Europe's Secret Season: Travel Like a Local, Save a Fortune, and Beat the Crowds

While summer in Europe gets all the attention, the best time to explore the continent might actually be during a season you haven’t thought of. With fewer crowds and better temperatures, try booking your travel during these months instead:

Shoulder Season: The Sweet Spot for European Travel

Shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak travel, is often overlooked but offers a unique opportunity to experience Europe at its best. This time of year, spanning from roughly mid-October to mid-December, brings with it a multitude of benefits:

Fewer crowds: Say goodbye to the bustling hordes of tourists that swarm popular attractions during peak season. Shoulder season allows you to explore iconic landmarks and charming streets at a more relaxed pace.
Lower prices: Airfare and accommodation rates plummet during shoulder season. Expect to save a significant amount of money compared to peak season prices.
Comfortable weather: For those who dislike scorching temperatures, shoulder season offers pleasant weather conditions, with milder temperatures than the sweltering summer months. You'll be able to comfortably explore outdoor attractions and enjoy al fresco dining.

Budget-Friendly European Vacations

European travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can have an unforgettable European vacation for less than you’d pay to visit many popular U.S. cities. Melissa Moses, a destination specialist at Goway Travel, suggests the following five European vacation packages that offer exciting and cost-effective travel:

Eight-Day Adventure Across Spain: This package, starting at $2,807 per person, takes travelers through Spain's highlights, including Madrid's Royal Palace, the Royal Alcazar in Seville, Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. You won't have to plan a thing, just enjoy the experience.
11-Day Tour of Eastern Europe: This tour, starting at $2,468 per person, visits some of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. Enjoy tours of Budapest, Schönbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Prague, and more during your almost two-week trip.
Seven-Day Greek Culinary Adventure: For the foodie, this package offers a chance to explore Greece's culinary scene. Starting at $2,699 per person, you can take a cooking class in Athens, taste wine in Santorini, and cruise around Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
Five-Day Irish Culture Immersion: This package, starting at $2,712 per person, immerses travelers in Irish culture. You'll get to visit the Guinness Storehouse, enjoy a private whiskey experience, explore the Old Jameson Distillery, take a tour of Kilkenny, and more.
United Kingdom Train Journey: This journey, starting at $1,827 per person, takes travelers across the United Kingdom, starting in London and working up to Edinburgh via train. You'll see historical sites like Windsor Castle, the city of Bath, Edinburgh's Holyrood Castle, and the Royal Mile, among other iconic landmarks.

Shoulder Season: A Global Trend

The shoulder season trend extends beyond Europe, with travelers worldwide seeking out deals and less crowded experiences. Here are some examples:

Canadian Rockies: Flights to Calgary and Vancouver are available for $150 to $200 round-trip from the U.S., making it easier to explore stunning national parks like Banff and Jasper.
Japan: Shoulder season flights to Tokyo are available for about $700 round-trip, offering a 40% savings compared to peak season prices.

Travel Deals for Thanksgiving and Beyond

While shoulder season in Europe offers numerous benefits, the week after Thanksgiving through the first two weeks of December presents an additional opportunity for savings and unique experiences. During this time, you can take advantage of:

Lower prices: Both airfare and accommodation rates are typically lower during this period compared to the peak summer months.
European Christmas markets: Many river cruises along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers visit Christmas markets during this time, offering a festive experience.
Less crowded airports: Flying on Thanksgiving Day is the least crowded day at U.S. airports during the holiday season.

Europe's Rising Costs: Challenges and Opportunities

Interest in European travel is still high, but rising costs and other issues are changing how people plan their trips. Here are some key factors affecting European tourism:

Rising travel costs: Inflation is driving up the cost of travel, making Europe less affordable for many budget-conscious travelers.
Safety concerns: Travelers are increasingly prioritizing safety when choosing destinations, with concerns about crime and terrorism influencing their decisions.
Shifting travel preferences: Travelers are seeking out more authentic and meaningful experiences, opting for destinations that offer local culture, traditions, and interactions with locals.

These challenges offer opportunities for the EU to adapt its tourism strategy. Here are some ways to address the changing trends:

Promote affordability: EU member states could offer incentives or lower costs to attract tourists and make Europe more competitive with other destinations.
Focus on safety: EU tourism authorities could improve local infrastructure, promote safety measures, and address concerns about crime and terrorism.
Support authentic experiences: The EU could promote sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit both travelers and local communities. This could involve supporting community-led tourism projects, promoting local culture, and encouraging travelers to interact with locals.

Final Thoughts

Europe remains a popular destination for international travelers, but rising costs and safety concerns are changing how tourists plan their trips. By focusing on sustainability, authenticity, and affordability, Europe can continue to draw tourists and support its tourism industry amid new challenges. The shoulder season offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Europe while enjoying lower prices and fewer crowds. So, consider planning your next trip during this often overlooked period and discover a new side of Europe that you may not have known existed.