Shoulder season travel is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, with travelers opting to avoid the crowds and heat waves of summer by visiting during the more relaxed months of September and October. Travel industry experts note that this trend is gaining traction, with some destinations experiencing a decline in summer travel and an increase in interest during spring and fall. Tour operators are adjusting their schedules to accommodate the growing demand for shoulder season travel, with Intrepid Travel reporting a 61% increase in reservations to western Europe during these quieter months.
One of the driving factors behind the shift to shoulder season travel is the increasingly hot summer weather in Europe, which has led to a decrease in interest in traditional summer activities, such as hiking in Spain and Portugal. Countries like Greece have also experienced extreme heatwaves, causing travelers to rethink their summer vacation plans. As a result, travelers are choosing to visit Europe in September and October when temperatures are still warm but more comfortable, and there are better deals on flights, hotels, and package holidays. Additionally, crowds are generally smaller during shoulder season, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable travel experience.
Travel industry experts predict that this trend towards shoulder season travel will continue to grow, with more holidaymakers taking advantage of the quieter months to explore European destinations. Reportedly, there has been a 1.8% increase in shoulder season travel to Europe over the past decade, with popular beach destinations like Croatia seeing a significant shift in visitor patterns. This change is not only driven by hotter summers but also by demographic shifts, such as more retirees with flexibility in travel schedules and households without children that are not tied to school calendars.
As travelers seek to avoid the heat and crowds of summer, travel companies are adapting their offerings to cater to the growing interest in shoulder season travel. Intrepid Travel, for example, has increased the number of departures during the spring and fall months by as much as 47% in some countries. This adjustment reflects the changing preferences of travelers who are looking for a more relaxed and affordable travel experience. The company has noticed a decline in interest in summer hiking trips and has responded by reducing programming in certain countries during the hottest months.
Overall, the shift towards shoulder season travel in Europe is driven by a desire for a more comfortable and enjoyable vacation experience. Travelers are opting to visit during September and October to avoid extreme heat and large crowds, while also taking advantage of better deals on travel expenses. With the growing popularity of shoulder season travel, industry experts predict that more travelers will embrace this trend in the coming years, leading to changes in the peak travel period and further adjustments in the tourism industry’s offerings.
