Shoulder season is a great time to travel. But where should you go?

But not all is lost. There’s still a way to see places when they’re least busy, travel and eat like a local, and experience seasons in a new place. It's called 'Shoulder Season,' and while the concept isn't new, it's been gaining traction recently. According to the British Airways Holidays 2024 Travel Trends Report, more and more people are making travel plans that start earlier in the season. And this is not a one-off trend. The number of travellers looking to fly out in May and June as opposed to July and August has been increasing year-on-year.

If this sounds interesting, sit back as we unpack the trend so you can decide how to spend your Avios wisely on your next trip.

What is Shoulder Season?

No, it doesn't mean showing off the result of all those hours spent in the gym working on deltoids and pecs, although there's no harm in doing that. It's not even the season for carrying fancy tote bags; shoulder season simply refers to that perfect time of the year when the off-season is ending and the chaos of tourist season hasn't quite kicked in. It's that sweet spot when the streets are emptier and quieter, and hotel reservations are economical.

What's even better is that the window for shoulder season comes twice a year. The first one happens during early spring, between March and May, before the summer season officially kicks off in the Southern Hemisphere. The second window falls around the end of summer, from September until November, in the Northern Hemisphere. Basically, whichever part of the world you plan to visit, just use this rule of thumb: shoulder season is when it's not too cold or hot. 

Why You Should Travel in the Shoulder Season

We get that half the charm of travelling is in meeting other fellow tourists and finding common ground. But it shouldn't come at the expense of your personal space and wasting your savings and time waiting for that perfect experience you had dreamed of. Shoulder season is not just easy on your wallet but also good for your mental health, with less stress and more time to be in the moment. Plus, it's a great opportunity to learn how to spend Avios effectively when destinations are less crowded.

Best Places to Visit During Shoulder Season

Now that we've revealed the travel industry's best-kept secret, it's only fair that we also recommend the most memorable shoulder season destinations for our Avios collectors and the best time of the year to visit. Time to get your Avios Avios Calculator out.

Sardinia: September through to May 

While it often gets overshadowed by the 20km stretch of Costa Smeralda, the rest of Sardinia is full of sights and delights. There's a reason why Sardinia falls into one of the seven blue zones in the world, where people enjoy longer-than-average lives.

With 1800 km of unspoiled coastline, beautiful beaches, and 15 nature reserves that house everything from albino donkeys to pink flamingos, Sardinia is that rare combination – a quiet, peaceful place brimming with breathtaking adventures. Due to its strategic location, the island has been invaded countless times, with each civilisation leaving signs of its existence behind. Be sure to check out the 7,000 cone-shaped stone buildings, called the Nuraghes, strewn all over the island. 

The best time to visit Sardinia is during the off-season between September and May, when it's more peaceful and quieter, and you’re more likely to find BA reward flights. You’ll have the island to yourself as you enjoy activities such as diving, trekking, kitesurfing, snorkelling, and even skiing. If you want a unique experience, though, instead of staying in a hotel, try Sardinia's agritourismo and experience life on a farm.

Skiathos: October and November

If you thought Santorini and Mykonos were all there was to Greece, think again. The beautiful island of Skiathos is part of the Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, which is just as beautiful. Known for its soft sandy beaches and lush greenery, Skiathos packs a lot within itself. You'll deserve a medal if you can experience all the activities Skiathos offers.

For starters, if you can tear yourself away from the 60 beaches that dot the coastline, hats off to you. Some of the most popular ones include Koukounaries, which feature blonde sand, green pine trees, and wetlands, as well as treasure troves for birdwatchers. Banana Beach is perfect for those looking for some water sports. It'd be a shame not to go diving and snorkelling with some of the clearest waters. You can spot amazing wildlife, including dolphins, monk seals, tuna, and even loggerhead turtles if you're lucky.

Families and people looking for privacy can relax on Agia Paraskevi Beach, while Troulos offers a little bit of everything. The picturesque town of Skopelos, where Mama Mia was filmed, is also nearby. The Evengelistria Monastery, built in 1794, is worth visiting for history lovers.

October and November are the best times to visit Skiathos when it's cooler, and the rain is moderate. You can enjoy the whole island by going on any of the 26 organised and signposted walking routes, which allow you to appreciate the island without feeling overcrowded. Definitely a BA redemption worth spending your Avios on.

Lanzarote: November

Three hundred days of summer, bottlenose and pilot dolphin sightings, and tons of activities all year around, what's not to love about Lanzarote? Especially if you're feeling down and gloomy after months of grey and overcast clouds in Europe.

Part of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote features tropical weather all year round, along with views of natural volcanic cones, lava fields, and plenty of water sporting activities and festivals. A great place to start is hiking or driving through the Camino Pista Rural Ruta de los Volcanoes, which winds through Timanfaya National Park. Whether you go on your own or as part of a tour, make sure to experience the volcanic cones and lava fields. Don't forget to sample the local restaurant's cuisine, which is cooked in volcanic heat!

On the northern coast, you can visit El Golfo and El Lago Verde, which provide scenic views and a great contrast with the green lake nestled amongst the black volcanic rocks and the blue waters of the sea in the background. Go on wine-tasting tours in La Geria and sample your choice of red or white wine. The wine is in season almost all year round due to Lazarote's unique climate.

If you feel like driving through the island, the trip from the south to the north of the island passes through the 'Valley of the 1000 Palms' with views of the traditional villages of Lanzarote. Other highlights include the cave and volcanic tunnel system of Jameos de Agua, which contains a natural lagoon filled with albino crabs. There's even a concert hall and restaurant nearby where you can enjoy a memorable meal.

The best time to visit Lanzarote is during the shoulder season of November when there's less tourist footfall, and you can stroll at your leisure. Plus, you’re more likely to find BA reward flights during this time due to low demand. November is also perfect because, along with the sights mentioned above, you can also watch the Atlantic Odyssey, an annual boat race with 60 participants racing from Lanzarote to Martinique in the Caribbean. 

New York: November

While there's more chance of snowfall in June than finding New York without crowds, there are still things you can do to make the most out of your trip to The Big Apple. If you’re wondering how to spend Avios for your New York trip, November should be your first option for a BA redemption. The autumn season is giving in to winter. There’s relatively less footfall, with a slight chill in the air and occasional showers. It's the perfect time for walking all over the iconic city, making pit stops at quaint cafes, enjoying street performances, and visiting famous landmarks.

You don't have to place in the top ten or even finish, but just participating in the New York Marathon, one of the most well-known races in the world, which takes place in November, should give you bragging rights over most of your colleagues.

November is also special because the New York Comedy Festival hosts known and upcoming comics. Previous participants include Conan O'Brien, Trevor Noah, Tracy Morgan, and Stephen Colbert. Those who enjoy a good laugh will make an additional pilgrimage to Tom's Diner, the inspiration behind Monk's Diner in the hit 90s show Seinfeld.

There’s plenty to do for a romantic evening if you’re visiting with a plus one. How about a scenic boat ride on the Hudson River? Go under the George Washington Bridge and gaze at the Palisades as you visit the Hudson Valley near Manhattan. November also sees ice-skating rinks pop up all over the city. There's nothing more romantic than skating with your loved one with New York's skyline in the background (just make sure you don't lose your footing as you gaze into each other's eyes). The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has a wonderful ice-skating rink. Other nice ones include the Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Rink at Rockefeller Center.

There are many things to do in the city that never sleeps, and you're guaranteed to run out of days before you can experience everything.

Dominican Republic: April and May

If white sandy beaches and tropical weather all year round aren't reasons enough, the Dominican Republic provides plenty of other choices that make it a tourist haven. If you're into hiking, we recommend visiting Samana on the extreme northeast side of the island. You can start your hike in El Limon and walk through the jungle in an hour to reach the El Limon Waterfalls, which are simply amazing. 

If you're up for some snorkelling, the Dominican Republic has some of the most transparent and bluest water in Latin America. You can visit Saona Island, which is 19km away from the mainland. It's easily accessible from Punta Cana, and you can see turtles, eagle rays, angel fish, and even reef sharks in the water. 

While everyone goes to the south to visit Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, you can go off the beaten path and visit the quainter Puerto Plata. Don’t forget to visit the Parque Central Independencia, which houses a beautiful colonial-era cathedral. While you're there, also check out the Ambar Museum to be amazed at the prehistoric insects that inhabited the island millions of years ago. 

Of course, no one returns from the Dominican Republic without enjoying its beautiful sandy beaches. The weather is perfect for lying down and relaxing in April and May. Punta Cana should be perfect if you want the festive vibes, crowds, bars, and restaurants. But if you want to enjoy yourself like a local, then try Samana. Other beaches that provide a little bit of both include Sosua, Cabarete, and Las Terrenas. 

April and May are also perfect for visiting if you want to enjoy the local music. The Espiritu Santo Festival takes place during these months and brings African sounds and conga drums to put you in the mood for fun. 

Turkey: April and May

A country that straddles two continents and is home to some of the oldest civilisations in the world, Turkey just feels authentic. It has many sights on every tourist's wishlist, including the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the jaw-dropping cliffs of Pamukkale. 

Of course, you can't go to Turkey and not visit Istanbul. How many other cities in the world are located on two continents? Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, which joins them, is an experience in itself. We also recommend taking a tour of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the oldest covered market in the world, dating back to the Ottoman Empire in 1455. It's a great place to stock up on spices and get souvenirs to take back.

With history going back 50,000 years, literally every Turkish street is filled with historical sights. But if you can visit only one place, let it be the archaeological site of Ephesus, which is thought to date back to 138 A.D. Did you know that the famous city of Troy is also located in Turkey? There's even a wooden statue of a horse, which would be the perfect background for your best Brad Pitt impression of Achilles.

Nobody will really believe you've been to Turkey if you can't prove it with a picture of you in a hot air balloon with the geological formations and caves of Cappadocia in the background. But if floating in an air balloon is not your thing, you can still at least watch hundreds of these balloons from Goreme.

While Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate, April and May are best when the crowds are slightly smaller. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Taksim Square. To cool off, you can bathe in one of the many hammams that dot the city. Also, we can't stress enough to enjoy the street food, especially the kebabs. You'll thank us later.