Travel Shoulder Season Savings Are Disappearing Amid Rising Costs
The traditional shoulder season for travel—fall months between summer and winter holidays—is becoming less of a bargain as savings diminish, according to data from Hopper and Expedia. In the U.S., domestic flight prices during fall are now nearly on par with those in summer, reversing previous trends where travelers saved around 20%. Lodging costs have also risen significantly; top destinations see a 20% increase compared to summer rates. The decline is attributed to increased demand and overall rising travel costs due to the Iran war. Experts note that shoulder season has become more desirable for its pleasant weather, leading to higher prices as more travelers seek it out. While some discounts still exist in October or November, finding them requires greater strategic planning from consumers.
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Topics: price trends shoulder season travel costs