For frequent travelers, this must be a well-known terminology. But for occasional travelers, this might look new. So, first of all, let’s understand what a shoulder season is, and then get into the best places to visit in this season.

What is shoulder season travel?

Shoulder season refers to the period that falls before and after a peak season in a particular tourist destination. Ideally, traveling to places in this period is referred to as shoulder-season travel. In this season, the footfall or crowd would be less compared to the peak times.

For example, in the United States and Europe, the peak seasons are during summer and winter. Thus, the shoulder season is spring and fall.

Wondering, “Why is it called shoulder season?” The reason is this period sits on the “shoulders” of the peak season or period. The best advantage of traveling in this season is the economical prices of stays and food. However, there are a few downfalls in this shoulder season, like unfavorable weather, restricted entry to a few attractions, clumsy preparations for the upcoming festivals, untidy or overpolluted places, etc.

The Top 10 Shoulder Season Destinations in the World

Machu Picchu, Peru

Housed between two mountains’ peaks, this place is familiar in the history of the Inca civilization or the empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place has several attractions, including the Sun Gate, the Inca Bridge, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc.

Coorg, India

This Western Ghats hill station is located in the Kdagu region of Karnataka. Enjoying the Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and the Dubare Elephant Camp are the best things to do in Coorg.

Here are Some other Places to visit in Karnataka

Golden Circle, Iceland

Next to the Northern Lights, the Golden Circle is the most liked tourist destination in Iceland. It has national parks, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. The best time to travel here, i.e., the shoulder season, is March, April, May, early September, and October.

Kauai, Hawaii

Also referred to as the “Garden Isle,” this place is blessed with greeneries, meadows, canyons, and coastal lines. Indeed, staying in their luxury resorts and tasting world-class cruising is the best thing to do here.

Andaman, India

Andaman and Nicobar is an extraordinary archipelago in India with the best beaches and marine life. Water sports like kayaking, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are a must-do on these islands.

Cape Town, South Africa

This is one of the oldest cities in South Africa, retaining its cultural heritage. The must-visit places during the off-peak travel are Table Mountain, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Castle of Good Hope, the Noon Gun, and the Botanical Garden.

Barcelona, Spain

Though people know this place as FC Barcelona in the football circle, this is one of the exceptional Mediterranean cities. Be it the tradition, culture, gastronomy, art, architecture, or cuisine, everything is excellent and authentic.

Stockholm, Sweden

This is the capital city of Sweden and is popularly called the “Venice of the North’. This place is known for its incredible architecture, palace, parks, narrow streets, museums, and open water.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Truly, this place in Croatia is unavoidable when you’re planning for shoulder season travel. Located in southern Dalmatia, this place stands as an epitome of medieval architecture to date. Notably, the outer walls are perfectly preserved. Do visit the Blue Cave and Kravice Falls without fail.

Quebec, Canada

This is the largest province in Canada, known for music, literature, films, culture, and heritage. Trust us, visiting art galleries and museums in this city can leave you astonished.

Thinking about what is shoulder season in India?

In India, hill station-based destinations are the most renowned, and people like visiting here during winter (December to February). So, the shoulder season here is October, November, March, and April. Moreover, the best places to visit in this season are plenty, including Wayanad, Jammu and Kashmir, Darjeeling, Spiti, Goa, etc.

Reach out to the Best Travel Agency for a personalized travel itinerary!!!