Unpacked: Edge Season Travel
Taking a holiday in the edge season (also called the low or shoulder season) is hands down the easiest way to have a positive social and economic impact on your destination - not to mention a more relaxed and less expensive trip.
It might not be possible for those restricted to travelling in the school holidays, but the rest of us can bask in the warm late summer glow of September and October, and feel content about contributing to sustainable, year-round tourism.
Photo by Unsplash+
Lyn Donnelly, Senior Responsible Tourism Manager at VisitScotland, says: “While summer will always be popular with holidaymakers, Scotland’s tourism and events offering is no longer confined to just a few months and we are seeing visitors keen to explore the country at different times of the year. At VisitScotland, we have advocated for regional and seasonal spread of visitors for years, promoting Scotland as a year-round destination.
“Local residents benefit from this season extension with visitors spending money in the area during traditionally quieter periods, this in turn contributes to the economy, supporting jobs and sustaining communities. Encouraging visitors to consider travelling in the autumn and winter can also alleviate pressure on honey pot areas during peak periods, helping protect natural and cultural assets.”
What is edge season in the UK and Europe?
The edge season bookends the summer months of the school holidays (July and August) and avoids the peak ski season in Scotland and Europe’s winter months (December to March). Edge season is generally considered to be April, May, June, September and October.
Outside of peak summer, everywhere is quieter in terms of tourist numbers, and although restaurants and tourist sites may have limited opening hours, there’s plenty to enjoy. Despite the leaves turning to deep bronze and red, it’s still t-shirt weather, and cycling or hiking feels way more appealing. Lakes and the sea have soaked up the summer warmth and are perfect for swimming. Evenings are cooler and sunsets are extra golden… you get that feeling you had as a kid of trying to extend the time before school begins again, and every day feels long and fun and full of possibility.
Photo by Rachel Mills
Why travel in the edge season?
Support the local economy
The number one reason to travel in the edge season is that travelling off peak helps support those who make a living in tourism – said by the UN to be 1 in every 10 people on earth. As travel and food writer Heidi Fuller-Love shares from Greece: “For those working in the tourism industry in Crete, winter was once for quality downtime and olive harvesting. Now however, with galloping inflation, increased taxes and slashed pensions, as people struggle to survive, a longer tourism season is seen in an increasingly positive light.”
Lower prices
Hotels hike their prices in the peak summer months, and lots of countries use dynamic pricing for trains (just like Ryanair), so if you go at peak times and haven't booked the tickets the moment they're released, then travel will be more expensive than at times when the trains won't be as full.
Fewer travellers
It’s simple really - edge season travel means more choice and less queues.
Beat the heat and extend your summer
Europe faced unprecedented heatwaves in July 2022 and summer 2023 is expected to get even hotter. Spring and autumn look increasingly tempting to travellers in the northern hemisphere, where autumn months are very often warm and dry, caused by a high-pressure weather system moving in and sometimes staying put for days or weeks.
In 2016, The Guardian reported the UK's hottest September day in 105 years - the first time since 1991 that a day in September was hottest of the year.
Better (and more authentic) service
If you fancy a long lunch and want your host to have a little extra time on their hands for small talk, then the edge season is your season. Peak summer is a stressful time for many businesses, and seating more diners is the priority. In the edge season, customer relationships are key and your being there is massively appreciated by staff who might otherwise be laid off.
You’re also going to get more of an insight into local culture and traditions, which are in danger of being eroded by mass tourism in the peak summer season.
Outdoor adventure
Hiking and biking are so much more appealing with a fresh breeze – and across most of Europe, conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing are best in spring and autumn, too. Outdoor swimming is also at its best when the water temperature is warmest (and in the UK and Europe, that’s September).
Alleviate tourism infrastructure
Overtourism puts pressure on local infrastructure, from transport and power supply to local facilities, waste collection and water usage. The sheer weight of tourist numbers puts pressure on fragile natural and cultural sites. Visiting outside of the peak summer months means less mass consumption and less environmental pressure on the places you love.