HomeTravel news and articlesWhy you should travel in the off-season

Why you should travel in the off-season

25/06/2023
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Travelling during the peak season can often mean larger crowds, inflated prices, and limited availability.

Embracing off-season travel can be a game-changer for those wanting to escape the crowds and unlock unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the perks of travelling during the low season and showcase enticing destinations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia.

What is the peak season and off-season?

The off-season is characterized by lower tourist activity and reduced demand, often influenced by weather conditions, for example, during the rainy season.

Similarly, peak season is often during the periods of the year when a destination experiences its best weather.

However, an exception is during holiday periods. For example, our destinations often have a peak season over Christmas and New Year, when many people want to travel and therefore demand increases.

Dramatic sky with rain over Serengeti, Tanzania

5 advantages of off-season travel

Although most prefer to travel in the high season, for example, because it’s typically the hottest or driest, travelling in the low season does have its advantages.

Here are 5 good reasons to travel in the low season:

  • You can escape the crowds. With fewer visitors around, you can explore popular attractions and landmarks with ample space, without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
  • You can take advantage of off-peak prices. As demand decreases, so do flight prices. Tour operators can also offer discounted rates during the off-season, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further or splash out on extra upgrades or optional tours that might have been out of reach during the peak season.
  • You can enjoy milder climates. Say goodbye to the scorching heat and embrace comfortable temperatures, ideal for hiking, sightseeing or other outdoor activities.
  • You have better photo opportunities. Whether it’s snapping a selfie in front of a famous landmark or capturing the beauty of a serene landscape, you can create picture-perfect memories without the worry of unwanted distractions in the frame.
  • You can witness nature’s transformations. Many destinations can be stunning in the off-season, and it can be an experience to see how nature transforms a landscape. Witness the lush green vegetation brought about by increased rainfall, or marvel at the breathtaking colours of autumn foliage.

Where to travel during the off-season?

If you would like to travel in the off-season, the next step is to find out where to travel to.

There are many countries where you can have a great travelling experience outside the peak season. Here we present a guide to some of the destinations where you can easily travel during the low season.

1) Kenya and Tanzania (March – May)

The rainy season has a tarnished reputation; however, April and May are fantastic months to visit both Kenya and Tanzania.

The rain generally falls in short bursts, typically in the afternoon and evening, therefore not affecting your safari during the day. There are also fewer people, giving you a more private safari experience with the animals.

The rainy season in Kenya and Tanzania is a great time to capture dramatic clouds and the breathtaking colours in the sky.

Check out our tours to Kenya & Tanzania below:
Tanzania
Safari in Kenya & Tanzania

Serengeti & Masai Mara: Visit two of the world’s best safari destinations on one tour. You travel from Kenya to Tanzania – and back, from where you can choose to extend your tour with a beach holiday.

... 12 days From £%s
Tanzania
Safari in Tanzania & beach holiday in Zanzibar

A Tanzanian safari, a must for your safari wish list. An amazing safari experience including Serengeti & Ngorongoro. A 4-star beach stay, on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar a perfect ending.  

... 15 days From £%s
Kenya
Hakuna Matata safari

This tour is for those who want a slightly more in-depth look at Kenya. You experience the fantastic animal life and wonderful nature in Kenya’s best and most varied national parks.

... 10 days From £%s
Kenya
Karibu Kenya safari

This is the classic Kenya tour with the biggest highlights. From the elephants of Amboseli, the tour takes you to the hippos of Lake Naivasha before concluding in Masai Mara.

... 9 days From £%s
Tanzania
Safari in Tanzania – 4 national parks

From baobab trees in Tarangire to the flat plains of Serengeti and the lush hills of Ngorongoro. Experience incredible nature and unique animal life in four of Tanzania’s national parks.

... 9 days From £%s

2) Japan (September)

Young women wearing traditional Japanese Yukata at Daigo-ji Temple in autumn

When envisioning a trip to Japan, the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in spring often comes to mind.

However, a tour during autumn can be equally mesmerizing. The countryside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues, captivating visitors with its stunning display of autumn foliage (the phenomenon is called Koyo).

While autumn has become a popular time to travel, the good news is that the crowds have not reached the heights of those during Sakura, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Check out our tours to Japan below:
Japan
Highlights of Japan

An experience for life with big contrasts between ultra-modern Tokyo, exquisite temples and gardens, maiko in kimonos and traditional tea houses in Kyoto, and the samurai town of Kanazawa.

... 15 days From £%s
Japan
Kyoto and Tokyo – Japan’s Heart and Brain

Experience the essence of Japan short and sweet with the most important cultural cities: Tokyo and Kyoto. The contrasts between the ultra-modern and the old traditions truly amazes most people.

... 10 days From £%s
Japan
The Best of Japan

You get Japan to your very core on this big tour. Experience famous highlights like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Osaka spiced with less famous pearls like Okayama and Naoshima.

... 19 days From £%s

3) Australia (June – August)

Winter is also the low season in Australia, from June to August. However, the Australian winter is a great time to travel “down under”.

Although the weather is typically cool and cloudy at this time of year, there are many sunny, warm days on Australia’s east coast. In Brisbane, for example, the average temperature is between 11 and 21 degrees, so it’s more comparable to spring weather here in the UK.

This means you can enjoy the beautiful beaches without having to fight for a spot.

Check out our tours to Australia below:
Australia
The Best of Australia

Discover Australia’s amazing contrasts. From the country’s two largest cities Melbourne and Sydney to the red desert and Uluru. Round off in tropical Cairns and visit the Great Barrier Reef or the world’s oldest rainforest.

... 15 days From £%s
Australia
Highlights of Australia with Sydney, Uluru and Cairns

The absolute classic Australia tour with city experiences in Sydney, a visit to Uluru in the red heart of Australia, and tropical Cairns with the possibility of experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest rainforest.

... 12 days From £%s
Australia
The Australian Coast from Brisbane to Sydney & Melbourne

Discover Australia’s 3 largest cities, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Spice up the tour with excursions and get right up close to nature, culture and history while making the most of the city comforts.

... 13 days From £%s
Australia
Darwin, Sydney and Cairns

Travel to Australia in your summer holiday. The climate in the northern part of the country is perfect, with warm days, cool nights and low humidity. In Sydney, you may be lucky enough to see some whales!

... 14 days From £%s
Australia
The Grand Tour of Australia

The grand tour is for those wishing to see it all in one go! It offers a whole host of experiences – and plenty of freedom to put your own mark on the tour to make it just the way you want it.

... 22 days From £%s
Australia
Singapore & the Best of Australia

Look forward to making a stop in fabulous Singapore, before continuing to the amazing contrasts of Australia. Melbourne, Sydney and the red desert await you Down Under, before the tour rounds off in tropical Cairns.

... 19 days From £%s
Australia
Singapore & Highlights of Australia

Start out with a couple of days in the vibrant metropolis of Singapore before the tour continues Down Under. Look forward to beautiful Sydney, a visit to Uluru in the red heart of Australia, and tropical Cairns. Option to extend the tour to include a beach holiday or national park experiences.

... 16 days From £%s
Australia
The Best of Australia with self-drive on the Great Ocean Road

Come on a self-drive adventure along one of the world’s most scenic stretches of coastline, the Great Ocean Road. Experience the country’s two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, the endless red desert with Uluru, and round off with relaxation in tropical surroundings in Cairns.

... 19 days From £%s
Australia
Self-drive on Australia’s east coast

Discover Sydney and Brisbane followed by a self-drive tour on Australia’s east coast. Look forward to sights such as the world’s largest sand island, K’gari, the scenic Whitsunday Islands National Park and the beach resort of Port Douglas.

... 21 days From £%s
New Zealand
Highlights of New Zealand & Australia

Your adventure begins in New Zealand, immersing you in Maori culture, geothermal wonders, mountain lakes, and glaciers, before continuing on to Australia. Here, you’ll experience the vibrant city of Sydney, the striking red outback at Uluru, and finish your journey in tropical Cairns.

... 26 days From £%s

4) Bali (October to March)

The low season in Bali is also the rainiest season, from October to March.

This is when there are lower rates and fewer crowds and while it is the rainiest season, you can also experience some sunny days. If you are aiming to explore Bali’s cultural hotspots and temples, then the outbursts of rain are not necessarily a dealbreaker. Imagine strolling through iconic sites at your own pace, fully immersing yourself in the experience without the hustle and bustle.

During March and April, the amount of rainfall tends to drop so if you want to make reap the benefits of an off-season tour but still aim for some good weather, book your tour for then.

Check out our tours to Bali below:
Bali
Highlights of Bali

Be enchanted by the picturesque scenery of the highlands and enjoy the tranquillity of Lovina. Visit the traditional village of Rumah Desa and get right up close to the colourful culture of Ubud. Round off with a beach holiday or a city break.

... 13 days From £%s
Bali
Highlights of Bali & beach holiday in Sanur

Experience the lush highlands of Munduk and get right up close to village life at Rumah Desa. Be seduced by the charm of Ubud and see the beautiful rice terraces of Tegalalang. Then digest it all at the beach resort of Sanur.

... 16 days From £%s
Bali
Ubud & beach holiday in Sanur

This 4-star tour is the tour for you if you’d like fewer hotel changes and time on the itinerary to set the pace and choose your activities yourself. Soak up the atmosphere of Ubud and round off with a beach holiday in Sanur.

... 11 days From £%s
Bali
From Java to Bali with a Beach Holiday

Experience iconic volcanoes, fascinating landscapes, charming Yogyakarta and some of the world’s most amazing temples, including Borobodur. Finish with beach holiday on Bali, Island of the Gods.

... 14 days From £%s
Bali
Classics and hidden gems in Bali

Get up close to the soul of Bali in Ubud, discover Sidemens pristine landscapes, the authentic snorkelling paradise of Amed, and end it all in Lovina with its dark volcanic beaches.

... 14 days From £%s
Bali
Island hopping in Indonesia

Experience 4 very different islands: Bali, Gili, Lombok and Nusa Lembongan. Look forward to lazy days on the beach, amazing snorkelling, and unforgettable sunsets.

... 15 days From £%s
Indonesia
Ubud, Manggis & beach holiday in Sanur

From Ubud’s temples and rice terraces to Manggis’ lush green landscapes and authentic village life. The tour concludes with a beach holiday in Sanur. 

... 13 days From £%s

5) Brazil and Argentina (September – November)

You can tick two destinations off your list and visit Brazil and northern Argentina during the off-season.

Travelling outside the high season allows you to experience the spirit of Rio de Janeiro in a more intimate and relaxed setting. Discover the true charm of Buenos Aires, as the crowds thin out and you can dive deeper into its rich history and vibrant neighbourhoods. The milder temperatures also make walking around the city much more pleasant.

The off-season allows you to embrace the spirit of Rio de Janeiro in a more intimate and relaxed setting. Discover the true charm of Buenos Aires, as the crowds thin out and you can dive deeper into its rich history and vibrant neighbourhoods. Not to mention the milder temperatures making a day of walking around a city a lot more pleasant.

Check out our tours to Brazil & Argentina below:
Argentina
Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

On this tour, you will experience three of South America’s absolute highlights: Argentina’s beautiful capital Buenos Aires, the impressive Iguazú Falls and amazing Rio de Janeiro.

... 13 days From £%s
Brazil
Rio, Iguazú & beach holiday on Ilha Grande

Experience the world’s largest waterfall at Iguazú, the vibrant metropolis of Rio, colonial history in Paraty, and conclude your tour with relaxation on the beautiful island of Ilha Grande.

... 14 days From £%s
Brazil
Highlights of Brazil

Embark on a fantastic tour of colourful Brazil. Discover Rio de Janeiro, the Iguazú Falls, the fascinating flora and fauna of the Amazon jungle and Salvador with its unique culture and atmosphere.

... 15 days From £%s
Argentina
Highlights of Argentina

Enjoy unforgettable experiences in Argentina with colourful Buenos Aires, the wildlife of Península Valdés and the breathtaking scenery of the Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls.

... 13 days From £%s

6) Costa Rica (September – October)

Despite September and October being among the wettest months, there is an undeniable magic to the rainy season in Costa Rica.

The showers breathe new life into the rainforest, transforming it into a lush green oasis. The rivers and waterfalls swell and are at their fullest, enhancing the thrill of adventure, for white water rafting. Also, if witnessing turtles is on your bucket list, during May to November, a true spectacle unfolds as green turtles gather along the beaches of Tortuguero National Park for their nesting season.

Check out our tours to Costa Rica below:
Costa Rica
A touch of Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica’s unique nature and exciting wildlife at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. Round off the tour with relaxation at Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.

... 11 days From £%s
Costa Rica
The Best of Costa Rica

Enjoy Costa Rica’s unique nature and diverse wildlife in Tortuguero, at Arenal volcano, in Rincón de la Vieja and in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Discover lovely beaches in Sámara and Manuel Antonio.

... 18 days From £%s
Costa Rica
Costa Rica with Corcovado National Park

Look forward to unique unspoilt nature and wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks with less visitors: Cahuita and Corcovado. Round it all off at Manuel Antonio’s wonderful beaches.

... 14 days From £%s

7) Vietnam (April – June, September – October)

The off-seasons in Vietnam fall from April to June and from September to October.

During these periods, you can experience beautiful sunny days, but also rain showers. If you can bear a bit of rain, then avoid the peak tourist influx and visit Vietnam during the shoulder seasons.

You can dodge the rain showers in fascinating museums, cosy coffee shops and boutiques in large cosmopolitan cities like Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Check out our tours to Vietnam below:
Vietnam
Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.

... 14 days From £%s
Vietnam
Highlights of Vietnam & Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

... 17 days From £%s
Vietnam
Northern Vietnam & Hoi An

Look forward to experiencing the soul of Vietnam in the old, beautiful capital of Hanoi and the unique, iconic nature of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. You round off your tour in charming Hoi An.

... 13 days From £%s
Vietnam
Southern Vietnam & beach holiday in Mui Ne

Discover the charm of the Mekong Delta, the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake, and the enchanting cool highlands of Da Lat – all framed by vibrant city life in Ho Chi Minh City and the palm-fringed beaches of Mui Ne.

... 14 days From £%s
Vietnam
The Best of Vietnam

From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.

... 18 days From £%s
Vietnam
The Best of Indochina in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hue, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.

... 24 days From £%s
Vietnam
Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.

... 15 days From £%s
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & beach holiday on Phu Quoc

Experience the diversity of southern Vietnam, from the vibrant urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City to boat trips along the Mekong Delta, including a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday on the island of Phu Quoc.

... 11 days From £%s
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & beach holiday in Mui Ne

Experience the contrasts of southern Vietnam: from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil boat trips through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and a visit to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long. Round off your adventure on the golden beaches of Mui Ne.

... 11 days From £%s

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