Escape-worthy Destinations to Save on Shoulder Season Travel

This fall season, it’s time to escape and embrace shoulder season when crowds are thinner, and prices are at their most attractive.

According to Expedia’s research, the week of October 20th is the cheapest time to travel. International average ticket prices are $260USD lower than in the summer. That’s just one more reason why getting away this fall is a must. These destinations are among the best places to shrug off some stress from summer travel with escape-worthy experiences this shoulder season. Below are a few places where travelers can spend less and experience more this autumn in these global destinations.

Rishikesh, India – Focusing on fitness

October is an optimal time to experience the Activ-Fitness wellness program at Ananda in the Himalayas and there is not a lot that is known about how Ayurveda views physical fitness and the retreat’s integration of the two. Relax those shoulders this shoulder season with this dedicated wellness fitness program integrating Vyayama, the Ayurvedic ritual for movement and breath with contemporary training techniques. The program is a unique blend of fitness sessions, Ayurvedic therapies, customized diets, yoga, aqua fitness and hikes in the Himalayan foothills.

Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and river Ganges. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and includes yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine. The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square foot wellness center, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with nature views, open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, an outdoor pool, a physiotherapy center, gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul. www.anandaspa.com

Monteverde, Costa Rica – Fleeing from stress

This shoulder season, let Hotel Belmar help you revive your mental and physical wellbeing. Championing best practices in sustainability, Hotel Belmar stands as Central America’s premier destination for enriching and authentic experiences. Travelers can enjoy 20-30% off lodging and 15% off hotel-led experiences at the hotel with this year’s fall promotion running through October 31. Perks kick in for new reservations of two nights or more. Visitors will have access to complimentary weekly yoga sessions and can unwind to the sounds of live music.

Hotel Belmar also recently launched a new Wellness Enhancement add-on to elevate any stay into a thematic self-retreat. This package includes daily farm-to-table breakfast, daily yoga sessions, daily health smoothies, a relaxing massage, a private breathwork session, and immersive nature experiences. Hotel Belmar is an independent, family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands. Its spirited hospitality has pioneered a model of regenerative tourism that enriches travelers with immersive experiences, fostering connections to nature, mindful serenity, and holistic wellness. www.hotelbelmar.net

Rome, Italy — Connecting with history

Rome is the fourth most searched international destination this fall according to Expedia, but Bettoja Hotels will make it feel like an escape. This family run hotel group has three hotels located a stone’s throw from Termini Station. The four-star Hotel Mediterraneo stands out for its monumental luxury and is amongst the best examples of Art Déco in the capital. Over time, restorations have brought the historical heritage of the Hotel Mediterraneo to the forefront, highlighting the charm of its monumental architectural feats and the value of its artistic elements. As part of the restoration of the hotel, the rooms feature carefully restored and preserved period furniture.Explore Rome on foot to explore, live, and breathe the charm of past centuries through historical landmarks, and it’s all possible from Bettoja Hotels. www.bettojahotels.it

Visitors can avoid the crowds and see the Eternal City at sunrise with this unique experience with ArcheoRunning. New for the fall season, ArcheoRunning’s Unveiled Colosseum Running Tour or Walking Tour starts from either of the Bettoja Hotels or other desired hotel in the early morning that will end with the entrance to the Colosseum at 8:30am. Walkers or runners will be able to enjoy this iconic city from a completely different perspective with these private guided tours led by ArcheoRunning’s founder Isabella Calidonna, an art historian and archaeologist. 

Galapagos Islands – Experiencing the natural wildlife

It doesn’t get more remote than the Galapagos, and October is one of the quietest times to visit this unique destination on a tailored-made journey with Naya Traveler. The season brings a surge in wildlife activity, including playful sea lion pups and vibrant marine life for those who engage in snorkeling and wildlife photography. With misty sunrises, serene walks along the trails, and encounters with the incredible biodiversity, travelers will be rewarded with an intimate immersion into the Galapagos. With cooler weather, reduced costs, and fewer visitors, October is an ideal time to explore this unique destination. Additionally, the reduced demand during this shoulder season means better deals on accommodation and cruises, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.

Naya Traveler works with an exceptional group of local hosts and expert guides in each destination, ranging from historians and artists to ethnographers and chefs—all of whom will guide travelers through the threads of a destination’s rich cultural tapestry. A journey to the Galapagos with Naya Traveler can include a stopover in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, to indulge in the country’s culture, history and gastronomy experiences. Excursions start at $900USD per person per day based on double occupancy, which includes accommodations, transfers, domestic flights, activities, most meals, and other amenities provided by Naya’s team. www.nayatraveler.com

Saint Lucia – Retreating into seclusion

Escape to paradise this fall at Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, the only resort in Saint Lucia that offers an Unconditional All-Inclusive Package with every perk available. Visitors pay just one price to cover all meals, beverages, room service, gratuities/tips, and Wi-Fi. Visitors can save up to 45% on travel through December 24, or email reservations@calabashcove.com by September 30 to receive a $100 resort credit on stays of six nights or longer. Learn more about this exclusive fall offer here.

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, offering seclusion, beauty, and mesmerizing views. The 26 suites blend Caribbean charm and modern luxurious resort amenities. Highlights include the Windsong restaurant and lively C-Bar overlooking the infinity pool, and the peaceful Ti Spa. The culinary team accommodates any dietary needs and personal requests including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and more. Calabash Cove has a small Cybex cardiovascular fitness center and provides kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear free of charge to guests. www.calabashcove.com

Guanacaste, Costa Rica – Indulging in adventure

Beach Town Travel, the preferred travel agency in Las Catalinas, curates unforgettable adventure experiences this fall for travelers looking to get outside of their comfort zone. For sleek stays, the stylish boutique Santarena Hotel is in the heart of town offering a convenient base camp in the center of it all. This fall, Santarena Hotel and Las Catalinas Collection are promoting a “fourth night free”, alongside other special offers. Or meet at Center of Joy, the town’s wellness center, for forest mediation, a sound healing journey, ice bath therapy, organic cooking class or other wellness-focused activities.

Las Catalinas is a picturesque walkable beachside town located between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches and 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest, which are interlaced with over 26 miles of extensive trails. The town offers experiences from mountain biking and horseback riding to scuba diving and paddle boarding in the Pacific Ocean. Las Catalinas exists to create a better way to live that is healthier, more satisfying, more fun, and more sustainable. www.lascatalinascr.com