Of course, all seasons, in their own way, are conducive to traveling, exploring, adventuring – in short, escaping. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for sure: we all want to get the most out of our travels. And what if the best way to tick destinations off your bucket list is through off-season travel?
As a flight attendant, I’m lucky enough to travel the world throughout the year, be it low or peak season. And I have to say that the benefits of off-season travel are indeed plentiful.
To travel out of season means to fully immerse yourself in the culture of a place, to enjoy every inch of its magnificent landscape, to do the activities you enjoy most, to taste the local specialties both on the plate and in the glass, while establishing a privileged contact with the locals. And return home with a head full of wonderful memories.
What season is the cheapest to travel in Europe or the Caribbean? Try April or September!
Most travellers follow predictable patterns—Canadians escape to warmer regions during the winter holidays and flock to Europe in the summer. So, when is the best time to travel? May, June, November? The answer depends on avoiding peak crowds by planning around the school calendar and high-demand periods.
To get the best deals, ask yourself this question: Can you travel outside of peak season? If so, try to avoid:
- Summer school vacations
- Long weekends with holidays
- Spring break
- Major holiday seasons
For even better flexibility, consider the shoulder season, which falls between traditional peak and low seasons. Mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October is often considered the best time to travel as it offers great weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
If your schedule allows, off-season travel gives you privileged access to top sights without the crowds. Air Transat is expanding year-round destinations across Europe, North America, and Latin America, making it easier to explore any region at any time of year! more destinations in Europe, North America and Latin America to make the most of every season!
Avoid the crowds at some of the best destinations
What could be better than enjoying some of the world’s most popular places in peace and quiet?
Admire the Trevi Fountain without having to get up at 6am. Climb the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu. Admire Impressionist painters in Paris museums. Visit the vineyards of Catalonia. Discuss leather goods with merchants in the Marrakech souk. Watch the sunrise from Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches. Be (almost) alone in the world.
For me, fewer crowds is one of the greatest benefits of an off-season trip. Being able to access tourist attractions without having to elbow your way through queues and waiting in shorther lines is a huge privilege. It also has a positive impact on the preservation of these often fragile sites.
Travel off peak and get cheap deals on accommodations, flights, and activities
The best way to get great value for money while traveling is to go when prices drop—off-season! During the low season, travellers can enjoy significantly cheaper airfare, discounted hotels, and even lower prices on activities. Many expenses fluctuate depending on the time of year, and with the rise of dynamic pricing, it makes perfect sense to take advantage of lower demand.
A little extra planning can lead to big savings, allowing you to stretch your budget further while enjoying a more relaxed, crowd-free experience.
And with all the money you’ve saved, why not indulge a little—perhaps upgrading to Club Class? for a touch of luxury?
Make genuine contact with local people
In my opinion, this is the best of all the benefits that have been mentioned here. To have the privilege of interacting with the locals, to really get to know their daily lives, to learn more about their part of the world, and to get their suggestions for wonderful little places that we would never have been able to find in the guidebooks. Never be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone, even if you don’t speak the language. There is always a way for you to understand each other in the end!
Whether it’s at the Saturday market, on the subway platform or during a hike… In the slower season, locals have more time, interest and energy to connect with guests than they will at the height of the tourist season.
I still remember this incredible waiter, in a magnificent restaurant in Porto, who took the time to advise my great friend and I about the best restaurants in the city, and his favorite places not to miss in this wonderful region of Portugal. What an unparalleled welcome!
Throughout my travels, I’ve come to realize that people almost always take great pride and enthusiasm in sharing their territory. These encounters are precious moments of humanity that, I can assure you, will leave a very positive mark on your trip. They are enriching interactions that you’re going to remember for a very long time!
More spontaneity and flexibility during the low season travel months
Due to high demand, accommodations, restaurants and activities are usually booked weeks in advance during peak seasons. This leaves less room for improvisation once you get there.
Off-season travel, on the other hand, allows you to be more spontaneous, make decisions on the fly, extend your stay on a whim, or go on adventures based on the authentic insight of locals.
However, you will need to pay special attention to the opening hours of businesses, which may be reduced during the slower months of January and February in Europe, for example.
Off-season travel is also a great way to force yourself to expand your horizons and explore destinations you may not have considered before (many of which fly direct from Toronto). This is your chance to live a truly unique experience!
Take advantage of the weather
Generally speaking, fall and spring bring milder temperatures to many countries, making them ideal seasons for travellers seeking comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Off-season travel also means sunnier skies, pleasant conditions, and a chance to explore top sights without the peak-season rush.
However, each region has its quirks—autumn in the south marks hurricane season, while spring in Central America brings heavy rains. In the Mediterranean, late summer often lingers with intense heat, making outdoor exploration less enjoyable.
To make the most of your trip, plan ahead and choose the best travel window for your needs, interests, and limits. Whether you’re chasing cooler breezes or avoiding extreme weather, a little research ensures a smooth and enjoyable adventure—any time of year!
