It’s no secret that travel costs skyrocket during peak times like the holidays, especially dates when children are typically out of school. If you have a flexible schedule — like most retirees do — then you should consider taking advantage of shoulder season deals.
According to Yahoo! Finance, nearly every popular vacation destination has a peak season (when crowds and prices are highest) and an off-season (when weather might not be ideal). Shoulder season falls between these two times — typically during the spring or fall.
Citing the latest Travel Price Index from the U.S. Travel Association, the article pointed out that transportation, hotels, and recreation costs have increased over 20 percent since 2019. Traveling during a destination’s off-peak times can help you save some serious money. Hotels and airlines will often reduce fares to attract travelers during non-busy times of the year.
To illustrate just how much you can save by traveling during shoulder season, the Yahoo! Finance article did some comparison shopping. Hotels and airfares were significantly less — offering savings of over $200 on airfare and more than $150 per night at some resorts. As a bonus, restaurants and attractions often offer discounts during off-peak times when fewer tourists are visiting.
Have you ever visited a popular travel destination during its shoulder season? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know where you went and if you think it was worth it to save money.
