Now, if you’re juggling school schedules, we get it – peak travel might be your only option. But for the rest of us; singles, couples, adult families, or anyone not bound by school calendars, it’s time for some tough love. Travelling at peak times? It’s just not the smart choice anymore.
Even in peak British summer there are amazing holiday destinations that are off-peak. You could go and see the midnight sun in Finland, even travel there by train, it’s an amazing journey. There are plenty of other destinations too
Here’s why off-peak travel is the unsung hero of holidays:
1. Everything is cheaper off peak
Off-peak travel offers substantial cost savings, particularly in transportation. Flight prices during non-peak times can be significantly lower due to reduced demand. It is worked out that you can save up to 35% on flights when you book off peak.
This principle extends to other forms of travel, including trains and ferries. In fact, whenever you can, we recommend travelling by train. There are many European destinations that are easily accessible by train and even if you are flying further afield you will often find efficient and cost effective trains and ferries to take you around the country, rather than taking internal flights. All of these will be less crowded and often less expensive outside peak periods. Moreover, accommodation and activity costs often decrease during off-peak periods, allowing travellers to experience more with their budget or upgrade their experiences. There won’t be a queue for the kayaks or the nice restaurants, saving you time as well, and we all know time is money.
2. Crowds? What crowds?
Picture this: You, standing in front of the iconic Machu Picchu, without someone’s selfie stick in your face. Off-peak travel means quieter, more personal experiences. Your views will be less spoiled and the locals will actually be happy to see you! And here’s a thought – it’s better for the locals too. They get to enjoy their home without feeling like they’re living in a human zoo. They can enjoy their own resources like restaurants, beaches and museums without a long queue. At Not in the Guidebooks we’re happy when our local guides and communities are happy, and they’re happy when they can actually live in their cities and towns.
3. Local resources get a breather
Off-peak travel distributes the strain on local resources more evenly throughout the year. During peak seasons, destinations often struggle with overtaxed infrastructure, from overflowing waste management systems to congested public transportation. By choosing off-peak times, travellers contribute to a more sustainable tourism model that allows destinations to manage their resources more effectively and maintain their infrastructure.
Off-peak travel can lead to a more even distribution of tourism’s economic benefits. Many tourism-dependent destinations struggle with seasonal employment. If visitor numbers are spread throughout the year, travellers can help create more stable, year-round employment opportunities in those communities.
4. Staycations aren’t off the hook!
Think staying in the UK lets you off the sustainability hook? Think again! Popular cities like Edinburgh or Manchester feel the strain of peak season too. From overloaded sewage systems to transportation emissions, peak tourism can wreak havoc on local communities. So, if you’re planning a staycation, be a responsible traveller and aim for off-peak times. Edinburgh gets around 4 million tourists every year, and when you consider its permanent population is less than 1 million, you can see how the infrastructure might struggle if all of those tourists come at once.
The bottom line? Off-peak travel is better in every way. It’s kinder to your wallet, the planet, and the communities you visit. Sure, if you’ve got kids, you might be stuck with peak travel. But for the rest of us? We need to step up and make off-peak travel the new normal.
So, next time you’re planning a getaway, ask yourself: do I really need to join the summer stampede? Your conscience (and your bank account) will thank you for choosing the road less travelled.
01/06/2022 
Sustainability 
