The Season of Savings: Why You Should Travel During Shoulder Season
One of the lesser-known travel hacks is that booking a holiday during Shoulder Season can sometimes bring the most benefits: savings, less crowds and better availability.
Shoulder Season refers to the off-peak travel season, a window between popular travel seasons. With Expedia’s wealth of travel insights, here are some of the best ways to take advantage of the shoulder travel season with our curated list of Fall booking tips, destination suggestions, experiences and guide to discounts that can help you plan your next trip at-a-glance.
Shoulder Season Travel Recommendations
Expedia flight search data from January to August tells us that these are the top 5 destinations Singaporeans are looking to travel to in 2022:
- London
- Bangkok
- Paris
- Seoul
- Kuala Lumpur
With these destinations in mind, Expedia recommends that the best times to travel to these cities are*:
| 2022 Most popular destination among Singaporeans * | Travel in** | % of Savings on Average Daily Rates** |
| Kuala Lumpur | May, September | Up to 5% |
| Seoul | May, August, November | More than 5% |
| Bangkok | April, May, July, September | Up to 10% |
| London | January, August | Up to 10% |
| Paris | February, March, August | Up to 5% |
**Based on Expedia.com.sg flight and accommodation pre-pandemic data.
How to get the most of your trip:
- Book on the app to save up to 15% on hotels
- Sign up for Expedia Rewards. For every booking, Expedia members can accumulate points simultaneously on air miles and credit card points, as well as take advantage of extra perks such as room upgrades at select hotels.
- Bundle your flights, hotels and other elements such as an experience or car rental to garner more savings
- By bundling more trip elements into your booking you also earn points faster, which can be redeemed for your future trips
Autumn-crisp destinations to book in the coming Shoulder Season
With the heat of summer cooling to sweater-weather temperatures, the Fall Shoulder Season can offer travellers a pleasant break before the hectic year-end holidays at lower prices.
Seoul, Korea
Whether you’re a fan of K-Pop, kimchi, K-dramas, the K-Beauty scene or all of the above – a big bonus for an autumn visit to Seoul is that prices are typically lower (as are the temperatures).
Autumn makes a great time to explore places like dynastic Gyeongbokgung Palace, and time-warped Bukchong Hankok Village, where narrow streets and laneways reveal traditional South Korean homes. Go ham in the markets at Myeongdong or put on your best outfit and live it up in swanky Gangnam. The colourful autumn leaves will also ensure every OOTD you take is Insta-worthy.
London, United Kingdom
The call of London is strong as it continues to be among Singapore’s top 10 favourite destinations for a while now, based on Expedia flight search data.
Whether you’re set to museum-hop, catch a bird’s eye view from the London Eye, or be a culture vulture at all the West End shows, you’ll be able to navigate the city better without running into throngs of summer travellers. Wandering through the city is also made even better with the accommodating weather. Take this chance to visit the iconic Travel Bookshop from Notting Hill, bargain-hunt in Portobello Road or pay a silent tribute to Her Majesty, the Late Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
Paris, France
Paris needs no introduction, and the shoulder season is definitely a more satisfying time to visit without queuing to get into the Louvre, or battling crowds headed for the Eiffel Tower at the Metro.
Apart from the mild weather and leafy streets, Paris during shoulder season gives you the opportunity for an unrushed café au lait at Closerie de Lilas where Hemingway wrote his Paris memoirs, or a quiet walk to the Père Lachaise garden cemetery where Edith Piaf was laid to rest. You may even score cheaper rides and tickets to the opera and exhibitions, not forgetting vineyard visits at the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, the annual festival with wine tastings, musical performances and parties in October.
Shoulder Season stops closer to home
Looking for a quick weekend escape before the hustle and bustle of the year-end festivities? Consider these shoulder season stops, closer to home.
Bangkok, Thailand
A perennial favourite among Singaporeans for shopping at Chatuchak Market, wandering through the stately Grand Palace, or a boat ride down to Bangkok’s floating market, fall is easily the most ideal time to visit as summer brings monsoons while winter fills the city with tourists.
Of course, night is when the city really comes alive. Visit some of Southeast Asia’s best rooftop lounges, exotic clubs or spicy ladyboy shows.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For travellers looking for an experience closer to home, KL is where you can experience luxury without feeling like you’re splurging. Of course, it’s also a haven for street food, shopping and a variety of different experiences.
Visit during the off-peak season and enjoy a quiet bicycle or walking tour of Downtown KL to experience the old city centre with hip new cafes around every corner. Take a hike up Broga Hill to catch the sunrise, or detour to Cameron Highlands for farm-fresh produce and immerse yourself in views of the green hillside.
To plan your next trip, visit expedia.com.sg.