Discover Tomorrow’s Journey: Uncovering the Allure of Off-Season Travel in 2025

This eighth installment in my yearly Travel Trends collection examines the growing popularity of off-season or shoulder-season travel. This is an emerging trend that has been gaining momentum for the last two years, as travelers are seeking to explore destinations during atypical times. Benefits encompass decreased crowds, reduced costs, and the chance to uncover previously unnoticed beauty during crucial seasonal transitions.

Ben Martin, principal at HKS Advisory Services, an architectural and design firm collaborating with some of the world’s top hoteliers, states: “In 2025, we expect to see a sustained increase in interest for low season travel, influenced by various ‘push’ factors from the market as well as ‘pull’ factors from destinations. The ‘push’ factors comprise concerns among certain travelers regarding rising summer temperatures in various established sun, sea, and sand destinations over recent years. Simply put, travelers are displaying heightened interest in holiday reservations during the cooler, shoulder months. Traveling outside peak seasons can also offer greater value for money, and fewer crowds may enhance the overall ‘tourist experience’.”

He adds: “From the ‘pull’ angle, some of the most sought-after destinations have launched targeted initiatives to promote off-peak travel. This increasing awareness can mitigate the stress related to visitor numbers during peak periods, thus boosting long-term sustainability from both environmental and social viewpoints. Additionally, bolstering low-season demand lays a foundation for year-round operations, enhancing both economic sustainability and providing full-time employment in the industry. This represents a transition toward a more community-centered ‘regenerative’ strategy for destination management.”

Tim Hentschel, co-founder of HotelPlanner, suggests that shoulder season travel “appears to be a clear choice” if you can be adaptable with your schedule. He remarks: “This situation places consumers in a much more advantageous position, provided they are willing to release some of the nostalgia linked to peak season travel. For instance, while New York may represent the perfect Christmas experience, January offers a similarly enchanting winter charm with considerably fewer tourists. Ice skating at iconic spots like Rockefeller Centre or Central Park is still available in January, in addition to better hotel and Broadway show availability at lower rates. Likewise, throughout February, Seville can experience highs of 25 degrees—a much more agreeable temperature for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits compared to the summer heat. The summer season attracts massive crowds, driving up hotel expenses, whereas you can acquire better value during Seville’s off-season periods. Hotelplanner.com features shoulder season promotions with discounts exceeding fifty percent.”

The Italian Lakes are among the most frequented destinations globally, celebrated for their picturesque landscapes. However, as noted by Grand Hotel Fasano, a historic hotel overlooking Lake Garda for 125 years, early April—typically deemed pre-season—stands out as one of the ideal times for a visit.

“Lake Garda is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for off-season travel, and early April is genuinely one of the prime times to visit,” states Alice Lancini, director of Sales and Marketing at Grand Hotel Fasano. “It’s an underappreciated fact that Lake Garda enjoys a specific Mediterranean micro-climate, with April offering ample sunshine and comfortable temperatures around 18°C. Indeed, the most significant royal and noble families of the past selected this site as their winter getaway for this very reason, and Grand Hotel Fasano was originally established as the hunting lodge for the Habsburg dynasty.”

She adds: “These climatic conditions create the perfect circumstances for leisurely strolls around the lake, allowing visitors to admire the stunning Mediterranean flora and fauna—including almond, cypress, and olive trees—beginning to bloom. It’s also the optimal moment to explore numerous historical sites and attractions in the vicinity, including the renowned hillside estate, Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, prior to the influx of summer visitors.”

In the same region of Italy, yet this time on Lake Como,Villa d’Este is welcoming a different season. Two seasons prior, it kept its doors open for Christmas and New Year with remarkable success. “As a result, Villa d’Este will continue to operate throughout the winter, heralding a new chapter on Lake Como with other establishments in the area following its lead.” The hotel has unveiled an array of experiences tailored for its winter visitors, such as helicopter excursions for skiing at Monte Cervino; two snug glass houses for visitors to admire the lake views alongside winter jazz evenings and wine dinners.

In Portugal, on the other hand, W Algarve notes a significant surge in shoulder season bookings following warm conditions in September and early October. The hotel disclosed new statistics showcasing a 30% rise in reservations for September and October, in comparison to the same period last year; while May and June bookings saw an increase of 25%. This supports the findings of a Virtuoso survey which revealed that 82% of its clientele are now searching for getaways with more temperate weather. Rising temperatures in the UK and Europe are prompting travelers to increasingly avoid extreme heat in preference for shoulder season holidays, making coastal spots, like the Algarve, a prime option for an autumn or spring retreat.

Additionally in the Algarve, Conrad Algarve, positioned between the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic shores, asserts that the area’s consistent warmth and diverse landscape render it one of Europe’s sunniest spots, making it excellent for off-peak travel. No matter the season, visitors can enjoy farm-to-fork foraging adventures as well as easy access to six exceptional golf courses.

In Crete, where the majority of hotels shut down at summer’s end, Grecotel Amirandes is extending its operational period for the first time to offer continuous hospitality. “This will provide visitors the opportunity to experience the enchanting aspect of local Cretan culture that flourishes on the island following the peak tourist season,” remarks the property. To mark its extended season, the hotel has curated a fresh menu of shoulder-season activities that emphasize local traditions and heritage to foster a profound connection with its island home. For instance, autumn signifies the commencement of the harvest season in Crete, with the olive picking in full effect. Hotel patrons are welcomed to partake in the celebration of the ‘liquid gold’ through a private olive harvesting event. Additionally, for those interested in history, Amirandes can arrange winter excursions to the grand Minoan palaces of Festos and Knossos, and to Gortyna for marveling at the Gortyn Code, the earliest documented laws in the Mediterranean, all without the presence of crowds.