Nat Geo just put out a great reminder: if you can swing it, shoulder season beats peak summer every time. Fewer crowds, better prices, cooler weather, and sometimes even special experiences you won’t get in high season.
Think Paris or Rome in October, Japan in winter with onsens and clear Fuji views, U.S. national parks in fall with wildlife out and about, or Maui in January for whale watching. Even spots like Santorini or Iceland feel way different and calmer in these off-peak windows.
I’ve done Rome in late September and walked into the Colosseum with barely a wait. Way better than roasting in July with packed crowds.
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