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off season travel

Landscape of Italian city over Lake Como at sunset

Off Season Travel

Travel guide

If you think that off-season travel will leave you short-changed, then think again. Explore our popular destinations that still shine in the shoulder season, showing you a new side to each country and bringing you some serious benefits that you just won't get if you travel at high season, namely shorter lines, milder temperatures, and budget-friendly options.

From New Zealand to Scandinavia, you're not limited when it comes to off-season options. In fact, quite the opposite, as they open up a world of possibilities to the curious traveler. Ready to give up long queues, crowded sights, and higher flight prices? Get the inspiration flowing and your travel plans rolling with our off-peak picks.

Why travel off-season?

Our trending spring tours

Tours

Country Collection

4.7

Best of Italy

13

Days

14

Stops

Rome → Rome, via Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and 10 more stops

From

$3,428

pp

Was

$3,895 pp

River Cruises

Country Collection

4.5

Wonders of Ancient Egypt

12

Days

9

Stops

Internal Flights Included

Cairo → Cairo, via Giza, Luxor, Dendera, Edfu and 4 more stops

From

$3,651

pp

Was

$4,095 pp

View on Hobbiton Movie Set on a sunny day, Matamata, New Zealand

The best place to visit in the spring

Make the most of shoulder season with gentler temperatures in New Zealand during the southern hemisphere's autumn. During our Contrasts on New Zealand tour, tick off cities, wildlife, and experience rural Māori culture, plus the opportunity to get up close and personal with New Zealand's national bird at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Monk in Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The best place to visit in the summer

Our Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered tour showcases the magnificence of both countries, from Cambodia's iconic Angkor Wat temple to an overnight stay in a traditional style Vietnamese Junk boat in Halong Bay. The summer months in South East Asia bring high temperatures, though the hot weather simply calls for more ice-cold refreshments. Vietnamese iced coffee, anyone?

Octopus Dinner in Madrid, Spain

The best place to visit in the Fall

Autumn is a great time to visit southern Europe, with September and October generally bringing good weather but mild temperatures. Our Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour packs in double the fun across two countries, from sipping sherry in Jerez to exploring the historic monuments of Madrid, featuring many local delicacies along the way.

Christmas Snowglobes in Dresden, Germany

The best place to visit in the winter

Though it might be a chillier time to visit, the winter months see Germany's world-famous Christmas markets come to life, and what better way to see them than on our German Christmas Markets tour? Step into an enchanting winter wonderland and you join locals in embracing the festivities, visiting Germany's oldest Christmas market and indulging in local cuisine.

Looking for inspiration?

View of Eiffel Tower and surrounding buildings in Paris

7 reasons our travel experts recommend traveling in shoulder season

View on farm over Douro river

5 travel experiences that are even better outside of the summer season

Winter landscape of London Bridge

These 8 European cities are at their most authentic in the off-season

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