21 Travel Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know (and You Should Too)

7. Exploit Shoulder Seasons

Shoulder seasons—those transitional weeks between a region’s peak and off-peak periods—offer a sweet spot for bargain hunters. You’ll often find fewer crowds, milder weather, and more flexible pricing on flights and hotels. For instance, visiting a beach destination just after high summer ends might offer significantly reduced airfare, while the water remains warm enough for swimming. Ski towns in late March or early April can yield cheaper lift tickets and lodging deals, yet still have decent snow. Airlines also adjust fares in these off-peak windows, so travelers with flexible calendars can pounce on savings. Most importantly, locals are typically more relaxed and welcoming, as they’re not overrun by peak-season tourists. The combination of lower airfare, discounted room rates, and a calmer ambiance transforms a shoulder-season trip into a cost-effective dream. Whether you love spring blossoms or early autumn foliage, these in-between periods deserve your radar for maximizing both savings and satisfaction.