25 Destinations Where You Can Save Big by Traveling After the Summer Crowds Leave

By Jess McHugh
August 11, 2017
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Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean it's too late to plan your dream vacation.

Late September through early November is considered “shoulder season” in many travelers' favorite destinations, as it sits after the peak of the summer but before holiday tourists arrive.

Travelers can look forward to shorter lines at the Louvre in Paris, and less crowded beaches in Fiji or Tahiti. Fewer visitors also means it's often find easier to find great deals on flights, hotels, and more.

And U.S. residents don’t need to travel far to score an awesome vacation at a tempting price. Whether you prefer beaches or museums, city or country, here are several ideas for taking advantage of shoulder season.
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Paris, France

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October and early November tend to be slow for the City of Light, making it the perfect time to visit the Louvre or snag a spot at your favorite restaurant.

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Vancouver Island, Canada

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Quaint fishing villages and vast opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking make this island the perfect getaway from daily life.

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Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is known as the “island of the Gods,” and it’s not hard to see why.

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Montreal, Canada

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Sampling poutine and enjoying this French Canadian city are great in late September and early October — after the summer rush but before the cold sets in.

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Botswana

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National parks and safaris are two of the top reasons that tourists travel to Botswana.

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Fiji

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With the nation made up of some 332 islands, visitors should make sure to visit more than just one.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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This cosmopolitan city has everything from glitzy skyscrapers to sprawling shopping malls and man-made islands.

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Visit the old city of San Juan to see gems such as the Cristo chapel.

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Rome, Italy

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With the high season in Europe spiking over the summer, early fall is a great moment to visit the Italian capital.

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Barcelona, Spain

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Enjoy Park Güell without the crowds.

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Crete

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This Mediterranean island is famous for more than just its beautiful beaches. Amateur historians can enjoy archeological museums and ruins from the Roman, Greek, and Minoan civilizations.

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Montana, U.S.

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Enjoy a cowboy-style adventure in the Western U.S.

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Hawaii, U.S.

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Head to the islands in the fall when the weather is still warm but the crowds have mostly dispersed.

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Ibiza, Spain

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While the high season might peak over the summer, Ibiza parties well into the fall.

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Greece

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From fishing villages, to ancient ruins, to beaches, Greece has just about everything a traveler could want.

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Cape Cod, U.S.

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This New England peninsula (the arm of Massachusetts) is a favorite summer getaway for Bostonians. Come check it out in late September or early October to enjoy the seafood shacks and beaches without the crowds.

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Vermont, U.S.

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By visiting Vermont before the leaves turn, travelers can avoid the throng of foliage fans while still enjoying the rugged nature and craft breweries that the state has to offer.

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Tahiti, French Polynesia

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Escape to your own island paradise where famed artist Paul Gauguin once found inspiration.

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Caribbean Islands

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Planning a Caribbean getaway during hurricane season (June through November) can often lead to great deals on flights and hotels. If you plan the right way — as one Travel + Leisure contributor did — you can still stay safe.

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New Zealand

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Explore the country's diverse landscape or follow in the footsteps of characters from "Lord of the Rings" trilogy movies.

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Arizona, U.S.

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See one of the most recognizable natural U.S. landmarks when you visit the Grand Canyon.

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Morocco

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This North African country has a variety of activities for all kinds of travelers: surfing, shopping at local markets, or visiting a traditional hammam.

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Kenya

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Kenya is one of the best places to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitats.

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South Africa

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Check out Johannesburg, or head to South Africa’s rich wine country.

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Alaska, U.S.

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Explore some of this state's rich natural landscape and quaint fishing towns.

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By Jess McHugh