September has always been a popular month to escape high season travel, but as more and more tourists ditch the dog days of July and August vacations to save money on September bookings, the month has also become victim to hoards of tourists in airports, resorts, and destination cities.
September has long offered a reprieve from other travel months for many reasons: less holiday and vacation travel, cooler temps, and it’s convenient timing with the start of back-to-school season. In the past, it has been the perfect month to take a trip to a popular destination that sees tens of thousands of tourists per day during the high season, and avoid the crowds or lines at popular sights, on tours, and find slightly cheaper prices at hotels and accommodations.
But the cat’s out of the bag about September’s attractive qualities, and more and more travelers have begun to book their vacations during these weeks that cap off the summer season. These in between times that are optimal for travel are known as ‘shoulder season.’
According to The Guardian, travel companies have recently reported “an increase in demand between March and early May, and September to October, as holiday makers try to avoid heatwaves and over-tourism.” And the stats support it. Intrepid Travel, a small group adventure travel company, said they saw an increase in shoulder-season bookings to western Europe by 61% and to southern Europe by 29%. The company has since moved to accommodate these demands by offering more departures to popular European countries during these times.
Similarly findings were seen in a Travel Trends report from Mastercard Economics Institute in May. The report indicates that Mediterranean destinations have seen the biggest shift of travelers from summer months to shoulder months. However, similar trends have also been seen in other spots like Sweden. How did this happen? With the popularity of summer travel over consecutive years, prices for flights and accommodations have increased prices during these months. The Travel Trends report points out that the shift to shoulder season bookings isn’t just a play at travelers’ hopes for fair weather. “Two major demographic shifts are likely also at play: more retirees who are free from work obligations, and more households without children that are free from school calendars,” the report writes.
So even if you’ve booked a trip to your number one bucket list destination for September or March, you might still find troves of tourists on crowded streets. The best way to enjoy your favorite destination may mean booking your trip in the winter months, which still offer beautiful views, lower rates and less tourists.
Feature Image: Cinque Terre, Italy (Photo by Martin M303)
