Here’s the thing: peak season travel is overrated. Crowds? Expensive hotels? Sweaty lines at every landmark? Hard pass. On the flip side, off-season can leave you stuck with gloomy weather and shuttered attractions. That’s where the sweet spot comes in—shoulder season travel.
If you’ve never heard the term, shoulder season basically means those in-between months when the crowds thin out, prices drop, and destinations are still at their best. And the real MVPs? April and October.
I learned this trick after booking a random April trip to Italy years ago. No lines at the Vatican. Sunshine without the summer oven heat. And—get this—I actually found a hotel near the Trevi Fountain for under $100 a night (still bragging). Ever since, April and October have become my go-to months to travel.
So, if you’re wondering where should I go in April and October to make the most of this shoulder season magic?—this guide has you covered. We’ll talk destinations, weather perks, prices, and why these months just hit different.
Why April & October Are the Best Travel Months
Before we get into the juicy “where,” let’s talk about the “why.”
- Lower prices: Flights and hotels drop compared to peak summer.
- Fewer crowds: You’ll actually see the Mona Lisa without 400 phones in front of you.
- Better weather: No freezing toes or sweaty armpits. Just right.
- Local vibes: With fewer tourists, locals are less frazzled and way friendlier.
Key takeaway: April and October give you the best mix of affordability, comfort, and authentic experiences.
Where to Go in April
April is the month of fresh blooms, milder temps, and that “new beginnings” energy. It’s also a prime time to sneak into some of the busiest destinations before summer chaos sets in.
1. Japan (Cherry Blossom Magic)
April in Japan = cherry blossoms. Period. It’s like stepping into a pastel postcard.
- Best spots: Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Osaka Castle grounds.
- Pro tip: Book accommodations early. Like… really early. These weeks are the busiest domestic travel time in Japan.
- Food to try: Sakura-flavored everything—mochi, lattes, even KitKats.
Stay near the action: Check out Kyoto hotels on Booking.com for places close to cherry blossom paths.
2. Italy (Spring Without the Swelter)
April in Italy is perfection. Think sunny piazzas, mild temps, and fewer selfie sticks.
- Best spots: Rome for history, Florence for art, Cinque Terre for hiking without overheating.
- Weather: Around 15–20°C (60–68°F). Basically “light jacket by morning, gelato by afternoon” weather.
- Bonus: Easter celebrations add an extra layer of magic (and yes, chocolate eggs everywhere).
3. Morocco (Desert, but Make It Pleasant)
The Sahara in summer? Brutal. In April? Just right.
- Why go: Ride camels, explore souks, and not melt into the sand.
- Top spots: Marrakech, Fes, and a desert camp under the stars.
- Pro tip: Bargaining in the souks is an art form—don’t accept the first price.
4. Washington D.C. (Cherry Blossom Encore)
If Japan’s too far, Washington D.C. brings the cherry blossoms closer to home.
- Festival: The National Cherry Blossom Festival usually peaks in early April.
- Why go: Warmer days, the monuments looking extra photogenic, and food trucks galore.
5. Greece (Islands Before the Rush)
Santorini in July? Beautiful but packed. Santorini in April? Still gorgeous, way quieter.
- Weather: Mild, with some chilly evenings.
- Best spots: Athens for history, Santorini for sunsets, Crete for adventure.
- Bonus: Hotel rates are almost half of peak summer prices.
Where to Go in October
October is shoulder season’s other secret weapon. Cooler days, fall foliage, and a perfect excuse for cozy food-and-wine vibes.
1. New England, USA (Fall Foliage Dreamland)
October in Vermont or Maine feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
- What to do: Leaf-peeping road trips, apple picking, and sipping cider.
- Weather: Crisp but not frigid. Bring layers and a scarf.
- Bonus: Lobster season is still going strong in Maine.
2. Spain (Tapas Without the Crowds)
Barcelona in July = chaos. Barcelona in October = relaxed tapas crawls and pleasant sightseeing.
- Weather: Around 20°C (68°F). Warm enough to enjoy a café terrace, cool enough to explore comfortably.
- Best spots: Barcelona, Seville, Madrid (bonus: wine harvest season in Rioja).
- Pro tip: Locals will still be around—unlike August when they flee the cities.
Save on stays: See Barcelona hotels on Booking.com.
3. Bali (Dry Season, Fewer Tourists)
October is a sneaky-good time to visit Bali. The dry season is wrapping up, but the crowds thin out.
- Why go: Affordable luxury villas, yoga retreats, and epic sunsets.
- Best areas: Ubud for jungle vibes, Seminyak for nightlife, Canggu for surf culture.
- Food tip: Don’t skip a cooking class—Balinese food is ridiculously underrated.
4. Turkey (Istanbul + Cappadocia)
October in Turkey is chef’s kiss.
- Weather: 18–24°C (64–75°F). Perfect for exploring without dripping sweat.
- Why go: Balloon rides in Cappadocia, Bosphorus views in Istanbul, fewer crowds at Ephesus.
- Pro tip: Bring layers—nights can be cool in Cappadocia.
5. South Africa (Safari Sweet Spot)
October hits right before the heavy rains, making it prime safari season.
- Why go: Wildlife spotting galore—think lions, elephants, rhinos.
- Where: Kruger National Park, plus Cape Town for city + wine country vibes.
- Bonus: It’s also whale season along the coast.
Shoulder Season Travel Tips
- Book flights early: Prices rise closer to travel dates, even in shoulder season.
- Pack smart: Shoulder season weather can be unpredictable—layers are your friend.
- Check events: Some festivals fall in April or October, which can make or break your trip. (Pro or con depending on your vibe.)
- Be flexible: Shoulder season sometimes means a surprise rain shower. Roll with it.
Shoulder Season Destinations to Avoid
Yep, not every spot shines in April or October.
- The Caribbean in October: Hurricane season risk.
- Northern Europe in April: Still chilly and sometimes rainy.
- High-altitude hikes (like Everest Base Camp) in April: Crowds spike here because it’s the best climbing season.
Conclusion
Shoulder season travel in April and October is the ultimate hack. You get cheaper flights, better weather, and destinations that feel more authentic. From cherry blossoms in Japan to wine harvests in Spain to safaris in South Africa, these months give you options galore.
Final thought: Why squeeze yourself into crowded summer tourist traps when you can spread out, save cash, and actually enjoy your trip? IMO, April and October are the real travel glow-up months.
Ready to plan your shoulder season trip? Check the best deals on Booking.com and lock in your stay before the rest of the world catches on.