As summers across Southern Europe become unbearably hot, more and more travelers are looking for ways to enjoy favored vacation destinations, but without the heat and crowds. Experts are beginning to refer to ‘shoulder season’—the early spring and late fall months, which are attractive to vacationers due to the reduced temperatures across Southern Europe, as well as the smaller crowds. If you want to experience Southern Europe but are wary of the crowds and the heat, here are three reasons why shoulder season might be the best option for you.
Cooler Climes
It is now common for parts of Greece and Italy to exceed temperatures of 100° F during the months of July and August. Not only are these temperatures uncomfortable, they can become dangerous, especially if visitors are still determined to see sights which are outside, such as temple ruins and wildlife parks. Opting to visit Greece, Italy and Spain in late March or early October means that you should experience temperatures of no more than 70° F, which means that you can stay cool and comfortable throughout your stay.
Beat The Crowds
These days, cities such as Rome, Barcelona and Paris can become incredibly busy during the summer months. Famous sites around Europe, from beaches to mountain passes, are flooded with tourists from June through to early September. By booking your get-away for March, April or May, or later in the year, you can enjoy some beautiful sights and scenery without having to deal with hundreds of other tourists.
Cheaper Prices
Although some hotels and airlines are cottoning on to the rise of shoulder season, for the most part you will get better deals if you book in March or October. This means you can save more of your budget to spend when you’re away, so look forward to more meals out, multiple trips to museums and art galleries, and perhaps even a special treat such as a spa day when you’re away.
Written Robins S.
This article was originally published on Traveler Master.