Brits are gravitating towards shoulder season travel in search of a quiet life, prioritising tranquility, value and flexibility.

A recent report by Sunsail reveals that 44% of Brits have booked a getaway during the shoulder season, with city breaks, beach holidays, and countryside retreats topping the list of preferred destinations.

The study, which examined travel trends between September-October and early March-May, found that almost a quarter of Brits are opting to take annual leave during these periods.

The main drivers for this shift include flexibility with work schedules, better weather conditions, and significantly fewer crowds.

With the world grappling with the effects of overtourism, the switch to shoulder season travel can only be a good thing.

The findings also align with the rise of “quiet travel”, now trending on Pinterest, which has reported a surge in searches for “quiet life” by 530%. “Quiet places” and “calm places” have also increased by 50% and 42% respectively

Katrina Lawson, head of brand and acquisition at Sunsail, says: “The growing appeal of off-peak travel lies not just in avoiding crowds and affordability but in the unique experiences that shoulder season offers, from switching off from everyday life to creating core memories and moments with loved ones in once-in-a-lifetime destinations.”

With this in mind, one in five Britons are favouring luxury, “bucket list” destinations such as the Bahamas and Maldives during the shoulder season, when these destinations are traditionally cheaper.

Adventure trips, including snorkelling and sailing, are also gaining popularity, with online searches for “adventure holidays in March” surging by 400% in the past year.

Lawson continues: “It’s particularly fascinating to see how different demographics are embracing this trend – whether it’s those aged 45 and above opting for cultural and tranquil escapes or the younger generation seeking adventure and spontaneity.”

The appeal of shoulder season travel spans across age groups, with over half of 18-34-year-olds having already booked their off-peak holidays.

Meanwhile, older adults aged 55 and appreciate the opportunity to explore destinations in a more authentic way, without the overwhelming presence of tourists.

Weather, too, plays a role, with more than a quarter (26%) of Brits noting that shoulder season’s milder conditions make for a more pleasant holiday experience, this is especially true among those aged 55 and older.

The report also highlights a 300% increase in online searches for “shoulder season travel” over the past year, indicating a growing interest in this travel trend.

Social media platforms such as TikTok are fuelling this interest, with the hashtag #OffSeasonTravel amassing 10.5 million combined views.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER