10 popular tourist destinations that are worth visiting only in the off-season

Traveling to popular destinations can be more comfortable and affordable outside of peak season. Find out which 10 tourist destinations around the world experts recommend visiting in the off-season and why it is beneficial

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

Overtourism is increasingly changing the travel experience. During peak season, popular cities and resorts around the world are so crowded with tourists that vacations turn into endless waiting in lines, fighting for space, and overpaying for basic services. That is why experts advise planning trips during the off-season — a period when tourist locations open up in a completely different, much more comfortable way.

This is written about by the travel publisher Fodor's, which has named ten destinations that are best to visit in spring or autumn, avoiding the peak tourist season.

Why off-season travel is becoming a new trend

Fodor's experts emphasize that spring and fall are the best times to travel to many countries around the world. It is during this period that you can combine comfortable weather, fewer tourists, and significant savings.

“Who likes crowds, unbearable heat, and high prices when traveling? Probably no one. The new trendy time for booking trips is the off-season,” the authors of the selection note.

The absence of school holidays, mild temperatures, spring blooms, or autumn landscapes create conditions in which travel becomes more measured and affordable. In addition, the cost of airfare, accommodation, and excursions decreases during the off-season.

Venice without crowds: a perfect example of an off-season vacation

Venice, Italy, is one of the most striking examples of a city that suffers from overtourism in the summer. During the peak season, it is difficult to walk through the narrow streets, wait for a gondola, or find a free table in a cafe.

In spring and autumn, however, the situation changes dramatically. There are significantly fewer tourists, the air temperature stays between +10 and +24 °C, and the city allows you to leisurely enjoy its architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere without rushing or queuing.

Iceland in the off-season: more experiences without the tourist rush

Most travelers associate Iceland with either the summer white sun or winter trips to see the northern lights. At the same time, the off-season reveals a different side of the country.

At this time, there are significantly fewer tourists, and natural locations, museums, and cities are accessible without the mass influx of visitors. At the same time, there is plenty of entertainment and activities, and prices for accommodation and services are significantly lower.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

10 popular destinations worth visiting in the off-season

According to Fodor's, these are the best places to plan for travel in spring or fall:

● Venice, Italy

● Reykjavik, Iceland

● Orlando, USA

● Hawaii, USA

● Tokyo, Japan

● Grand Canyon National Park, USA

● Paris, France

● New York, USA

● Santorini, Greece

● Bahamas

During the off-season, these destinations offer more comfortable conditions for walks, excursions, and getting to know the local culture without being overwhelmed by tourist infrastructure.

Tip: Despite all the advantages of off-season travel, it is important to prepare for your trip in advance. In addition to planning your itinerary and booking accommodation, you should take care of basic safety issues, including medical insurance for traveling abroad. This is especially true for popular tourist destinations where medical services can be expensive for foreigners.

We remind you! The authoritative publisher Fodor's has published its anti-rating of tourist destinations for 2026. Read about the 8 places in the world that experts advise avoiding due to excessive tourist traffic.

Photo: Kruck20/iStock

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.