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As the warmer months approach, many Americans may be considering a vacation to Europe, albeit with some concerns over crowding and affordability, particularly given the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris in July and August. This event is expected to significantly affect travel within Paris and other popular destinations such as London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and the French wine regions.
However, a new study suggests that there’s still a way to explore Europe affordably: by opting for shoulder seasons. It is often cheaper and less crowded, and the weather is still favorable. Shoulder seasons refer to the periods before and after peak travel times (like summer) and before the low season (like winter).
Research from Radical Storage reveals that travelers can save an average of 60.3% on hotel stays during these periods. For instance, the average nightly rate in Paris during peak season is $866, but in the shoulder season, it drops to $344, saving travelers $522.
The study emphasizes each destination’s shoulder season may differ. For many European locations where summer is often the busiest, May, June, September, and October may be considered shoulder season, while January could be considered off-season.
The study tracked data from Google Flights and hotel prices, discovering some significantly cheaper alternatives. For instance, flights to Budapest during the off-season are 56.6% cheaper than peak season rates. Stockholm is another city offering substantial savings during the shoulder season – prices reduce by 30.9% compared to the peak season.
In conclusion, considering shoulder seasons for European vacations could mean lower costs and smaller crowds while still enjoying good weather. Researchers suggest the best shoulder season months to visit various popular European destinations range from April to November, depending on the city.
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