More travelers are choosing shoulder season—but still booking at the last minute

A growing share of travelers say they prefer spring and autumn trips over peak summer. Prices and crowds are the main reasons, but people also mention the calmer city rhythm, easier access to attractions, and the feeling that a destination “breathes” in the off-peak months. Many report that shorter lines and easier restaurant reservations matter more than perfect weather. Cooler days and fewer tour groups make long walks feel easier, and locals have more time for conversations, tips, and genuine encounters.

Even so, booking behavior hasn’t fully shifted. Plenty of travelers still wait until a few weeks out to commit, hoping for a better deal or more flexible plans. That last-minute habit often means the most sought-after rooms and departure times vanish early, even if average prices sit below July and August peaks. Hotels and apartments respond with rolling promotions: some properties discount midweek stays, throw in extras like breakfast, late checkout, or parking, and run “3-for-2” nights to fill quieter calendars. In smaller towns and coastal spots, you’ll also see add-on packages that bundle museum passes, wine tastings, or guided walks.

Weather remains a question mark. Travelers increasingly say they accept a small chance of rain in exchange for calmer streets and lower rates. With smart packing—light jacket, comfortable shoes, and layers—days stay productive, and a Plan B for showers (museums, galleries, thermal spas, cafés with great reading nooks) keeps the mood high. There are seasonal perks too: autumn colors in the mountains, olive and grape harvests around the Mediterranean, and spring festivals of food and flowers that summer crowds can drown out.

Airlines adjust schedules gradually. Outside peak months there can be fewer daily flights, which narrows departure windows; people set on specific times still tend to book early. On the flip side, flexible flyers often catch surprisingly good round-trip fares—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your route involves a connection, it’s worth checking alternate airports and mixing low-cost carriers with national airlines to land the best combination of timing and price.

On the ground, shoulder season brings the best balance: enough daylight for sightseeing, manageable queues at marquee museums, more room at viewpoints, and a gentler hit to the budget. Restaurants have time to talk through menus, and guides can personalize tours without rushing. Remote workers and digital nomads use this window for longer stays at friendlier rates, while families not tied to school calendars find getting around—strollers, backpacks, naps and all—far easier without summer heat.

A few practical notes help the off-peak magic shine. Sketch an itinerary, but leave space for serendipity; a neighborhood market or a street performance can easily become the day’s highlight. Scan local event calendars—autumn fairs, concerts, and sports can elevate a trip, though they might nudge prices up for a night or two. For accommodation, prioritize locations near public transport or central districts; you’ll cut transit time and have quick shelter if the weather turns. Consider travel insurance that covers weather disruptions, and keep a shortlist of rainy-day activities pinned in your maps.

In short, shoulder season delivers a sweet spot: lively but not hectic, affordable without feeling bare-bones. For most travelers, it’s the rare combination of value, comfort, and access—enough sun for photos and sightseeing, enough quiet to savor a long lunch, and enough savings in the budget to stretch the trip by a day, try that tasting menu, or say yes to one more spontaneous excursion.