21 Years, 21 Lessons: Our Expedition Travel Wisdom
Along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two about…
Simon Flower
The New Peak Season for Europe?
Hint: It’s Not June to August
A recent quote in The Australian travel section stood out to us:
“A lot of people are delaying their holidays because this year has shown a seismic shift in demand for September travel when there are fewer crowds and less heat.”
– The Australian
Travelling to Europe soon or in the future? Let’s talk about timing.
There’s quite the change happening in European travel – savvy Australian travellers are ditching the traditional mid-year crush in favour of the shoulder months.
May and September, once considered “off-peak” or at least ‘high shoulder season’ (yes that was a thing) are now the peak of smart planning.
1. The Sweet Spot of Weather
Europe in May and September offers everything you love about summer – without the scorching heat or the huge crowds.
In May, you’ll see spring in full bloom. Think Parisian parks, Tuscan hillsides, and Croatian coastlines all bursting with colour.
September, on the other hand, brings warm sea temperatures and golden sunsets. It’s harvest season in wine regions and the start of festival season in many towns. The autumn colours on the Rhine are genuinely like New England.
“I’m looking forward to September” said a waiter to us in Dubrovnik recently.
“That’s when it gets much less crazy here but still nice weather.”
James Thornton, managing director of one of our great travel partners, Intrepid Travel, predicts that changing weather patterns will eventually make September the most popular month for Australian visitors to Europe.
River cruising is wonderful all year round but we think May and September are great months for this style of ‘slow travel’
2. Beating the Heat (and the Queues)
June, July, and August used to be the holy trinity of travel.
But Europe in high summer? It’s becoming a victim of its own popularity.
Cities like Rome and Barcelona now regularly hit 35°C+ in July and August – not ideal for sightseeing or wandering cobbled streets.
Then there’s the sheer number of tourists. You’ll find queues snaking around landmarks, hordes of travellers in one loud group dominating footpaths, crowded piazzas, and hotels charging top dollar.
In May and September, you get a little more elbow room, a little better availability, and more meaningful experiences.
Travelling in May or September could help you avoid waiting in crowds like this
3. School Holidays Shift the Game
European school holidays run from late June through to early September.
That means July and August are flooded with family travellers (both local and international) – pushing up demand and prices.
By travelling in May or September, you’re not competing with millions of families.
In fact in many European countries it is an offence to take your children out of school during term time!
Flights are cheaper, accommodation is more available, and it’s easier to get into restaurants, museums etc.
4. A Different Kind of Traveller
Our travellers aren’t backpacking on a shoestring.
Our typical travellers value comfort, culture, conversation – not chaos.
May and September tend to attract mature, independent travellers. It’s a calmer, more sophisticated vibe.
Your fellow travellers are more likely to be sipping wine and discussing history than queueing for club entry.
5. Your Travel Dollar Goes Further
Now this is changing a bit.
In theory, prices in the shoulder season are better.
You’ll often find premium hotels offering off-peak rates, and tour operators (like us) with added-value offers.
It’s a great time to upgrade to that room with a view or add a few extra nights.
How long this lasts is anyone’s guess.
We are not saying it’s deserted in September or May.
You will share this view of the Eiffel Tower with travellers all year round – but in July and August it will be ramped.
This is not a secret
To be honest we are already seeing airfares remaining higher now in the traditional quieter months.
Whilst we stand by our statement that May and September are less crowded than June-August we certainly do not claim that Europe is deserted then, or hotels and museums are empty.
If you’re flexible with dates and looking for a more elevated, less crowded experience, then May and September are the golden months to go.
Let’s plan your escape – before everyone catches on.
About Simon Flower
Originally from the United Kingdom, Simon has worked in the travel industry for over thirty-five years. He is passionate about genuine expedition style travel and has travelled to both the Arctic and Antarctic on expedition vessels.
Expedition Partners (formerly Flower Travel) specialise in expedition style travel by small ship cruise and private rail journeys.
PH: 1300 654 861
Monday-Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
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