Why South Africans are trading crowds for calm: the rise of off-season travel

For many South African travellers, the ideal holiday once meant booking flights or accommodation during the peak season, navigating crowded tourist traps, and breaking the bank to experience the very best a destination has to offer.

However, a new trend is emerging among local explorers: off-season travel, proving to be an appealing option for those looking to maximise their holiday experience while protecting their wallets.

“As it turns out, travelling at the ‘wrong’ time of year may actually be the smartest way to go,” notes Antoinette Turner, general manager of Flight Centre South Africa.

This new approach is resonating with those keen to save between 20% and 50% on peak season prices while also seeking more authentic experiences less influenced by the rush of tourist crowds.

With skyrocketing living costs, many South Africans are reconsidering their travel styles, opting for affordability that doesn’t compromise on enjoyment.

“Watching your pennies while being bumped and elbowed is hardly a relaxing way to spend a hard-earned holiday,” Turner adds.

“But more than that, low-season travel often offers richer experiences when iconic places quieten down, and lesser-known destinations really come into their own.”

Turner unpacks the travel trend and how travellers can save costs when travelling.

Why travel off-peak?

One of the most enticing advantages of off-peak travel is the significant reduction in prices associated with airfares, accommodation, and activities.

“The quieter months of the year often deliver tempting deals and irresistible upgrades,” Turner explains.

“The ‘wrong season’ is actually the perfect time to enjoy five-star luxe at three-star prices.”

She highlights that some destinations go the extra mile to entice visitors during off-season periods.

Dubai exemplifies this through its “Dubai Summer Surprises” event from June to September, featuring massive sales across notable malls and exceptional hotel rates, as well as initiatives like “Kids Go Free” to further engage families.

Additionally, dining out becomes a more enjoyable affair, with fewer patrons resulting in relaxed restaurant reservations and attentive service.

“Fewer diners equal easier restaurant reservations, and service staff aren’t spinning from table to table, compromising on service,” Turner emphasises.

Shoulder seasons offer sweet savings

Despite the occasional risk of less-than-ideal weather conditions, smart travellers can circumvent this pitfall through proper planning.

“Many South Africans are timing their holidays just right to avoid extreme conditions,” Turner notes, highlighting the growing popularity of shoulder seasons – periods between high and low travel seasons.

These intervals can provide access to the best of both worlds.

Japan is cited as an excellent example, with its shoulder seasons from early April to mid-June and mid-September to early December gaining traction among South African travellers.

With the Yen’s recent dip, budgets expand further, allowing for memorable experiences that circumvent the bustling cherry blossom season.

Equally, tropical destinations showcase their allure during the rainy season, attracting travellers with unique experiences, as is the case with Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives, where manta rays perform breathtaking acrobatics between May and November.

“And when it comes to cruising, the weather becomes less of a concern,” Turner adds, acknowledging that onboard activities still thrive, whatever the weather may be.

Reshaping sustainable travel

Off-peak adventures not only make financial sense but also present an opportunity for environmentally conscious travellers.

High-season hotspots like Italy, Spain, and Greece often suffer from over-tourism, taxing infrastructure and local resources.

Turner notes, “By spreading travel across the year, we can help reduce this pressure.”

Reduced crowds mean less strain on cultural and natural sites, ultimately allowing tourism revenue to assist local economies more consistently.

With the rise of ‘noctourism’, a burgeoning trend centred around activities under the stars, this sustainable approach has gained traction.

From cultural festivals to starlit bush sleep-outs, Turner explains how this new focus allows travellers to maximise their nights while avoiding bustling days.

“Some of the most memorable noctourism experiences lie right on our doorstep,” she asserts, citing opportunities like winter stargazing in Namibia or sleepouts on Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

What’s next for low-season travel in 2025?

As South Africa enters 2025, a palpable shift transforms how citizens explore beyond their borders.

“It’s a quiet revolution,” observes Turner, as travellers increasingly seek to avoid the frenzied chaos of peak seasons, opting instead for a slower, more enjoyable way to connect with the world.

Backed by compelling off-season campaigns and irresistible discounts available from various destinations, more and more South Africans are rethinking their travel calendars.

“And it’s working,” she concludes, reaffirming the trend’s growing momentum.