Rethinking Travel Chapter 6: Travelling Beyond The Travel Season

Author : Unwild Planet

With a variety of travel trends picking up pace in 2024, travelling beyond the travel season or the peak season has also secured its place amongst them. A combination of economic, social, and environmental factors are leading this trend to kindle in 2024. For travellers looking for more meaningful and fulfilling experiences, this would be a perfect choice and here are more reasons on why you should opt for shoulder season travels!

Why do we ask our travellers to not limit travelling during seasons only?

1. Avoiding Crowds

Haven’t you always enjoyed a deserted beach, all to yourself, rather than a crowded one which limits your experience and restricts the way you want to explore it? Well, if you are to travel in the shoulder season, you can strike this tension off of your list! Traveling in shoulder seasons offers you to enjoy your destination without any congestion, get quality time with family at your destination, and make some core memories.

You must have often hesitated from visiting a particular tourist attraction just because you know how crowded that place can be. Less the number, more the experience gets personal and intimate.

2. Unique Experiences

Traveling during the shoulder season gets you to tell a story that is unique, something only a few have experienced and you get to see a different side of your destination. Here are some destinations that are still attractive during their shoulder season!

Machu Picchu:

Despite being the rainy season (from November to April), visiting Machu Picchu during the shoulder-season means you get to witness the lush green valleys of Cusco! With bursts of sunshine and intermittent torrential rains, there are high chances that you will see impressive rainbows over the Imperial City of Cusco!

Amazon Rainforest:

The shoulder season brings more rain, but it also means the rivers are fuller, providing unique opportunities for river cruises and wildlife spotting. You also get to do activities like piranha fishing and trekking as the trails would be much clearer

Galápagos Islands:

April to June & September to November are considered the shoulder season, offering good weather, active wildlife, and fewer tourists, making it ideal for wildlife tours and snorkeling

Etosha National Park:

The wet season (November to April) brings lush scenery and fewer visitors, making it ideal for birdwatching and spotting newborn wildlife

3. Personal Connections

With fewer crowds, your experiences are enriched and more personal. You get to interact with the locals and understand the place better! Less tourists means more time and attention for the ones visiting, leading to meaningful conversations, cultural experiences, and gaining a deeper understanding of your destination!

Additionally, visiting during off-peak times often results in more personalized and attentive service. With fewer tourists around, you are more likely to engage meaningfully with locals, learn about their culture, and enjoy a more authentic travel experience. These interactions can lead to a deeper appreciation for the destination and a stronger connection with its people.

4. Supporting the Locals

Many cafes and restaurants in tourist destinations struggle during the shoulder season due to fewer visitors, leading to financial instability and potential closures. Traveling during off and shoulder seasons provides crucial support to these businesses, helping maintain a steady customer flow year-round. This stability allows them to stay open, retain staff, and continue offering unique services.

Your patronage during these times not only supports business owners but also benefits the broader community. Stable income enables local businesses to improve, offer better wages, and contribute more effectively to the local economy, fostering a resilient community.

In essence, traveling during off and shoulder seasons sustains the local economy, preserves jobs, and helps create a more vibrant, resilient community.

Traveling during the shoulder season offers numerous benefits, making it an excellent choice for savvy travelers. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy popular attractions more peacefully and authentically. Off-peak travel often means better deals on accommodations and activities, stretching your budget further. Additionally, your visit during these times supports local businesses, helping to stabilize their income and sustain the local economy. By choosing to travel in the shoulder season, you not only enrich your own experience but also contribute positively to the destinations you explore.

Remember, consult your travel operator for recommendations on exploring destinations during off-peak periods. Check out our website to know more about the packages we offer during the shoulder season!