Introduction

It was my first trip to Sanya, during the Spring Festival holiday. As a cost-conscious young person, I thought booking flights and hotels two months in advance would perfectly achieve my "sun, sand, and bikini" goals. Little did I know I would experience what true "crowds" meant. Not only did hotel rates triple from normal prices, but finding a beach chair felt like a battle, and restaurant queues made me feel like I was in some "queueing champion challenge." This "socially mortifying" travel experience gave me a whole new perspective on travel seasons. Today I'd like to share how to choose the most suitable time for your trips.

Peak Season Peculiarities

I still laugh thinking about that day at Yalong Bay. I hoped to take Instagram-worthy beach photos, but my frame was filled with colorful swimming rings and heads. Would you believe it? One wave could flip dozens of swimming rings at once, like some giant bowling game.

The hotel lobby scene was even more dramatic. Checking in felt like an endurance race - during the hour-plus wait, I scrolled through WeChat Moments, Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and even completed all my mobile game daily tasks. Most painful was the room rate - a room normally 600 yuan shot up to over 2000 during Spring Festival, an increase unbearable for someone early in their career.

The restaurant situation was pitiful. Servers spun like tops, their faces screaming "this is too much." Once, a flustered server accidentally spilled iced lemon water on a lady wearing designer clothes at the next table. Her expression changed faster than a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, creating an extremely awkward moment.

According to Ctrip's "2023 Tourism Market Report", popular domestic attractions during Golden Week were real-life demonstrations of "following the crowd." Tourist numbers surged 3-5 times normal levels, making even breathing feel luxurious. Accommodation prices rose 150% on average, meaning a hotel normally 1000 yuan would cost at least 2500. More ridiculous, some attractions normally charging 50 yuan for admission jumped to 200 during peak season - more volatile than the stock market.

I remember queuing for a photo at a popular spot. I waited nearly two hours for an "Instagram-style" photo. When it was finally my turn, people behind started urging "hurry up," and after three rushed shots without finding the best angle, I had to leave defeated. It was the perfect illustration of "wasting life."

Low Season Delights

Later I finally grew up (not really) and learned the smart way to travel - targeting low seasons. Last November, I visited Lijiang, and the experience made me question reality: was this really the same place?

The ancient town's atmosphere was incredibly relaxed. You could be a real traveler, lingering at each unique shop. Shop owners had leisure time too, unlike in peak season when they barely had time to drink water. I met a super friendly Naxi aunty at a silver shop who not only explained each piece's features and meanings but also taught me Naxi greetings. Such deep interactions are impossible during peak season.

The accommodation situation moved this cost-conscious worker to tears. The guesthouse owner told me low season rates were just one-third of peak prices. Moreover, with plenty of rooms available, he upgraded me to a scenic balcony suite at no extra charge! Sitting on the balcony at night, viewing snow-capped mountains while drinking complimentary Pu'er tea - that feeling was pure winning at life.

The most delightful surprise was at Sifang Street. I stumbled upon a traditional Naxi performance! With fewer audience members, the performers were especially energetic and invited tourists to participate. I was pulled up to learn Naxi dance, and though I moved like a robot, the joy and participation were genuine. Such close cultural contact opportunities are impossible during crowded peak seasons.

The Magic of Shoulder Season

Speaking of best travel times, I must highly recommend shoulder season. This period avoids peak crowds while enjoying good weather - it's the winning strategy for smart travelers.

Early last October, I visited Qinghai Lake, and the experience made me fall completely in love with shoulder season travel. It was just after peak season, but the weather was still great - blue skies and white clouds complementing golden rapeseed flowers, breathtakingly beautiful. Temperatures between 15-20 degrees were perfect for outdoor activities - neither shivering cold nor sweating hot.

The accommodation experience was most surprising. I booked a popular lakeside guesthouse that's nearly impossible to reserve during peak season. Not only did I easily get a room, but also received a huge discount. The owner, an interesting Tibetan uncle, provided free butter tea to guests every morning. In the evenings, he would sit in the courtyard telling us local stories and legends. One night, he took us to a stargazing spot known only to locals - the Milky Way was so beautiful I nearly cried.

While cycling around the lake, I met fellow travelers from all over. With fewer people around, we quickly became friends - cycling, taking photos, and picnicking together. At night, we set up tents by the lake and shared travel stories around the campfire. Such pure travel experiences are hard to find during bustling peak seasons.

Selection Advice

Choosing travel seasons is an art - the key is adapting to specific locations. Different places have very different optimal travel times.

For Southeast Asia, November through February is traditional peak season. The weather is cool with less rain, perfect for travel. But if you go in September or October, though you might encounter occasional showers, attractions are less crowded, prices are lower, and it's easier to book desired hotel rooms. A friend visited Bali in October and stayed in an amazing ocean-view villa for half the peak season price!

Europe's peak season is typically June-August, with abundant sunshine and long daylight hours - perfect for photographers. But prices are highest then, and popular attractions always have queues. I suggest going in April-May or September-October when weather is still nice and you can save money. According to Ctrip data, traveling during shoulder season saves 30-40% on average travel costs. That's significant savings for cost-conscious young people like us.

Many places have unique low season charm. Venice in winter, though cold, loses the crowds and takes on a mysterious, romantic atmosphere. A friend visited Venice last January and captured misty morning scenes of the water city - so atmospheric! Plus, even famous St. Mark's Square had no queues - you could photograph freely.

The Maldives rainy season (May-October) is interesting too. Though occasional showers occur, they pass quickly and sunshine remains abundant. Most importantly, prices are about half of peak season. A couple I know visited during rainy season and stayed in an overwater villa for a week - costing about the same as three peak season days! Water visibility is especially good for diving during rainy season.

Practical Tips

Advance planning is crucial for a perfect off-peak trip. First, thoroughly research your destination's climate patterns. Don't just rely on travel blogs and guides - check local weather data. I now start preparing 3-6 months ahead, especially for flights and accommodation.

For flight booking, here's a tip. Airlines typically release holiday tickets 4-6 months ahead at relatively low prices. I usually set multiple price alerts and book when the price is right. Last year I got a 1500 yuan ticket for just 800 using this method.

Early accommodation planning is also important. Many hotels and guesthouses offer special deals during low season, some including airport transfers or spa services. I now prefer contacting properties directly, often getting better rates than booking sites. Early booking also secures the best rooms - some with amazing views are impossible to book during peak season.

Also consider your actual needs when choosing travel seasons. If you're focused on photography, choose seasons with clear weather and good light. If you want to experience local culture, periods with fewer festivals might offer more opportunities for local interaction.

Budget is another important factor. With limited funds, low or shoulder season is definitely wise. The same budget might get you an ocean view room with better service in low season, versus a basic room during peak times.

Conclusion

A travel writer once said: "The best time to travel isn't when everyone else is traveling, but when you're ready." This makes so much sense now. Travel isn't about following trends, but finding what works best for you.

Everyone defines perfect travel differently. Some love festive atmospheres, others prefer quiet solitude. Some will tolerate weather uncertainty to save money, others prioritize perfect experiences. So when choosing travel seasons, following your heart is most important.

Through years of travel experience, I've found that off-peak travel not only benefits my wallet but enriches my travel experiences. The landscapes encountered in low season, deep interactions with locals, and unexpected surprises make my travels unique.

So next time you plan a trip, consider going off-peak. You might discover a completely different destination and collect unique travel memories. Do you have any special off-peak travel experiences? Or unique insights about peak and low seasons at certain destinations? Please share your stories in the comments!