How to plan off-season getaways

Everyone looks forward to summer holidays, public holidays or long weekends. They check the 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 leads to crowded beaches and cities that are impossible to walk through. Clearly, traveling like this doesn’t have the same charm as doing it… off-season!

While everyone else is standing in endless lines and fighting for space on the beach, by traveling off-season you’ll be able to explore cities without crowds and choose exactly where to place your umbrella on paradise beaches.

In addition, traveling off-season doesn’t just mean avoiding crowds, but also accessing better prices, more availability and a much more authentic destination experience.

You may be wondering: how can I organize off-season getaways if I have a routine, a job or a busy schedule? Don’t worry—here are some tips so you can travel more than you think, without waiting for summer or breaking the bank.

1. Use your cards wisely (your days off)

The key to traveling more without using all your vacation days is knowing how to play with your calendar. You don’t need a full month off or typical travel dates.

Sometimes, a long weekend or just a couple of well-placed days can turn into an unforgettable getaway.

To better organize your off-season trips:

• Review your work calendar at the beginning of the year
• Take advantage of local holidays
• Combine days off strategically (e.g. Monday or Friday)
• Avoid peak travel dates

Official holidays are usually more expensive. That’s why we recommend checking local holidays and combining them with a day before or after.

Plan ahead from the start of the year. This way you’ll find better availability and prices, and you’ll avoid filling those key dates with unnecessary commitments.

Choose the days nobody wants—like Tuesday or Wednesday. These days usually offer:

• Cheaper flights
• More accommodation options
• Less crowded destinations

How many places within 2 hours of your home do you still not know? Probably many. We always want to go far away, but for short getaways, staying close is often the best option.

Some ideas:

• Charming small towns
• Natural parks or hiking routes
• Hidden beaches
• Small cultural cities

2. Take advantage of remote work

Sometimes all we need is a short getaway to refresh our mind.

If you work remotely or have flexibility, traveling midweek is a great option. Just find accommodation with good wifi and choose your “office with a view”.

Benefits:

• You don’t use vacation days
• You travel cheaper
• You enjoy the destination more
• Better work-life balance

These types of trips are ideal for less crowded destinations, and if you need to fly, you’ll also find better prices at airports and parking services.

3. Set alerts and find cheap trips

If you can be a bit spontaneous, price alerts are key.

Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights or Booking let you track price drops.

To find cheap off-season getaways:

• Set alerts without a fixed destination
• Be flexible with dates
• Book when prices drop
• Compare nearby airports

4. Tips for traveling from the airport without complications

If your off-season getaway involves catching a flight, there are a few details that can make the difference between starting your trip stressed… or on the right foot.

Planning your journey to the airport is key, especially if you travel midweek or at less common times.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Book your parking in advance: especially in low season, you can find better prices if you plan ahead.
• Choose parking near the airport to avoid long transfers or last-minute issues.
• Arrive with enough time, even if the airport seems quieter off-season.
• Consider parking options with additional services, such as valet (car drop-off), which help you save time and travel more comfortably.

Organizing these small details will allow you to start your getaway in a much more relaxed way and make the most of every minute of your trip.

Traveling off-season isn’t just cheaper—it’s smarter ✈️