Where To Travel in the Off-Season To Save Big in 2026, According to Experts
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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According to Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey, 54% of Americans usually plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, but the average amount they intend to spend has dropped 18% year over year to $2,334. If you’re looking to travel in 2026, you can save money by choosing to take your trip during the off-season.
GOBankingRates consulted travel experts to determine the top destinations to visit during the off-season if you want to save money.
Canary Islands
- Best travel months: November to February
Vukan Simic, boat travel expert and the founder of BoatBooker, noted that this is peak whale-watching season, with perfect weather. Simic said that accommodations are 50% cheaper than summer rates and flights are often $125 less. Boat tours for whale watching cost $40 to $50 compared to $75 or more for summer dolphin trips.
Croatia
- Best travel months: September to October
“Sea temperatures are still perfect from summer heating, but crowds disappear after August,” remarked Simic. He brought up that accommodation prices drop to $60 to $100 per night from $190 or more in summer. Boat charters are 40% less expensive and you can actually find seating at popular restaurants without booking weeks ahead.
Simic advised that you book accommodation and flights early for these shoulder seasons, but wait to book activities once you arrive. “Local operators often offer spontaneous discounts when demand is lower and you can negotiate better deals on boat trips and tours,” he explained. By waiting until the summer ends in 2026, you can experience a dream trip to Croatia on a much smaller budget.
Greek Islands
- Best travel months: April to May
Simic noted that this is perfect sailing weather, but with pre-summer pricing. Accommodations will cost $50 to $75 per night compared to $150 or more in July. Boat tours cost $30 to $45 compared to $60 or more in peak season. Restaurant meals are 30% to 40% cheaper and ferry connections are frequent but not overcrowded. Simic also pointed out that you get better experiences in the off-season on top of saving money since there are fewer tourists around.
Thailand
- Best travel months: January to March
Joe Cronin, travel expert and president of International Citizens Insurance, pointed out that during the first quarter of the year, after the holidays, several areas in Thailand experience mild weather and low demand. “The cost of decent three-star hotels is generally around $20 to $70 per night, street food typically ranges between $1 and $4 and dinners range between $8 and $20 in average restaurants,” he added.
He also brought up that domestic flights and local visits are usually easier to schedule at reasonable rates. By going to Thailand in January, you can find much cheaper places to stay and save a decent amount of money, as long as you find a decent flight.
Portugal
- Best travel months: Mid-April to June
Cronin mentioned that mid-April to June is still considered the shoulder season in Portugal. During this time, the weather is nice and spring-like, while the crowds are still few. When it comes to pricing, he shared that mid-range hotels in the region typically cost between $70 and $140 per night, while higher-end stays begin at around $180 in Lisbon and the Algarve. Meals from eateries like diners cost between $10 and $20, while those from restaurants usually cost $25 to $50. “It’s a great time to visit since public transport and major tourist attractions aren’t nearly as busy, except during Easter and local holiday periods,” he added.
Cancun, Mexico
- Best travel months: April
“The destination boasts an assortment of all-inclusive resorts, from budget options to luxury stays and for travelers looking to take advantage of off-season pricing, there’s no better way to save than an all-inclusive,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing at CheapCaribbean Vacations. She emphasized that all-inclusive resorts in Cancun offer everything from live shows to water parks and that prices are lower in April.
Studebaker mentioned that you can stay at the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island for three nights (including your resort stay and flights) for $736 or you can pay $698 to stay at Grand Oasis for the same package. If you go in April, you can also get a deal on the Chichén Itzá & Cenote Swim excursion, which includes transportation, for $178 per person. The main benefit of these travel packages is that your meals, transportation, lodging and entertainment are included in one price.
Aruba
- Best travel months: April
Studebaker explained that Aruba is known for its white-sand beaches and idyllic weather. Since it’s outside the hurricane belt, it’s a great shoulder-season destination for travelers seeking a great deal. She said that during the off-season, around April, you can find a flight-and-hotel package for a three-day escape starting at $1,000 per person.
If you’re looking for activities, the top experiences include enjoying the Caribbean’s marine life, from snorkelling to Atlantis Submarine excursions, which are much cheaper during the off-season.
Studebaker stressed that the best way to save money on travel is to wait for the shoulder seasons, as vacation packages for 2026 start to go on sale. “Not only does off-season travel offer significant savings on travel costs, but it also offers travelers the opportunity to experience these destinations more authentically with fewer crowds, leading to more intimate experiences,” she added.
Editor’s note: Travel rates and fees are subject to change.
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