The Shoulder Season Squeeze: Travel Savings Vanish Amid Rising Demand

The concept of “shoulder season” has long been a staple of travel advice: visit popular destinations during the periods between peak and off-peak seasons, and you’ll score lower prices on airfare and lodging. However, a new trend is emerging: those savings are disappearing, and travelers are being forced to get creative to snag a deal.

The traditional shoulder season, which falls in the fall and spring months for many destinations, has historically offered a welcome respite from the high prices of peak summer travel and the low-lying fog of off-season travel. With the rise of remote work and improved technology, travelers are increasingly flexible, and demand is no longer the luxury it once was.

Travel companies and experts point to several factors contributing to this trend. Remote work has made it possible for people to travel at any time of year, eroding the low-demand periods that once defined shoulder season. Improved technology and travel search engines have given travelers unparalleled transparency into price deals, driving up demand and, consequently, prices.

Budget airlines have also struggled in recent years, with many forced to cancel flights or scale back operations due to rising operating costs. The shutdown of Spirit Airlines in May was a stark reminder of the challenges facing low-cost carriers. Climate change is also raising summertime temperatures in tourist hotspots, prompting some travelers to opt out of peak-season travel altogether.

Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook found that lodging prices in top U.S. destinations were 20% higher in fall versus summer, while airfare was up 2%. In international markets, savings margins have declined significantly, with Hopper data showing a 22% decrease in Europe and a 7% decrease in Oceania.

Travel advisors are urging clients to think outside the box and consider destinations that were once considered off-limits during peak season. “Many of the destinations I work with, particularly across the Mediterranean, September is no longer automatically a ‘shoulder-season bargain,’” says Sofia Markovich, a travel advisor.

The implications of this trend extend beyond the travel industry itself. As remote work becomes more prevalent, we’re seeing a shift in consumer behavior that’s changing the way we think about leisure time and personal finance. Travel has long been a status symbol, but with the rise of affordable airfare and lodging options, it’s becoming increasingly accessible to a wider range of people.

As demand continues to rise, prices will inevitably follow. But for now, travelers can take heart in knowing that there are still ways to score a deal. It may require more planning and research than ever before, but for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards will be worth it.