn't really have a "bad" season—this is why expats love it. But it does have an expensive season (December-April) when Americans flee winter. Green season (May-November) brings afternoon rains, lush landscapes, and prices that are 30-50% lower across the board.

April through June marks the transition into green season, with manageable rain, lower prices, and beaches that aren't packed. September through November offers similar benefits as the rainy season winds down, with baby sea turtles hatching and jungle wildlife more active.

Rain typically arrives in predictable afternoon bursts, meaning you get mornings for beach time, hikes, and activities, then a cooling rain shower, followed by beautiful evenings. Many travelers actually prefer green season for wildlife viewing since animals are more active.

What you'll save: Manuel Antonio hotels drop from $195/night to $105/night. Monteverde cloud forest lodges fall from $165/night to $92/night. Arenal Volcano area accommodation decreases from $210/night to $118/night. Zip-lining tours, surf lessons, and national park entry stays the same price, but you'll have trails and beaches mostly to yourself.

Travel More Club members paid $78/night for a beachfront hotel in Tamarindo during May—same property charged $189/night in February. They said afternoon rains were brief, surfing was incredible, and they saw more wildlife than their friends who visited during dry season.

What you'll experience: Zip-lining through cloud forests at your own pace, surfing on uncrowded beaches, wildlife viewing in national parks without packed trails, yoga retreats with small group sizes, and honest interactions with Ticos who aren't exhausted from peak season.

Italy (April-May, September-October)

Italy in summer means three things: crowds, heat, and prices that'll make you question if you actually need to eat that day. Rome hits 95°F regularly, Florence's Uffizi Gallery requires hours of waiting, and Venice feels like a theme park with canals.

Visit in spring or fall instead. April and May bring blooming wisteria in Tuscany, comfortable temperatures for city walking, and Easter celebrations that are culturally significant rather than tourist traps. September and October offer harvest season in wine country, warm-enough beach weather on the Amalfi Coast, and cities that have caught their breath after peak summer chaos.

The shoulder season sweet spot for Italy is huge: you get great weather, authentic cultural experiences, significantly lower costs, and the ability to actually enjoy Italy the way it's meant to be experienced—at a relaxed pace with good food, better wine, and locals who have time to chat.

The breakdown: Rome hotels in July average $285/night but drop to $145/night in May or October. Venice accommodation falls from $310/night to $165/night (still expensive, but less painful). Tuscan farmhouse rentals decrease from $395/night to $185/night. Even restaurant prices feel lower when you're not paying tourist-area premiums in overwhelmed cities.

Travel More Club members scored a Tuscan villa for $198/night in early October—the same property charged $467/night in August. They said they had their pick of wineries for tastings, restaurants were welcoming, and driving through the countryside felt genuinely peaceful instead of fighting rental car traffic.

What you'll experience: Vatican Museums without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, Cinque Terre hiking with manageable trail traffic, Amalfi Coast beach clubs with available loungers, Tuscan wine tasting during harvest, and gelato in Florence where you can actually find a place to sit.

Turkey (April-May, September-October)

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, offering incredible value, rich history, and dramatic landscapes. Summer brings oppressive heat to Istanbul and coastal areas, plus crowds at major sites like Cappadocia and Ephesus. Shoulder season fixes everything.

Spring in Turkey means comfortable temperatures in Istanbul, perfect weather for hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, and coastal areas that are warm without being scorching. Fall offers similar benefits with harvest season adding to the experience and coastal waters still warm enough for swimming.

Istanbul alone deserves shoulder season attention. Walking between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in May or October means 70°F weather instead of 95°F, and you can actually appreciate the architecture instead of just seeking air conditioning.

The numbers: Istanbul hotels drop from $165/night in July to $89/night in May or October. Cappadocia cave hotels fall from $245/night to $135/night. Mediterranean coast resorts decrease from $195/night to $98/night. Even Turkish Airlines offers better deals on domestic flights during shoulder season.

Travel More Club members paid $87/night for a boutique hotel in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district during late April—the property charged $198/night in August. They said they could book a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with just a week's notice, and the Blue Mosque wasn't overwhelmed with tour groups.

What you'll experience: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque without massive crowds, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia with smaller groups, Ephesus ruins in comfortable temperatures, Turkish hammam experiences that aren't rushed, and coastal beach time that's actually relaxing.

Mexico (April-May, September-October)

Mexico offers year-round tourism, but shoulder season provides the best balance of weather, prices, and authentic experiences. Spring and fall avoid both the winter snowbird rush and the summer heat/humidity combination that makes beach time less enjoyable.

April and May offer perfect beach weather on both coasts, comfortable temperatures for exploring inland cities like Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende, and prices that haven't peaked yet. September and October (post-hurricane season's worst months) bring lower prices, fewer tourists, and locals who are genuinely happy to see you.

Different regions shine at different times. The Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo) is ideal in May and September. The Caribbean coast (Cancun, Tulum) works well in October. Inland destinations like Mexico City and Guanajuato are perfect April-May when temperatures are mild before the May-June heat wave.

Cost breakdown: Playa del Carmen hotels drop from $195/night to $98/night. Cabo resorts fall from $385/night to $185/night. Mexico City boutique hotels decrease from $145/night to $78/night. All-inclusive resort packages can be 40-50% cheaper, and you'll get better room categories at shoulder season rates.

Travel More Club members saved $1,156 on a week-long Mexico trip by going in October instead of March. They split time between Oaxaca (for Day of the Dead preparations) and Puerto Escondido (for surfing), paying $67/night on average compared to $165/night their friends paid for spring break.

What you'll experience: Tulum cenotes without crowds, Mexico City museum hopping in comfortable weather, authentic Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, surfing on Pacific coast beaches with local vibes, and taco stands where you can actually talk to the vendors.

Pro Tip: October in Mexico coincides with Day of the Dead preparations, offering genuine cultural experiences in cities like Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende that you won't find at other times of year—and at shoulder season prices.

South Africa (September-November, March-May)

South Africa offers incredible diversity—beaches, wine country, cities, and safari—but summer (December-February) brings peak prices and crowds. Shoulder season provides better value and often better wildlife viewing.

September through November marks spring in South Africa, with wildflowers blooming in the Western Cape, whale watching in Hermanus, and excellent game viewing as temperatures rise but crowds haven't arrived. March through May brings fall colors in wine country, comfortable temperatures for Cape Town exploration, and the end of peak season pricing.

Safari considerations are important: September-October offers great game viewing as vegetation is still sparse from winter, making animals easier to spot. March-April works well in wetter regions like Kruger's north, with migrating birds and lush landscapes.

Safari savings: Luxury lodges in Kruger's private reserves drop from $750/person/night to $485/person/night in shoulder season. Cape Town hotels fall from $245/night to $135/night. Wine country accommodation decreases from $195/night to $112/night. Even internal flights and car rentals reduce prices by 25-30%.

Travel More Club members paid $398/person/night for a five-star Sabi Sands lodge in October—the same property charged $825/person/night in July. They said game viewing was exceptional, they had the safari vehicle mostly to themselves, and guides gave longer, more informative drives.

What you'll experience: Incredible wildlife viewing without packed safari vehicles, Cape Town exploration in perfect weather, wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek without crowds, shark cage diving with great white sharks, and the Garden Route drive in comfortable temperatures.

Austria (April-May, September-October)

Austria's summer brings Sound of Music fans to Salzburg, classical music devotees to Vienna, and hikers to the Alps. Shoulder season offers the same experiences at 40-50% lower costs and with significantly fewer tourists competing for the same attractions.

Spring in Austria means alpine meadows covered in wildflowers, classical music season beginning, and Vienna's coffee houses returning to their unhurried glory. Fall brings harvest festivals, fall foliage in the Wachau Valley, and comfortable temperatures for city walking and castle touring.

Vienna and Salzburg are walkable cities that are actually enjoyable to walk in May or September, when temperatures are 65-75°F instead of summer's 85-90°F with humidity. The Alps offer hiking without the summer rush, and mountain huts serve traditional meals without being overwhelmed.

Price reality: Vienna hotels drop from $235/night to $125/night. Salzburg accommodation falls from $195/night to $105/night. Alpine region lodges decrease from $165/night to $89/night. Train passes between cities remain the same price, but hotels and restaurants reduce rates substantially.

Travel More Club members paid $98/night for a central Vienna hotel during late September—the property charged $247/night in August. They said they got last-minute tickets to the Vienna State Opera for €45 (usually impossible during peak season), and cafes had tables available without waiting.

What you'll experience: Schönbrunn Palace touring at your own pace, Salzburg without tour bus crowding, Hallstatt village without the Instagram hordes, alpine hiking with trails mostly to yourself, and genuine Viennese coffee house culture.

Chile (March-May, September-November)

Chile's extreme geography means different regions peak at different times, but generally shoulder season offers the best weather and value across multiple destinations. Fall (March-May) and spring (September-November) avoid both the southern hemisphere summer rush and winter's cold temperatures.

March through May brings harvest season in Chilean wine country, perfect weather for Patagonia before winter sets in