Travel

What can ruin a dream trip to a hot destination you've seen all over Instagram? Crowds.

From the Colosseum in Rome to national parks around the US, sought-after travel destinations are packed with tourists through peak seasons, leading to long lines, traffic congestion, and obstructed views.

Brandon Shaw, the cofounder and COO of The Tour Guy, recommends traveling during the shoulder season, or the time between a destination's peak season and the offseason, when travel is less popular and typically less expensive.

"We've seen more and more people leaving earlier and traveling later into the season because the weather is still great in September and October, there will be fewer people, and it's just a better experience," Shaw told Business Insider.

Tourism seasons vary depending on the location, but in many US and European destinations, shoulder season tends to land in the fall.

After traveling to roughly 55 countries, Shaw shared with BI some hot spots around the US and Europe that he finds more enjoyable to visit once the summer heat and crowds are gone. Many European cities may be more satisfying in the fall, including Paris, London, and Rome. A high view of Paris skyline with Eiffel Tower and trees in autumn leaf colors A view of Paris in the fall. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Shaw said major European cities like London and Paris are worth visiting in the shoulder season because they're not beach destinations. So tourists may have a less crowded experience without missing out on warm-weather activities. The same is true of Rome, he said.

"I've been to all of these cities in both seasons. And the main difference is the crowds," he said.

Shaw most recently went to Paris and London in October of this year.

"It's a nice time to go. It's not as crowded and not too cold to make it uncomfortable," he said. "You can visit the museums like the Louvre with far fewer people." Hiking up mountains in and around Tuscany may be more peaceful in October and November. Peccioli, vineyards of Merlot, Cabernet and Sangiovese on the Pisan hills of Peccioli that produce red, white and rosé wines. A vineyard in Tuscany. Moment/Getty Images

Shaw said the mountains of Tuscany are a worthwhile destination that's even more enjoyable in the fall.

"A lot of people either go in the summertime to go hiking or go in the wintertime to go skiing," he said. "But there's that period in October and the beginning of November when there's fewer people because everyone's back in school."

Fall temperatures in Tuscany range from about 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

About five hours north of Tuscany, Shaw recommends visiting the Northern Dolomites.

"In autumn, it's already cooling off, but the weather is not cold yet," he said, advising travelers to pack a light jacket. The same is true for Grand Canyon National Park in the US. A rainbow over the grand canyon with trees framing the foreground A snapshot of a rainbow Shaw spotted at the Grand Canyon. Courtesy of Brandon Shaw

When Shaw planned a trip to the Grand Canyon's south rim two years ago, everyone told him it would be packed. The more popular rim of the national park sees 4 million visitors annually, according to the Grand Canyon website, and most people visit during the summer.

But Shaw booked his trip to Arizona in late November when temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

"It wasn't that expensive to fly out there. We flew into Phoenix and drove up through Sedona," he told BI. "It was my first time going, so I don't know as much about what it's like high season. However, everyone there told me you can't even walk the trails — it's that many people."

During Shawn's trip, however, the park was quiet.

"We literally walked miles on trails going down toward the river," he said. "We had nobody around us the whole way."

Shawn also said the weather was great. He packed a rain jacket and only used it once.

"It rained for just 30 minutes, and after, there was the most amazing rainbow I've ever seen," he said. Disney World, Universal Studios, and other Florida destinations are typically less crowded once kids return to school. A car drives under a sign near an entranceway to Walt Disney World An entrance to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Whether you're going to an amusement park or the Florida Keys, Shaw told BI the sunshine state is best visited in shoulder seasons.

Florida is a popular snowbird destination. The peak seasons are winter and spring. For most of the state, tourism slows down in the summer — save for amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, which are packed with kids on break, Shaw said.

Aside from Halloween, when Disney is decked out for the spooky season, amusement parkgoers can expect shorter lines and fewer crowds in the fall.

"If you go to Orlando in the summertime and you go to Orlando in the low season, it's like night and day with the amount of people that are there," he said. New York City and other destinations around the Northeast are vibrant and typically less crowded in the fall. A person walks along the Mall in front of trees turning color in Central Park as the sun rises Central Park in New York City in the fall. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Flying into a New York City airport in the summer or winter can get pretty pricey, but mid-fall is generally cheaper. The Northeast is also known for its vibrant fall foliage you wouldn't see any other time of year.

"Shoulder season is a great time to go to the Northeast because you have fewer tourists, as long as you're OK wearing a light jacket," Shaw said.

For example, he said destinations like Boston, New York, and the Appalachian Trail aren't typically crowded in the fall.

Two years ago, Shaw hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail.

"It was great weather at the beginning of November, and there was nobody around," he said. "The guides that work there said in the summertime, it's packed with people walking the trails. But we would walk miles with nobody around us."

Whether you're looking to explore the history and culture of a major city or find peace and isolation on a mountaintop, fall may be the cheapest and most fulfilling time to travel.

Hi guys! I’m planning a 3-4 days weekend trip to Taiwan in early December. I haven’t booked a flight yet, so I can land in any other airport that isn’t Taipei, if the location is better. I’d like some more natural/countryside routes to do on a scooter if possible…not sure if away from the crowds is a possibility. My initial idea earlier this year was Taroko mountain/gorge…but yeah, I guess it won’t be in very good condition just yet. I saw that many parts aren’t planned to reopen anytime soon. What would be any good alternatives?

Thanks a lot!

The ads of this company called Airback that was making this backpacks where you could fit more stuff thanks to a built-in vacuum system appeared on my feed multiple times, but since the smallest bag they were making wasn't small enough to be used as free bag for lowcost companies I never really considered them. Now though I see there is a new model on their website called Airback Go that is made exactly for that purpose, and so I was wondering: does anyone here have actually tried it (or its bigger brother)? How is the quality of the backpacks? Is the vacuum thing something worth the price or it's more of a marketing strategy?

Crystal Serenity — Crystal Cruises, scored 89 (inspected February 3)
Carnival Elation — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 89 (inspected March 14)
Adventure of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International, scored 89 (inspected January 23)
National Geographic Sea Bird — Lindblad Expeditions, scored 88 (inspected July 25)
Carnival Miracle — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 88 (inspected April 21)
MSC Magnifica — MSC Cruises, scored 86 (inspected May 17)
Evrima — Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, scored 86 (inspected February 9)
Carnival Breeze — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 86 (inspected March 21)
Caribbean Princess — Princess Cruises, scored 86 (inspected March 20)
Hanseatic Inspiration — Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, scored 62 (inspected September 29)

I've been obsessed with travel since I was young, and so far, I've ticked off more than 40 countries on my bucket list. Before I leave for a trip, I usually research the destination beforehand and put together a rough idea of the key sites I don't want to miss.

However, I try not to map out every moment in advance. Although planning can save time and money, some of my best travel experiences have resulted from just winging it.

It turns out I'm not alone in this thought. In an American Express survey of over 7,000 adults from seven countries who said they traveled at least once a year, 78% of respondents said spontaneous trips appealed to them.

Here's why I like to embrace spontaneity and travel without a detailed itinerary. I like to wander around without feeling rushed A busy London street with buildings and red buses in the background where people cross the street. In London, I'd get off at random Tube stations and wander from there. Abdul_Shakoor/Shutterstock

One of my favorite things to do in a new place is to walk the streets without an agenda and see where the wind takes me.

Although it's nice to tour a monastery or learn about a piece of art, I prefer just watching the locals go about their lives. When I visited London, for example, I loved getting off at random Tube stations and meandering the streets for hours.

I like to take my time in new places, so for me, exploring on foot without an agenda is half the fun of traveling. Having an itinerary can create unnecessary stress

Cramming each day of a vacation with activities and to-do lists often leaves me feeling stressed.

A trip shouldn't feel restrictive or like a chore. It's about enjoying the journey and making lasting memories.

I hate commitment, and I'm not a creature of habit, so having a regimented routine bores me. I prefer to fly by the seat of my pants and leave plenty of room for spontaneity. Related stories I enjoy connecting with locals and asking them for tips An aerial view of mountains, trees, and greenery in Rocamadour in Département Lot, Dordogne, France. I visited Rocamadour, France, due to a recommendation by a local. Traveller70/Shutterstock

Some people like to go to restaurants and order the same thing every time. However, I prefer to ask waiters for their personal recommendations. After all, they've usually tried everything on the menu and know what's tasty and popular.

The same is true when I travel. Rather than relying on guidebooks, I'll ask locals for advice. For instance, on a road trip from Paris to Andorra, we asked locals for recommendations on where to stay.

Per their suggestions, we ended up in the charming towns of Loches and Rocamadour — some of our trip's greatest highlights.

If we hadn't asked locals for their suggestions, we probably wouldn't have even considered these destinations. I like having the flexibility to take each day as it comes

When traveling, I sometimes feel exhausted and just want to chill out. Other days, I'm full of energy and want to see as much as possible.

And of course, I never know when a thunderstorm might hit and derail certain plans.

Leaving room for the flexibility to adjust plans based on my mood or external factors like the weather works best for me.

Of course, this type of approach to travel is not for everyone. Some people prefer to have everything locked in before they set foot on a plane, keeping a detailed itinerary in their back pocket when they arrive.

However, I've found that some of my favorite travel memories were due to spontaneity.

Meet Alden, an American actress who lived in China for 8 years and has now been in France for 2. She shares how American culture differs from Chinese and European ones, what shocks Americans about living in China, and the biggest advantages of being in Paris as an American. Enjoy!

She also shared what it was like for her and her kids to go back to the United States, how she and they adapted to different cultures.

There is a vastness in this world I’ve longed to explore—where the sky meets the earth, and the peaks kiss the clouds. My path stretches across mountains and valleys, from the lush rainforests of Washington to the glacial wilderness of Alaska, through the majestic Rockies and the sacred lands of Alberta. I will follow this calling, as if guided by the wind, driven by the need to roam, to see, to breathe in the wonder of the world in its most untouched state. Each place I visit will not merely be a destination, but a moment of transformation, where the land becomes a part of my journey.

Wyoming to Montana My journey begins in Wyoming, a land as rugged as my spirit. I will ascend the peaks and roam the open plains, a perfect place to test the endurance of my wings. From there, I will glide north into Montana, its vast wilderness offering sanctuary in its endless skies and untamed forests. The air will be crisp, the mountains standing proud—my first moments of freedom.

Washington and Oregon Heading west, I will find myself immersed in the rainforests of Washington, a place where nature thrives in perfect harmony. The towering evergreens will remind me of my own growth, reaching ever upward. Oregon’s coastal beauty will be next, where I can fly over the Pacific, feel the salt in the air, and lose myself in the rhythm of the waves.

The Call of British Columbia and Alberta Crossing into Canada, British Columbia will welcome me with its mystical rainforests and towering peaks. Here, I’ll land in the silence of the wilderness, where even the air feels ancient. In Alberta, the Rocky Mountains will test my strength, offering me a place to sleep among the clouds, resting on peaks that few have touched.

The Travel Suit For this journey, I will need more than just wings—a suit that is engineered for absolute efficiency. This suit will act like a transparent second skin, nearly invisible, revealing the underclothes beneath. It will hug my form, flexible yet durable, providing me with full mobility while remaining as discreet as the air itself.

Despite its appearance, the suit will be far from fragile. It will be bulletproof, explosion-proof, and capable of withstanding the harshest conditions. Whether I’m flying through freezing winds or blazing sunlight, it will regulate the temperature, keeping me at the perfect balance no matter where I go.

By being almost entirely invisible, the suit blends seamlessly into any environment—ensuring that it is barely distinguishable, except for my clothing beneath. It’s more than a protective layer; it’s the ultimate tool for moving efficiently through both the skies and the landscape below.

The Capsule of Solitude For my moments of rest, I envision a capsule—a sanctuary that travels with me wherever I go. This capsule, like something out of a dream, will be compact, yet when deployed, it will expand into a home on any peak or valley I choose. The walls will be invisible but as strong as a forcefield, keeping me safe from the outside world. The temperature inside will always be perfect, a place of comfort no matter how wild the weather becomes.

Inside, everything I need will be provided—food, water, and a bathroom, all powered by magic and technology that respond to my presence. Light will turn on only when I need it, preserving the purity of the night sky so I can sleep under the stars. This capsule will allow me to live on the highest peaks, above the clouds, where the world is quiet, and the stars feel close enough to touch.

The Endless Journey From Wyoming to Montana, across the Pacific Northwest and into Canada, my travels will take me to some of the most breathtaking places on earth—places where the land is still wild, where mountains stand tall and rivers run free. I will sleep on high peaks, watching the sun set over distant horizons, and wake to the sound of nothing but the wind.

And when I am ready, I will continue my journey—to Alaska, to Europe, to the edges of Asia. The world is vast, and there is so much more to see. I will travel not for the destination but for the beauty of the unknown, for the joy of flight, and for the freedom to explore.

In every moment, I will live fully—gliding through the air, resting on mountains where only the birds dare go, and discovering the secrets of the earth with my wings at my back and the endless sky above me.

Short summery of my experience:

• Tip tip tip tip tip
• Snorkel and dive Trips only 1 snorkel, eat fruit on Sandbank til next snorkel spot. All three stops are crowded asf.
• Even trying to avoid tours you end up in a Tour Trip with same as above (snorkel eat snorkel and then back)
• no beaches cause of low tide. High tide no visibility. You always require a friggin boat just to snorkel lol.
• expensive tours
• tiptiptiptiptip....
• feel locked up. Almost all hotels huge walls, security, ... Not comparable to SEA where you get a bike and drive around looking for the next beach, breakfast, dinner etc. .

Feels like america or too many americans came here teaching a flawed tip mentality. Most Services werent even tip worthy.

I know ppl are struggling but thanks I can carry my own luggage and save me a dollar tip.

Never again, worst Island I have been to. Koh Phi Phi is a dream against this.

In general this was my first and last time africa. Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia etc so much better.

Maybe I did it wrong. This whole Trip felt like a scam, especially mnembe Island. 1000 boats chasing poor dolphins I told him to turn around. 200 Dollar down the drain and no other snorkeling available duo to tide. Heck not even diving after 2 lol

If this is not the right place for memes about travel, feel free to remove

One of the fun parts about traveling and speaking another language: sometimes my Spanish is really good, but the past few days people haven't been able to understand me and asked me to switch to English. Maybe I got lazy, maybe my mouth is moving weird, but it happens. It comes back eventually. I hope

edit: the other part about it is that it does feel embarrassing, because I'm just ordering a coffee and failed to do that. Eh, whatever.

This is from Denmark. I think UK and Ireland also have similar looking scenes with those long grasses, sandy beaches and rolling hills. I wonder, though if there's such place somewhere in Southern Europe because it's closer to me. All I've found around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean are more arid landscapes and the grasses aren't as long usually. Obviously I don't expect to get the same architecture, it's more about the grass, sandy beaches and small hills.

I hope this helps some people that are traveling. These are links to Google Maps lists I made of places in different cities I've been to that I thought were interesting. You can subscribe/follow the list to add it to yours. These lists aren't complete travel guides, just places I wanted to save or was told about, sorted by name. Some of them have a lot of places, others not so much. I left off lists that only had a few places. I hope someone may find them helpful one day!

Antigua, Guatemala

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cali, Colombia

Chicago, USA

Medellin, Colombia

Merida, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico

New Orleans, USA

New York City, USA

Oaxaca, Mexico

Quito, Ecuador

Rosario, Argentina

Edits
Cordoba, Argentina

cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/39289735

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • USA TODAY! BESTSELLER

In this beautifully written, vividly detailed memoir, a young woman chronicles her adventures traveling across the deserts of the American West in an orange van named Bertha and reflects on an unconventional approach to life.

For me it was in the north of Sardinia, and nothing has been close to that since. The water was so transparent I could see the sand perfectly; I even caught a shrimp with a sandwich box.

Hi...Considering to bring an old Mavic for a trip to Vietnam soon. But seems you might need to submit every planned flight route 2 weeks in advance? Is this for real? What's the situation on the ground?

I love traveling, and also enjoy planning for it. But I do often find that searching many different sites with basic filters becomes quite cumbersome. I had the idea of adding more advanced features to be able to better pinpoint what exactly the best option would be for each person specifically. It initially started with Flixbus having no "what is the cheapest connection somewhere in May" feature, like Google Flight does have. But I wanted to add more things. I have added that you can add how much it's worth for you to travel an hour less, or a transfer less, or not arrive/depart in the middle of the night. This will then be taken into account when sorting what is the best connection instead of the cheapest. It also already has a search for Flixbus on what the best connection is in a range of dates, and what the best connection is from a place to any place in the desired country. I want to add too that it takes hostel/hotel prices into account, so that you can say you want to go from Berlin to anywhere in Czechia, for 4 days, and it actually gives you the complete best route to a city with a cheap hostel too. I would love to add more things and am very curious about desires from other travelers for a tool like this, so what do you think and would you like to add?