Why Shoulder Season Is The Ultimate Luxury Travel Flex

The change of seasons is typically the sweet spot for tourism in the Northern Hemisphere, between a destination’s high and low or off travel periods. Forget traveling during the summer rush, when kids are out of school and families flock to popular tourist spots in droves. Ditch peak winter travel times for a family skiing vacation when everything is offered at a high premium. Instead, look at the weeks leading up to or just after the busier travel seasons.

In the Southern Hemisphere, or locales that have a dry or a wet season, or more severe weather patterns, you’ll have to plan accordingly to make the most of your time. You want to participate in as many activities as you like without being hindered by rain or extreme winds.

Of course, you’ll also want to take into consideration any festivals, special events, or crowd-drawing happenings that could color your experience good or bad.

Overall, traveling during the shoulder seasons often grants lower fees and more availability for flights, accommodations, activities, and restaurants as well as fewer queues and crowds. The climate can also be the most pleasant during fall and spring, or the weeks leading up to peak season, although packing layers is usually a smart idea.

Where Should You Go?

Active Adventures in England

To make the most of your precious time, the greatest luxury you have, visit Europe in the spring or fall. Active England has many spring tours listed for 2027 that are worth considering.

From walking in the Cotswolds or the Lake District on a self-guided or guided tour to experiencing Devon and Cornwall via bicycle, the months of May and June have plenty of departures. Enjoy the English countryside, where wildflowers, wild garlic, and birds thrive on a lively well-planned and supported trip like no other.

Pro tip: Your first stop on a spring walking trip through the bountiful English countryside will likely be in Wiltshire at Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll learn from passionate and knowledgeable onsite volunteers as they let you know that this prehistoric monument was built in stages from about 3000 BC to 1500 BC. The monster-sized sarsen stones, which are brilliantly aligned with the sun’s solstices, are believed to have been transported over 150 miles.

Wild West Escapes in Montana

Truly, any time in Montana is a good time. I’m partial to the state as I grew up there, however, I truly believe that the weeks leading up to peak travel season are the most glorious in Big Sky Country. From fly fishing to horseback riding to shooting arrows to falling asleep under a blanket of stars, there’s much to see and do here.

Pro tip: A good place to rest your head and gear up for adventure is The Meadows on Rock Creek, an all-inclusive guest ranch that feels remote, rugged, and exciting.

Peak season is summer, but the ranch welcomes guests from late May through late October. Expect great food, beautiful accommodations, and memorable country activities.

Gateway to Mountains and Lakes

Lake Tahoe is popular for a reason. It’s the basecamp for many adventures: hiking, paddling, swimming, biking, cruising, and skiing.

In the warmer months, you can rent a clear-bottomed kayak and peer through at one of the purest and cleanest high alpine lakes in the country. You can explore the trail systems at Van Sickle Bi-State Park—the Waterfall Trail is one of the most easily accessible trails in the Tahoe Basin. Bikers can enjoy fresh air as they make their way around South Lake Tahoe—Camp Richardson, Kiva Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Fallen Leaf Lake.

Pro tip: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is a well-located all-suite resort just steps to all that South Lake Tahoe offers.

You’ll love the restaurants—JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, LandShark Bar and Grill, and Come Monday Café—as well as the indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub.

Currently, early bird bookings provide extra savings to all guests. Consider staying for three nights or more for additional benefits.

Archaeological Sites in Yucatan, Mexico

Chichen Itza is well worth a visit, especially if you’ve never been. Family-friendly, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of The New Seven Wonders of the World, includes the Chichen Itza pyramid, or El Castillo; an ancient ball court; and a sacred cenote, among other significant structures.

This important site welcomes over 2.5 million visitors each year so to experience it with the fewest amount of people, you’ll need to book a tour that has early-morning admission to give yourself the best chance for an enjoyable time. GetYourGuide offers a variety of guided tours, each informative and well-organized.

Pro tip: Booking a stay at one of the loveliest hotels in Riviera Maya is a great idea if you want to make the most of your limited time. For an all-inclusive experience, look no further than the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, an oceanfront property with top-notch dining opportunities and world-class hospitality. Private roundtrip transportation, curated activities and special experiences, and dining are all included with your stay.

Wildlife and Wild Landscapes

If you’ve never been to Costa Rica, or experienced that Pura Vida lifestyle firsthand, consider booking a couples retreat to Rancho Pacifico, a well-designed luxury mountain-top oasis nestled in the lush rainforest above the Pacific Ocean.

Imagine sipping coffee on your private balcony while marveling at diverse shades of leafy greens and more birdsong than you can identify. Each experience begs you to linger, pause, memorize.

Early mornings reward travelers with Blue Morpho Butterfly sightings, as well as Yellow Throated Toucans and White-faced Monkeys. Intrepid hikers can visit a waterfall on property with an onsite naturalist. And the food? Well, you’re in for a tasty treat prepared by expert chefs and delivered by the most affable and warm staff.

The public spaces here are designed to create indelible memories, uniquely shared with other guests or appreciated in gratitude and quiet by loved ones.

Should you want to travel further afield, Corcovado National park, Marino Ballena National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park will be your playgrounds.

Pro tip: Book an adventurous horseback riding excursion on the beach to revel in the landscapes—you’ll count your lucky stars that you’re able to experience this wild and natural land.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com