The Best Shoulder Season Destinations!
Looking for the Best Shoulder Season Destinations for Fall Travel? Here’s Why Traveling During Shoulder Season is Your Secret Weapon
If you’re wondering what shoulder season travel is and why it’s becoming the go-to strategy for savvy travelers, you’re in the right place. Shoulder season — the sweet spot between peak and off-peak tourist times — offers a perfect balance of fewer crowds, better weather, and unbeatable travel deals. Think of it as arriving at the party just as most people are leaving, but the vibe is still alive and well.
Traveling during the shoulder season means you can enjoy discounted flights and hotel rates without sacrificing the experience. Take Europe, for example: visiting in late September through October means you’ll soak in stunning autumn colors, mild temperatures, and even local harvest festivals — all without the crush of summer tourists.
Whether you’re planning a shoulder season trip to Europe, a fall getaway to the Caribbean, or exploring hidden gems in Asia during shoulder season, this time of year is ideal for maximizing your vacation budget and enjoying more authentic, relaxed travel experiences.
Ready to make the most of your next trip? Here are my top five best shoulder season destinations to visit this fall — perfect for travelers seeking incredible value, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re searching for the best time to visit Bali during shoulder season, early October is your sweet spot. This period offers consistently warm weather, sunny skies, and stunning beaches — all with far fewer tourists than the peak summer months. Known as Bali’s dry season, these months provide ideal conditions for surfing world-class waves, hiking lush trails, and exploring the island’s vibrant culture without the usual crowds blocking your perfect photo moments.
Bali stands out as one of the top shoulder season destinations in Asia because it perfectly balances great weather and lower travel costs. Visiting Bali in shoulder season means you can experience iconic spots like Uluwatu Temple, Seminyak Beach, and the rice terraces in Ubud with more space to breathe and relax. Plus, you’ll find better deals on accommodations and flights compared to high season, making it easier to stretch your travel budget.
When I visited back in October 2018. I paid around $1,500 for my entire trip: $589 for airfare, $450 for accommodations (split with 21 people in two villas), and somewhere between $500 – $600 for meals and activities.
Whether you’re chasing epic surf, sunset views, or peaceful cultural experiences, Bali in shoulder season delivers!
Top 5 Things to Do in Bali:
- Relax on Seminyak Beach during the day & Tour Seminyak Village at Night: Enjoy sunbathing and surfing on one of Bali’s most popular beaches, and enjoy a vibrant nightlight later at night
- Take a Cooking Class in Ubud: Learned to cook a traditional Balinese meal with fresh ingredients
- Experience a Balinese Spa: Indulge in a traditional Balinese massage and spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.
- Get robbed by a Monkey at the Sacred Monkey Forest
- Enjoy a full day serenity tour with temples and waterfalls
Average Prices:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip from the US) | ~$700 – ~$1200 | ||
| Accommodations (per night) | ~$60 | ~$120 | ~$250 |
| Daily Meals | ~$20 | ~$40 | ~$80 |
| Activities | ~$15 | ~$30 | ~$60 |
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos shoulder season — offers warm weather, clear waters, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife spotting. You’ll enjoy incredible visibility underwater and a chance to see marine life like sea turtles, reef sharks, and playful sea lions without the hustle of peak tourist season.
I had the pleasure of visiting in late October, and it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It was still warm enough for beach days and boat excursions, but the islands felt peaceful. We never had to battle long lines or feel cramped at popular viewing points.
For travelers seeking when to visit the Galápagos to avoid crowds but still enjoy amazing weather, late October to early November offers an unbeatable balance. You get all the magic — pristine landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and the calm pace of island life — without the high-season chaos.
Top 3 Things to Do:
- Snorkel with Sea Lions: Dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside playful sea lions, one of the Galapagos’ signature experiences.
- Explore Santa Cruz Island: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and discover giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
- Visit Española Island: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and observe unique wildlife such as albatrosses and marine iguanas.
Average Prices:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip from the US) | ~$800 – ~$1300 | ||
| Accommodations (per night) | ~$80 | ~$150 | ~$300 |
| Daily Meals | ~$30 | ~$60 | ~$120 |
| Activities | ~$50 | ~$100 | ~$200 |
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
For travelers wanting the best time to visit Lake Atitlán without crowds, October is a win-win: great weather, authentic encounters, and the kind of peace you can only find in Guatemala’s highlands.
When I visited Lake Atitlán in October 2021, I had an absolute blast. The crowds had thinned, the pace was slow, and the weather? Perfect — not too hot, not too cold. Sure, the pandemic definitely played a role in keeping the numbers down, but it also meant I got to soak up the lake’s charm without feeling rushed or cramped.
This season is truly refreshing for a lake vacation. The air is crisp in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, and just cool enough in the evenings to make a cup of Guatemalan coffee taste like heaven.
If you go in October, you’ll have room to breathe while enjoying all kinds of things to do in Lake Atitlán like taking a boat between villages (each with its own personality), exploring artisan markets in Panajachel, hiking up to Indian Nose for a sunrise view you’ll never forget, and sipping fresh cacao in San Marcos. You’ll also find better deals on accommodations and more chances to chat with locals, which makes the experience even richer.
Top 3 Things to Do:
- Boat Tour on Lake Atitlan: Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the lake, stopping at picturesque villages like San Juan and Santiago.
- Hike Indian Nose: Trek up to this viewpoint for breathtaking sunrise views over the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
- Visit Local Markets: Explore colorful markets in towns like Panajachel and Sololá to experience local crafts and cuisine. Try to get in a cooking class too!
Average Prices:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip from the US) | ~$300 – ~$600 | ||
| Accommodations (per night) | ~$40 | ~$80 | ~$150 |
| Daily Meals | ~$15 | ~$30 | ~$60 |
| Activities | ~$20 | ~$40 | ~$80 |
Maasai Mara, Kenya
I’ve had the incredible privilege of visiting Kenya twice during the shoulder seasons—both in spring and fall—and honestly, it remains my all-time favorite destination. If you’ve been wondering when is the best time to visit Kenya for a safari experience that’s intimate, authentic, and breathtaking, late September through October should be at the top of your list.
During this time, the Maasai Mara comes alive with incredible wildlife activity, and the weather is perfectly balanced… not too hot, not too rainy. The thinner crowds made every game drive feel like a private tour. We got up close to lions lounging in the shade, graceful giraffes roaming the plains, and elusive leopards — all without the usual tourist bustle.
One of the highlights of my trips was staying at Mara Napa Camp, the first and only Maasai-owned luxury camp in the Maasai Mara. It was more than a stay; it was an honor to connect with the Maasai community and experience Kenya’s natural beauty through their eyes. This blend of cultural richness and breathtaking wildlife made my visits unforgettable. Check out the video above for a glimpse of my experience!
Top 3 Things to Do:
- Go on a Game Drive: Spot the Big Five and experience the beauty of the African savannah with fewer crowds in the Maasai Mara.
- Visit a Maasai Village: Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Maasai people through a village visit.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the savannah and wildlife during a serene hot air balloon ride.
Average Prices:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip from the US) | ~$800 – ~$1400 | ||
| Accommodations (per night) | ~$100 | ~$200 | ~$400 |
| Daily Meals | ~$25 | ~$50 | ~$100 |
| Activities | ~$50 | ~$100 | ~$200 |
Vilanculos, Mozambique
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Africa to unwind on breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear waters—and without the crowds—Mozambique should be at the top of your list. Both April and September offer that perfect shoulder season balance: gorgeous weather, warm sunny days, and refreshing cool breezes at night.
I had the pleasure of visiting Mozambique in October 2023, and honestly, the experience was everything I hoped for. The beaches felt like my own private paradise. The gentle ocean breeze at night made for the perfect sleep, and the sunny, warm days invited endless water activities—from snorkeling vibrant coral reefs to kayaking along serene shores.
For travelers looking for the best time to visit Mozambique to avoid crowds but still enjoy amazing weather, the shoulder seasons in April and September are unbeatable. It’s the ideal time to soak up the natural beauty, experience authentic local culture, and indulge in peaceful relaxation along the Indian Ocean.
Top 3 Things to Do:
- Visit Bazaruto Archipelago: Take a boat trip to this stunning group of islands known for their pristine beaches and coral reefs.
- Spend the day on a Supercat with options to Snorkel or Dive: Explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs in the clear waters of Vilanculos.
- Relax on the Beach: Enjoy the tranquil beaches of Vilanculos with fewer tourists around.
Average Prices:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip from the US) | ~$900 – ~$1400 | ||
| Accommodations (per night) | ~$70 | ~$150 | ~$300 |
| Daily Meals | ~$20 | ~$40 | ~$80 |
| Activities | ~$30 | ~$60 | ~$120 |
Traveling during shoulder season—the calm between the busy peaks and quiet lows—is truly a traveler’s sweet spot. It’s that special time when you can savor your favorite destinations without the usual crowds, enjoy better prices, and soak in the local vibe at a gentler pace. If you’ve ever wondered what is shoulder season or searched for the best shoulder season destinations to visit, now’s the perfect moment to plan your next trip around these hidden gems.
By embracing shoulder season travel, you gift yourself more space to breathe, more moments to connect, and more memories made without the rush. It’s a way to travel smarter, stretch your budget, and experience the world with a bit more ease and magic.
So as you wrap up your planning, remember: sometimes the best journeys happen when you go just a little off the beaten path in timing as much as in place.
Cheers to finding your own perfect shoulder season getaway, full of discovery, calm, and joy.
Safe travels and happy exploring!!
