The Benefits of Non-Peak Travel

Many travelers look forward to their annual spring break trip, summer vacation, or holiday travels. With kids off from school, these times usually work well for families and those with busy schedules. That also means that these are among the busiest travel times of the year, or what we in the travel industry call peak season.  

Peak travel times can be the only option for some travelers, but those with more flexibility in their schedule should consider traveling during non-peak times to take advantage of these benefits!   

LOWER COSTS

Most travelers have a vacation fund or a budget planned for their vacation. Travel agents strive to work within their clients’ budgets to plan their ideal trip and maximize their vacation value. This can be tricky during some peak season times of the year when flights are at their priciest and occupancy is nearly full.  

One of the benefits of traveling during non-peak travel times is that travel costs are usually lower. This means a traveler’s budget can go farther. Perhaps they will be able to add an extra night to their stay, upgrade their room or cabin, fly first-class or include some activities that they didn’t consider before.  ​

FEWER PEOPLE

Non-peak travel also means that there are smaller crowds. This can make a huge difference when you are waiting in line for a favorite ride, a world-renowned museum, or a table at a restaurant. Along with shorter wait times, fewer people at a theme park, monument, or destination can mean that visitors get a better view of the sites they’ve traveled to see. 

The fewer wait times also present travelers with two options for their vacation approach: doing more or taking it slow. Shorter wait times mean that travelers who are trying to fit as much into their day as possible can see and do more.  Alternatively, travelers who are searching for relaxation on vacation are less rushed to move along or get out of the way, giving them the option to stay and enjoy the moment or the scenery a little longer. And the photos they take will be able to focus on the person or the location which is the subject rather than crowds of people. ​

LESS STRESS

Whenever there is more time, fewer people, and less financial concern, the result is less stress. For most people, taking a vacation is a chance to leave the demands of their daily lives at home and escape to somewhere that they can relax. The stress of busy airports and crowded destinations can make it hard to find that escape when travelers take a trip during peak times.  

But they can breathe a little easier and put their feet up with greater ease when they travel during non-peak times. Not only are the travelers happier, but their agents are happy to have booked a vacation that they know their clients will truly enjoy. ​

WHEN ARE NON-PEAK TRAVEL TIMES?

Peak and non-peak travel times can vary from destination to destination and from year to year as holidays fall on different days. It’s important to know the local school calendars, when wedding season is in your area, and when holidays and three-day weekends will fall in the coming year. 

For travel from mid-January through February is slower, though three-day weekends can be a bit busier than other travel times during these months. Early May can also provide some great options for early summer travel without some of the peak travel prices.  

Most destinations are very busy from mid-May through mid-September, but things slow down once again for October and early November before holiday travel leads to busier destinations.