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The Nerd Traveler

Why "Shoulder Season" Is My Favorite Time to Travel

Published 2 months ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader!
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Shoulder season might be one of the best-kept secrets in travel planning.

Some of my most enjoyable trips with my mom took place in September, after the busiest summer travel period had started to wind down.

We still had plenty to see and do, but the experience felt calmer, less rushed, and far more enjoyable than many summer trips.

There were smaller crowds, fewer lines, and often lower prices. We could spend more time appreciating a destination instead of navigating packed streets or standing in long lines.

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The temperatures were also more comfortable. Exploring historic neighborhoods, museums, churches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites is much more pleasant when you are not battling the peak heat of summer.

Shoulder-season travel can also help spread tourism beyond the busiest weeks of the year. Visiting outside peak summer months can reduce some of the pressure that overtourism places on local communities, while still allowing travelers to support local hotels, restaurants, guides, and shops.

For many European destinations, September can be an excellent time to travel. You may even get to experience a harvest festival or experience!
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Another favorite window is the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, particularly for European Christmas Market river cruises. You can experience the atmosphere of the holiday season while combining several destinations into 1 thoughtfully planned journey.

Nerd Alert: Timing can change the entire personality of a trip. The same historic square that feels hectic during the height of summer may feel completely different when you visit during a quieter month.

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When planning a shoulder-season trip, think about:

  • Whether you prefer comfortable temperatures over peak-summer heat
  • How important smaller crowds and shorter lines are to you
  • Whether your destination struggles with overtourism during its busiest months
  • Whether September or the pre-Christmas travel period fits your schedule
  • How much a slower, less crowded experience would improve your enjoyment

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Travel does not always have to happen during the most popular weeks of the year. Sometimes, shifting your dates slightly can lead to a more affordable, comfortable, and meaningful experience.

Keep nerding out on the world,

Audra
​The Nerd Traveler​
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Need help deciding when and where to travel? I offer general travel advising to help you think through destinations, timing, and the kind of experience you want from your trip.

​Learn more about working with me.

Here are my personal recommendations to help with booking trips:​
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✈️ Airline mistake fares and deals, consider signing up for Going.com Premium. They even track when airline points are good options.
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🚶‍♀️‍➡️Book free walking tours on Guru Walks. Please budget some money (in local currency) for tips, though!
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🧭 Book guided tour experience on Get Your Guide and Viator.
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🔐 I always always protect my trip with Travel Safe travel insurance. Click here to see options and to get a quote.​
Unless you have quite a few pre-trip expenses (deposits, tickets purchased in advance, etc.), you will likely not need Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.
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🤖 I created an AI Assistant to help you with your trip planning. It includes my lessons, tips, and trip across my 30+ years of international and domestic travel. It also has two fillable workbooks to help you stay organized. Click here for more details!​
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💳 I use my Capital One Venture X card when traveling. I earn miles with each purchase and do not pay any foreign transaction fees (it was the least expensive way to spend 50 Euros on my recent trip!)
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🚗 I have used Welcome Pickups for my airport transport upon arrival and departure. I like knowing someone will be waiting for me, I can walk past anyone posing as a taxi driver, and usually the driver is a local who can give you more information about your desination.
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🏨 Lastly, I always recommend booking hotel rooms directly with the hotel company. 3rd party booking sites - Expedia, Booking, Trivago, Kayak - could prove to be a nightmare if you have any delays or cancellations.

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The Nerd Traveler

I'm a blogger, travel agent, and influencer who loves to talk about history, travel, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I'm also obsessed with traveling carry-on only and figuring out public transportation options when going from place to place! Subscribe to my newsletter.

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