We've all heard about the benefits of shoulder season travel. Shoulder season – April, May, September and October – is considered prime travel time for those of us who don't have to worry about school schedules and holiday visits. Hotels cost less, the crowds are gone and the daytime weather is still warm enough for outdoor adventures. Shoulder season isn't perfect, though; as the tourist population declines, some tourist attractions cut back their hours, while large cities open their doors to trade shows and business conventions.
To make the most of your shoulder season vacation, you'll want to plan ahead for changing weather and travel conditions. Here are some shoulder season travel tips to consider:
- Pack for variable weather. You'll probably experience good weather most of the time. There's also a chance you'll encounter heavy rain, frost or cold temperatures during part of your trip, unless you're headed to the tropics. Save some packing space for an umbrella, windbreaker, warm sweater and shoes that can get wet.
- Check operating hours for your "must see" attractions. As summer tourists head for home, museums and other attractions scale back opening hours or close one or two days per week. It's a good idea to check the operating hours for the places you plan to visit before you leave home. There's nothing more disappointing than arriving in front of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence on a Monday, only to find a "Chiuso / Closed" sign on the door.
- Plan some indoor alternatives. If the worst happens and you're faced with a week of relentless rain, your trip won't be wasted if you've made a list of churches, museums and historic homes in advance.
- Create a flexible sightseeing itinerary. If you've planned to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa on Tuesday, for example, and wake up to lashing rain, it might be better to head to Pisa on Wednesday and visit the Bargello or another indoor attraction while the storm blows itself out. Of course, if you've purchased timed tickets in advance, you'll need to decide whether you feel like braving the elements. Aren't you glad you packed that umbrella and windbreaker?
- Watch out for field trips and conventions. If your travels take you to large cities during shoulder season, you may discover that a trade show is in town. This will probably mean that no budget hotel rooms are available and rental cars are in short supply. Consider booking a room in a nearby suburb and using public transportation to get to big-city sights. Be prepared to see the top attractions with students on field trips, especially in the spring. "Shoulder season" doesn't necessarily translate to "kid-free."
Shoulder season can be a great time to travel, especially if you're on a budget. Planning ahead for contingencies will help make your shoulder season vacation a truly memorable experience.
