Travel Smart: How to Avoid Crowds and Overpriced Holidays
Want to travel for less without spending your holiday surrounded by crowds?
The secret isn't always finding a hidden destination. Often, it's simply choosing the right time to visit.
Travelling during the shoulder or off-season can mean lower hotel prices, cheaper flights, shorter queues and a much more relaxed experience. The challenge is knowing when a destination offers the best combination of weather, prices and manageable tourist numbers.
This guide explains when to travel, where to go and how to avoid peak-season prices without compromising your holiday.
Table of Contents
- Why travel off-season?
- When should you travel to avoid crowds?
- The best times to travel around Europe
- 15 destinations to discover outside peak season
- How to save money without travelling off-season
- How to choose the best time to visit a destination
- Do you need to book months in advance?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- FAQ
- Plan your next trip
Why travel off-season?
Peak summer isn't automatically the best time to visit a destination.
Higher hotel prices, expensive flights, crowded attractions and packed beaches can quickly turn a relaxing holiday into an expensive one.
Travelling during the shoulder season can provide a much better balance between:
- accommodation prices;
- flight prices;
- weather;
- tourist numbers;
- availability;
- overall travel experience.
The goal isn't necessarily to travel during the absolute low season.
Instead, look for the sweet spot: a period when the weather is still enjoyable but the majority of tourists have not arrived yet—or have already gone home.
When should you travel to avoid crowds?
For many European destinations, May, June, September and October are excellent choices.
| Period | Price | Crowds | Weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January–February | € | Low | Variable | City breaks, skiing |
| March–April | €€ | Low–medium | Spring | Culture, nature |
| May–June | €€ | Medium | Very pleasant | Europe, road trips |
| July–August | €€€ | Very high | Hot | Beach holidays |
| September | €€ | Medium | Very pleasant | Beaches, cities |
| October | €–€€ | Low | Variable | City breaks, sunshine |
| November | € | Very low | Variable | Major cities |
| December | €€–€€€ | Variable | Winter | Christmas markets |
Travel tip: if you can avoid school holidays, you immediately gain much more flexibility when searching for affordable flights and hotels.
The best times to travel around Europe
Mediterranean Europe: May, June and September
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Croatia and Malta are often at their best during the shoulder season.
September is particularly attractive: the sea can remain warm, temperatures are more comfortable and major resorts are usually quieter.
Central Europe: April to June and September to October
Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Kraków and Ljubljana are ideal for spring and autumn city breaks.
The cooler temperatures also make walking tours and sightseeing much more comfortable.
Northern Europe: May to September
The tourist season is shorter in Northern Europe.
Late spring and summer offer the best opportunity to enjoy long days and outdoor activities, while avoiding the busiest weeks can still make a major difference.
The Balkans: May, June and September
Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia can be particularly rewarding outside July and August.
You can still enjoy warm weather while avoiding some of the peak-season crowds.
15 destinations to discover outside peak season
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon becomes considerably more enjoyable when the busiest tourist periods are over.
Spring and autumn are excellent for exploring the historic neighbourhoods, visiting Sintra and discovering the surrounding coastline.
Best time: March–June and September–October.
2. Seville, Spain
Seville can become extremely hot during summer.
Spring and autumn are therefore much better suited to exploring the Alcázar, Plaza de España and historic centre on foot.
Best time: March–May and October.
3. Athens, Greece
Athens is often treated as a summer destination, but the city can be much more comfortable outside July and August.
Visiting the Acropolis and archaeological sites is easier when temperatures are more manageable.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
4. Rome, Italy
Rome attracts visitors throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly enjoyable for exploring the city on foot.
Best time: March–May and September–November.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is spectacular, but its popularity can make the historic centre extremely crowded during the summer.
September and October offer a much calmer experience.
Best time: May, June, September and early October.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech can be extremely hot during summer.
Spring and autumn are much more comfortable for exploring the medina, souks and surrounding areas.
Best time: March–May and October–November.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul works particularly well as an off-season city break.
Spring and autumn provide pleasant conditions for exploring historic neighbourhoods, markets and the Bosphorus.
Best time: April–May and September–October.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a year-round destination, but spring and September offer an excellent balance between weather and tourist numbers.
It's also a great time to enjoy the city's famous thermal baths.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe's most popular city-break destinations and can become extremely busy.
Spring and autumn offer a more relaxed alternative to peak summer.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
10. Malta
Malta's Mediterranean climate makes it particularly suitable for shoulder-season travel.
October can be an excellent option for combining sightseeing, hiking and potentially swimming, depending on conditions.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
11. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is particularly busy during summer.
Spring and early autumn offer a much more relaxed way to explore its beaches, cliffs and coastal towns.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
12. Crete, Greece
Crete is an excellent option for travellers who want Mediterranean beaches without necessarily travelling during the busiest months.
May, June and September are particularly attractive for combining beaches, hiking and cultural sightseeing.
Best time: May, June and September.
13. Albania
The Albanian Riviera has become increasingly popular.
To enjoy its beaches without the highest levels of summer demand, consider June or September instead of July and August.
Best time: May, June and September.
14. Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands offer a useful escape when temperatures start dropping across mainland Europe.
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are all popular options for travellers seeking mild weather.
Best time: October–May.
15. Cyprus
Cyprus can extend the Mediterranean travel season well beyond summer.
September and October are particularly attractive for travellers looking for warm weather with fewer tourists.
Best time: April–June and September–November.
How to save money without travelling off-season
Only able to travel in July or August?
You can still reduce your holiday costs.
Change your travel dates by a few days
Flying on Wednesday rather than Saturday can sometimes make a significant difference.
Try several date combinations before booking.
Compare departure airports
If you live within reasonable distance of several airports, compare all of them.
Remember to include the cost of getting to the airport when calculating the real saving.
Avoid public holidays
Long weekends and school holidays can create major spikes in demand.
If possible, shifting your trip by just a few days can make a noticeable difference.
Stay slightly outside the tourist centre
A hotel 15–20 minutes from the main attractions can be significantly cheaper than one in the heart of the tourist district.
Compare available hotels before choosing your location.
Travel with less luggage
Budget airlines often add fees for checked baggage and larger cabin bags.
For short trips, travelling light can make your final flight price considerably lower.
How to choose the best time to visit a destination
Before booking, ask yourself five questions.
1. What will the weather be like?
A cheap destination isn't necessarily good value if poor weather prevents you from enjoying it.
2. How busy will it be?
Some destinations are dramatically more enjoyable just a few weeks before or after peak season.
3. How much does accommodation cost?
Check several dates rather than assuming that flights are the biggest part of your budget.
4. Are the attractions open?
Some seasonal attractions, ferries, restaurants and activities may operate reduced schedules outside peak season.
5. How much will local transport cost?
A cheap flight doesn't automatically mean a cheap trip.
Consider airport transfers, public transport and rental cars.
If you're planning a road trip, compare rental cars before booking.
Do you need to book months in advance?
Not always.
The ideal booking strategy depends on the type of trip.
| Trip type | Typical planning approach |
|---|---|
| Off-season city break | A few weeks to several months |
| Summer holiday | Several months ahead |
| Highly popular destination | Earlier is generally safer |
| Flexible low-cost flight | Monitor prices regularly |
| Independent hotel | Compare multiple dates |
| Summer car rental | Book earlier |
There is no universal rule guaranteeing the lowest price.
Flexibility is often more valuable than simply booking as early as possible.
Common mistakes to avoid
Focusing only on the flight price
A €40 flight can become much more expensive once baggage, transfers and airport transport are included.
Travelling exactly when everyone else does
Friday evening and Sunday evening departures are often highly sought after.
Choosing a destination solely because it's cheap
Low prices don't compensate for poor weather or attractions being closed.
Underestimating local transport
A cheap hotel far outside the centre may cost more once taxis and public transport are added.
Ignoring hotel location
Don't compare accommodation by price alone.
Look at the location, transport connections, extra fees and cancellation conditions.
How to save even more on your trip
The smartest approach is to compare the whole trip, not isolated prices.
Start with your dates and compare:
Destination → flight → hotel → transport → activities.
Then adjust your dates or destination according to the total price.
Explore available flights and compare different travel options.
You can also discover trips and holidays on GetawayGo to find inspiration for your next destination.
FAQ
What is the best time to travel cheaply?
For many European destinations, May, June, September and October offer an excellent balance between weather, tourist numbers and prices.
What is the best month to avoid tourists?
September is particularly attractive for Mediterranean destinations. For European cities, November and parts of the winter can be even quieter.
Is travelling off-season really cheaper?
It can be significantly cheaper, especially for hotels and some activities. However, the difference depends heavily on the destination and exact dates.
Where should I go in September to avoid crowds?
Albania, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy are all worth considering. September often provides a good combination of summer-like weather and fewer tourists.
Where can I get sunshine in October without spending too much?
Southern Europe, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Cyprus can all be interesting options depending on weather and prices.
How can I avoid crowds in popular destinations?
Travel outside school holidays, start sightseeing early, explore less touristy neighbourhoods and choose shoulder-season dates.
Can I travel cheaply in July and August?
Yes. Compare multiple airports, stay flexible with dates, avoid peak weekend travel and consider destinations where the local cost of living remains affordable.
Plan your next trip with GetawayGo
Smart travel doesn't necessarily mean discovering a completely unknown destination.
Sometimes, travelling two weeks earlier, two weeks later or simply leaving mid-week is enough to turn an expensive holiday into an affordable one.
Compare every part of your trip with GetawayGo:
✈️ Compare flights 🏨 Find a hotel 🚗 Compare rental cars 🌍 Explore trips and holidays
Fewer crowds, less stress and often lower prices: choosing the right time can make all the difference.
You might also like
Where to Go on a Cheap Holiday in 2026? 15 Budget-Friendly Destinations
Compare 15 budget-friendly holiday destinations for 2026 — Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary and more — with estimated daily budgets, flight costs from France and the best time to visit.