10 benefits of travelling in the off-peak season

Reasons to travel during the low season

1. Cheaper rates

One of the biggest benefits of travelling off-peak is that you can often find much cheaper rates for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. This is because demand is lower during off-peak times..

RACV Resorts across Victoria currently have a range of deals for midweek stays, or even the option to pay three, get four nights at the RACV Cobram Resort in the Murray River Region.  

2. Fewer crowds

A major advantage of off-peak travel is that you can avoid the crowds and queues that often come with peak travel times, like hordes of families waiting in lines at Sovereign Hill or Disneyland, or standing behind a sea of people when viewing fabulous artworks you’ve travelled internationally just to see. 

Skip the queues and crowds by travelling outside of peak times so you can enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful travel experience, without having to fight through crowds of other tourists.

3. More flexibility

When you travel in the low season, you often have more flexibility in terms of your travel dates and times, rather than having to wake up early to avoid lines at attractions and experiences, or having to book way in advance so you don’t miss out.

This can make it easier to plan your trip around your schedule or how you feel in the moment,  providing an air of spontaneity to your trip rather than having to work to a timetable.

The RACV Cobram Resort is offering buy 3, get 4 night stays during the off-peak season on the Murray River. 

4. More unique experiences

Depending on where you're traveling, off-peak travel can sometimes mean different weather conditions to the high season,  providing the opportunity for a range of experiences you may not otherwise have explored. 

While of course people head to places like Noosa, Italy or Koh Samui during the summer, being able to travel there off-peak may still give you the ability to enjoy the weather without the incessant heat, humidity, and crowded beach areas and cafes.

If travelling during a low season, like Phillip Island during the winter, take the opportunity for a different kind of holiday to enjoy experiences you may not have seen during the peak – go whale watching on a winter cruise, view the largest Little Penguin colony on the planet from the indoor RACV Penguins Plus Viewing Platform, or enjoy coastal views from the RACV Inverloch Resort's Radius Restaurant for an unforgettable holiday that is not as cookie-cutter as the rest. 

5. Extra time to explore

With fewer crowds and greater flexibility, you may get more time to explore your destination. Take your time visiting museums, exploring neighbourhoods, and trying local restaurants without feeling rushed, or like everything must be booked and planned in advance.

Go for that long bike ride on South Beach in Miami, have another turn on the Superman Escape ride at Warner Bros. Movie World, enjoy an extended brunch in Torquay – take your time to unwind and actually appreciate your holiday destination.

6. Better access to activities and attractions

Research providers offering benefits, rewards and savings during the low season for attractions and experiences like nature parks, zoos, cinemas and theatre shows.

For example, the Disney parks regularly slash their prices during the off-peak days and months, like a weekday in September, while LEGOLAND® offers discounts on off-peak weekdays.

You can also look into travel deals that offer extra benefits during off-peak times, like a free Little Penguin toy when purchasing a 4 Park Phillip Island Nature Park pass, or buy-one-get-one-free tickets to the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

Whale watching is a majestic activity that can only be enjoyed during the 'off-peak' winter season at Phillip Island. Image: Supplied.

7. Helping the local economy

While some destinations like Bangkok or Mornington are popular during the summer months, the rest of the year, vendors who work in the tourism space still need your business - not just in the peak season.

In Hawaii, tourism attributes for over a quarter of the state’s entire economy, while it is the main industry of Bali year-round. 

If heading on holiday in the shoulder or off-peak season, give your local communities and businesses support -  head to that local wine maker in Cape Schanck in August, soar above the tree tops on Puffing Billy in winter, head to the wildlife sanctuary in Healesville on a weekday, or cosy up at a local café in the Goldfields while supporting local.

8. More personalised service

With fewer travellers around and local businesses happy for more customers, you may also be able to enjoy more personalised service from hotels, restaurants, and other travel providers who will want your business.

Great service and assistance can be really helpful when you need that extra bit of care, while these interactions can also provide you with a friendlier, more authentic visit to a new destination. 

9. Better travel experience

There’s nothing worse than arriving at the airport to a sea of people at the check-in line ahead of you, only to be greeted by further lines at security, the snack bar, getting on and off the plane, and the long wait for your luggage – you’re tired and frustrated before the trip has even begun!

If you’re travelling during an off-peak time, chances are the lines will be a lot shorter, and your mode of transportation – bus, train, plane – may not be as busy. Upgrade to first-class, anyone? 

Attractions like LEGOLAND® have cheaper tickets and shorter queues during their off-peak weekdays. Image: Supplied. 

10. Deals and offers

Many travel providers offer special deals and offers during off-peak times to entice travellers to visit, such as packages, lower prices, added inclusions, or incentivised benefits and rewards.

As well as ongoing discounts and deals for Members at RACV Resorts by saving 30 per cent when booking online, non-Members can also save 10 per cent for travel between 14 June – 21 December 2023 when booked by 9 July 2023.

(Blackout dates may apply).