Among the top destinations that are best approached through London, there is one simple thing that can change everything about your vacation – deciding not to travel at peak times. The shoulder season period has been proven to be one of the best options available to those who want to have their vacation relaxed, affordable and unique. Since this is the time that lies between the crowded school vacation period and the least popular off-season weeks, it implies the feeling of liveliness in the cities, active lifestyle in the coastal towns and, what is most important, lower prices for flights.
This explains why today, many tourists decide on dates first, and only then choose the destination point, and if you are searching for cheap holidays and considering a brief escape away, the key to your success will be taking the timing into account. Depending on whether your vacation takes place in late April, early June or late September, your impressions will change dramatically.
Timing being more important than distance
It seems that traveling from London is easy because there are a number of airports, a large number of different routes and many opportunities to choose the cheapest weekend flights. But the most affordable trip will not depend on choosing the cheapest option. Too hasty traveling at a bad time, spending a lot on transit and very expensive accommodation might end up costing too much.
The reason why shoulder season works is that you have more time to plan your vacation. You can choose early morning flights to Lisbon, so that you have time to have a lazy day at the riverside. A September trip to Valencia may provide nice beach weather and a relaxed atmosphere, unlike the one you find in the hot days of July or August.
The most significant contrast lies in both an emotional and monetary sense. Tourist hotspots become more enjoyable when it is just a little less crowded. Local markets do not become tourist attractions anymore. The little restaurant has room for walk-ins. Public transport becomes less daunting. The people who serve hotels, cafés, and museums are likely to be less stressed since there is no need to operate at full speed anymore.
This may be what the inhabitants of London, with their packed trains and crowded pavements, need, not to mention the expensive nights out!
Cities That Reap Rewards When It’s Not Too Crowded
There are cities that make the most out of a slower period simply because they do not depend too much on hot and sunny weather. There are many other things in the city that do well during cold weather.
A good example of this is Porto. While the weather in summer is great, it can be said that mostly Porto weather in spring or fall is more favorable for visits. Climbing the hill is no longer difficult, and walking along the riverbank is pleasant as there is no need to rush between the points of interest since it is not necessary to return for that perfect shot. One day can begin with drinking coffee at the São Bento train station, continue with taking a ride in the tram, eating lunch by the riverbank, and watching the sunset from the bridge.
Some examples of cities worth visiting during shoulder season include:
- Lisbon for views, fish dishes and tram tours
- Valencia for beaches, food markets and biking
- Porto for wineries, river strolls and tiled streets
- Athens for ancient ruins, local cafes and rooftop views
- Krakow for history, budget-friendly cuisine and narrow streets
- Seville for tapas, gardens and mild evenings
There is no need to arrange a perfectly sunny week to appreciate these destinations.
Minor costs that affect the journey
Budget travel might fail due to minor problems. Transportation from airports, late arrivals, baggage, peak dining hours, and poorly chosen hotels can ruin the overall budget of your travels gradually. You may find an appealing price quote for the vacation, but end up spending much more on small amounts one by one.
Location can become a crucial factor. A cheap accommodation far away from the city center can make sense in case you plan to stay longer, while using reliable means of transportation. In two-day trips, however, this strategy may become a false one. Your time will be very limited and you’ll probably save money on transport, staying close to the area of your interest for dinners.
Food can also be affected by the time choice. Lunch menus may appear much more affordable than dinner menus in most European destinations. Local markets may provide you with a cheaper alternative compared to dining establishments located in the downtown near major tourist sights. Breakfasts can become more convenient with bakeries and grocery stores around you.
It’s the same story for bags; packing just one smaller suitcase means a better airport experience and easier understanding of ticket prices. Simple packing works for city holidays too. The only essential items are your jacket, comfy shoes, a couple of layers, and one dressier outfit.
But there is also another mindset change; a more value-driven approach can be adopted where you look for the best value from holiday by spending wisely on the features that don’t really matter to you. Maybe you want a balcony view or free breakfast, easy access to transport, or quiet surroundings. All you need is to understand this before booking.
A different method of planning
The old-fashioned technique of budget holidays consisted in finding cheap tickets and immediately booking them. Then, fill your time with as many activities as possible. Such a practice will work out well sometimes but can also result in making the holiday an extra busy day off.
The first step toward choosing the right shoulder season holiday is knowing exactly what kind of experience you want to have. In case you like warm weather, good food, and a lot of walking, Lisbon and Valencia may be ideal; on the other hand, Krakow and Athens would be ideal for you.
Thinking about how the experience will make you feel ensures that the vacation is realistic. A weekend getaway doesn’t require six museums, three tours, and a day trip sandwiched in the middle of them all. One good neighborhood, one great meal, one view, and some free time will make the vacation memorable.
This is all the more important for the travelers in London. It is not always necessary to take a huge vacation to escape from the city life; rather, one should try out other options like flying away at the right time, finding the right hotels, visiting a walking city, and having sufficient time in the schedule to relax and see how things happen around them.
The shoulder season can provide just the right solution to such a traveler. Not only will it reduce stress, but it will also make the destination more affordable. It is suggested that travelers plan their vacations during the shoulder season rather than planning the vacations around the most crowded periods.
