How to plan off-season getaways

Everyone waits for summer holidays, public holidays, or long weekends. They look at the yearly calendar, dreaming of those days to slow down, rest, and discover new places. The problem is that everyone does it at the same time, which means crowded beaches and cities where walking becomes impossible. Travelling like this isn’t as charming as doing it… off-season!

While others stand in endless lines and fight for a tiny patch of sand, you, travelling off-season, can stroll through cities without crowds and choose the perfect spot for your sunshade on idyllic beaches.

You may be wondering: how can I plan off-season getaways when I have a routine, a job, or a tight schedule? Don’t worry—here you’ll find some tips that will help you escape more often than you think, without waiting for summer or breaking the bank.

1. Play Your Cards Right (a.k.a. Your Days Off)

The secret to getting away more often without exhausting your vacation days lies in using the calendar smartly. You don’t need to wait for a full month off or the typical peak travel dates. Sometimes a long weekend or a couple of well-placed days can turn into an unforgettable getaway.

• Official holidays are fine, but they’re usually more expensive. That’s why we recommend checking your city’s local holidays. By combining those with an extra day before or after, you can plan quieter and cheaper mini-vacations.
• Plan at the beginning of the year, when the work calendar is published. This way, you’ll manage your personal days and holidays better, find more availability at better prices, and lock in those key breaks before your schedule fills up with unnecessary commitments.
• Pick the days nobody wants—yes, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or even Saturdays. They’re less popular, which means lower demand. The upside? Prices drop for both transport and accommodation. If you can be flexible, go for those days.
• How many places within two hours of home have you never visited? Probably plenty. We want to go far away, but for mini-breaks, staying nearby is often a better option. Search for a charming village or a hidden beach. Look closely and you’ll surely find a new paradise to discover—right around the corner.

2. Take Advantage of Remote Work

Sometimes all we need is a short escape to recharge and clear our minds. If you work remotely or have some flexibility, a weekday trip can be the perfect choice. All it takes is an accommodation with good Wi-Fi and choosing where to set up your “office with a view.” This way, you can blend work and pleasure without using vacation days—at luxury prices!

3. Set Up Flight and Accommodation Alerts

If you like a bit of spontaneity, activate alerts on flight search engines. Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Booking let you set price alerts. They’ll notify you when flights to your favourite destinations drop in price. It’s the perfect way to snag bargains off-season.

As you can see, with a little planning, strategy, and flexibility, you can become that person who makes everyone jealous by posting travel photos in the middle of October. Don’t wait for summer holidays, and above all, don’t waste your precious days off. We know it’s sometimes hard to ask for holiday days because of guilt or responsibility, but remember: rest is essential for good performance.

If you didn’t know how to give yourself those breaks throughout the year, now you’ve got a few ideas. You only need to make the decision and carve out space for yourself. It’s not just about travelling, but about travelling better and living better. And if, along the way, you save money—what more could you ask for?

Long live off-season getaways!