Save Big With These Shoulder-Season Vacations

Say goodbye to crowds and crazy prices!

By

Deborah Gaines

 
Published July 31, 2026
People enjoying a summer day floating on inflatable tubes and paddleboards along a calm river surrounded by trees and a residential community
People tubing down the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon as it flows past the Old Mill District.
Shutterstock

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When my kids were young, our family traveled exclusively during peak season — Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break and June through August. We loved these trips, but you couldn’t really call them breaks. Flights and resorts were packed, and everything cost a fortune.

Fast forward to semi-retirement and an empty nest. The world has opened up: We can travel whenever we want. So I was happy to discover shoulder season, the dip in tourism that happens right before and after the busiest times. For most destinations, it’s the sweet spot between peak season, with its crowds and high prices, and off-season, when the weather gets worse and many attractions are closed.

Studies have shown an average of 25 percent savings for hotels and up to 50 percent on flights just before and after popular travel times. It’s also easier to book last minute, and there are fewer minimum stay requirements.

Here are bargains that have me packing my bags for fall.

CAPE COD, MA

Locals on this picturesque Massachusetts peninsula call September and October “second summer” for its crisp beach days, golden sunshine and peaceful vibe. As fall progresses, beach grasses turn golden, cranberry bogs deepen in color and wooded areas shimmer with fall foliage.

At Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, you’ll save up to 50 percent off peak pricing when you visit in the fall. Set on 429 acres along Cape Cod Bay, the resort offers waterside yoga classes, bike rides along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, pickleball and golf on a Nicklaus Design course. More information: capecodchamber.org

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Best known as a buzzy summer getaway, this coastal city keeps the party going long after Labor Day. The fall months feature beachside concerts, festivals, a boardwalk art show, an international sand sculpting championship, as well as deep discounts on hotels and resorts. The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, a lovingly restored landmark that has hosted 10 U.S. presidents, becomes an attainable splurge after Labor Day, with savings of over 20 percent. Nearby, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort offers private balconies and ocean views starting at $200 a night. More information: visitvirginiabeach.com

BEND, OR

Late September and October are magical times to explore Central Oregon. Hikers and cyclists will find trails in prime condition, and the days are still warm enough to paddle the Cascade Lakes or Deschutes River. In Bend, outdoor concerts give way to a renowned film festival in October, and Tumalo Falls looks even more scenic with the surrounding autumn colors.

Popular hotels such as McMenamins Old St. Francis School, an ambling complex of rooms, restaurants and taverns in the heart of downtown, have more availability and significantly lower prices ($175 a night vs. $350 in the high season). Or check out the new, ultra-luxury Westman Hotel, where rates drop 25 percent starting in late September.

CORONADO, CA

I’ve had the island of Coronado on my bucket list for years. Just minutes from San Diego, it’s an iconic coastal destination complete with sparkling sand beaches, breathtaking views and a quaint downtown. But it’s prohibitively expensive during the summer, with mid-range hotels averaging $600 a night and beachfront luxury approaching $1,200.

By late September, prices are starting to tumble. I found rooms at the boutique Bower Coronado for $350 a night — still not cheap, but a good value for a special experience. Budget options like Coronado Beach Resort dip below $200 for the same time period.

CARIBBEAN

Fall is prime time for enjoying the Caribbean’s swaying palms and azure waters, and two islands offer passport-free escapes for U.S. travelers. In St. Thomas, the Buoy Haus Beach Resort has bungalow-style accommodations, a pristine golden sand beach and access to amenities at the nearby Westin. Seasonal offers include “The Gift of Getaway” package, with 30 percent off stays of four nights or more. In Puerto Rico, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is a nature-lover’s dream, combining beachside luxury with easy access to the El Yunque rainforest. Discounts start at 25 percent with additional savings for Hyatt members (sign-up is free).

*Rates vary by date and availability

What’s your favorite off-season getaway? Let us know in the comments below!

Deborah Gaines is a travel writer, poet, and essayist whose work has appeared in Tripadvisor, Huffington Post, and Grown & Flown. When not on the road, she lives in New Jersey with her rescue dog and two opinionated cats.