As the summer travel season approaches, the familiar sight of bustling airports filled with vacationers is upon us. However, this year’s peak travel periods might not be as predictable as in the past.
An increasing number of tourists are opting for shoulder-season travel—those months just before or after the high season, between March and early May, and September to October.
This shift is driven by a desire to escape the intense heat waves that have plagued Europe in recent years and to avoid overcrowded destinations.
Travel companies have observed a notable rise in demand during these shoulder seasons. Intrepid Travel, a small group-adventure travel company, reported a significant 61% increase in bookings to Western Europe during these periods last year, and a 29% increase to Southern Europe.
Responding to this trend, the company has expanded its offerings, increasing the number of departures to popular destinations like Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France by 47% in April and 27% in October.
Shoulder season trips offer comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and great deals.The motivation behind this shift is clear: the soaring temperatures across Europe are making traditional summer vacations less appealing.
For example, Greece experienced its earliest-ever heatwave this June, with temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F) for several consecutive days. Similarly, Turkey faced temperatures exceeding 40°C, exposing millions to extreme heat.
Raph Giacardi, chief editor for HolidayPirates, noted that many travelers are no longer willing to endure these heatwaves.
Instead, they are choosing to visit European destinations during the cooler shoulder seasons in September and October, when temperatures are more comfortable, and travel deals are more attractive.
Moreover, demographic changes are influencing this trend. More retirees and child-free households, unbound by work or school schedules, are free to travel outside peak seasons, taking advantage of the quieter, less crowded periods.
This shift in travel patterns reflects a broader response to climate change and the challenges it poses to traditional vacation schedules. The rise in shoulder-season travel not only offers a more pleasant experience for tourists but also helps mitigate the impact of over-tourism on popular destinations.