Want to Save on Vacation?

Travel during the Shoulder Season

When it comes to saving money on vacation, timing is everything. The thumb-rule  to saving money during vacation is that you should go to the places you prefer during off-peak season.  During the peak season, the prices of hotels and services are costliest, not to mention the prices of airline tickets, car rentals and also the dizzying number of tourists. That is why it is highly recommended to go places during the off-peak season.

However, off-peak season also has their share of disappointments. Even though you are staying there with a discount, the amenities and services may not be available because the demand is not enough for a profit. For example, a full table buffet is only available during peak season because of the number of people who will be paying for the buffet.

Another disadvantage during the off-peak season is the number of people. It is great that you could be in a good hotel enjoying some of their services but it could have been better if there are a good number of people around where you can talk and relate to.

Besides, the weather during off-peak season will not help you enjoy a great vacation. Think about going to a great beach in the Caribbean during the rainy and hurricane season. Sure, you might have an ocean front view with 50% discount but it is always raining outside and hurricane might even be strong enough to destroy your vacation spirit.

The best time to go in vacation is not during the off peak season but between the off-peak and peak season. This season is called “Shoulder Season”.

. Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is that small window between the off-peak season and the peak season. It’s the time where hotels and airlines prepare for the rush of travelers. Everyone is still preparing and starts to come out with their regular services. The weather has changed for the better and it will stay the same until the peak season ends.

Technically, shoulder season is still off-peak season. Though there are still not enough people coming in, the prices are lower. You will be able to enjoy some of the amenities that are starting to come out with a lesser price.

You are practically enjoying peak season services at off peak prices.

But shoulder season is just a small window; do not anticipate that it will last for more a month. Usually, shoulder season will only last a week or two. That is why the challenge is always in determining when do shoulder season starts and ends.

The trick is actually checking with the hotel rates. Hotels will post the months where peak rates will start to kick in. If you check online reservations, you will notice the difference in rates week after week. A week or two before peak season prices start to kick in, book those days because they are the shoulder season.

Another advantage of shoulder season is its timing to your work. Because everyone is starting to go on vacation, everyone is scrambling to work double time. That means productivity will increase to compensate with the lost time. You can grab that opportunity to have someone cover your responsibilities. By the time you get back, you will be able to enjoy the off-peak season work.

If you do not want to spend a good amount of money during your vacation, aim for the shoulder season. All the good things regarding the peak season will be there with the prices of off-peak season. It could be a short vacation but it’s a vacation with great savings.