Why South Africans are trading crowds for calm: the rise of off-season travel
A traveller visiting a popular attraction without the crowds during off-peak season.
Image: Pexels
For many South African travellers, the ideal holiday once meant booking flights or accommodation during the peak season, navigating crowded tourist traps, and breaking the bank to experience the very best a destination has to offer.
However, a new trend is emerging among local explorers: off-season travel, proving to be an appealing option for those looking to maximise their holiday experience while protecting their wallets.
'As it turns out, travelling at the 'wrong' time of year may actually be the smartest way to go,' notes Antoinette Turner, general manager of Flight Centre South Africa.
This new approach is resonating with those keen to save between 20% and 50% on peak season prices while also seeking more authentic experiences less influenced by the rush of tourist crowds.
With skyrocketing living costs, many South Africans are reconsidering their travel styles, opting for affordability that doesn't compromise on enjoyment.
'Watching your pennies while being bumped and elbowed is hardly a relaxing way to spend a hard-earned holiday,' Turner adds.
'But more than that, low-season travel often offers richer experiences when iconic places quieten down, and lesser-known destinations really come into their own.'
Turner unpacks the travel trend and how travellers can save costs when travelling.
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Why travel off-peak?
One of the most enticing advantages of off-peak travel is the significant reduction in prices associated with airfares, accommodation, and activities.
'The quieter months of the year often deliver tempting deals and irresistible upgrades,' Turner explains.
'The 'wrong season' is actually the perfect time to enjoy five-star luxe at three-star prices.'
She highlights that some destinations go the extra mile to entice visitors during off-season periods.
Dubai exemplifies this through its 'Dubai Summer Surprises' event from June to September, featuring massive sales across notable malls and exceptional hotel rates, as well as initiatives like 'Kids Go Free' to further engage families.
Additionally, dining out becomes a more enjoyable affair, with fewer patrons resulting in relaxed restaurant reservations and attentive service.
'Fewer diners equal easier restaurant reservations, and service staff aren't spinning from table to table, compromising on service,' Turner emphasises.
Shoulder seasons offer sweet savings
Despite the occasional risk of less-than-ideal weather conditions, smart travellers can circumvent this pitfall through proper planning.
'Many South Africans are timing their holidays just right to avoid extreme conditions,' Turner notes, highlighting the growing popularity of shoulder seasons - periods between high and low travel seasons.
These intervals can provide access to the best of both worlds.
Japan is cited as an excellent example, with its shoulder seasons from early April to mid-June and mid-September to early December gaining traction among South African travellers.
With the Yen's recent dip, budgets expand further, allowing for memorable experiences that circumvent the bustling cherry blossom season.
Equally, tropical destinations showcase their allure during the rainy season, attracting travellers with unique experiences, as is the case with Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives, where manta rays perform breathtaking acrobatics between May and November.
'And when it comes to cruising, the weather becomes less of a concern,' Turner adds, acknowledging that onboard activities still thrive, whatever the weather may be.
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