The serene beauty of Canmore in the fall makes a great case for travelling in off-peak times. | PHOTO: MUMEMORIES/ENVATO
TRAVEL
Shoulder Season is the Best Time of the Year to Travel
Let CAA help you find great travel experiences at significant savings by travelling when many others are not.
By Alexis Nicols
Summers are great, but so is travelling without the long lines, the inflated prices and the general busyness. We sat down with Terry Kaszas, general manager of travel services at CAA Saskatchewan, to discuss the case for booking your trips for the shoulder season. You’ll also find out why letting a CAA Travel Consultant handle the details might be the best trip decision you ever make. What are the shoulder months for travel?
Spring and fall, generally. For Europe, April through mid-May is still low season, and then again from September, October and forward. For British Columbia, it can start a little sooner because of the flowers and the blooms.
What Canadian destinations would you recommend travelling to during the shoulder season?
Heading out to the Maritimes would be great, as well as the West Coast — British Columbia and Alberta. Both regions are peak tourist magnets in summer. But visit in spring or early fall, and you’ll find quieter roads, shorter waits and noticeably lower accommodation prices. What are the benefits of taking a European cruise during the shoulder season?A lot of people are choosing river cruises and land packages over there, and the value in the shoulder season is hard to beat. On a recent mid-April river cruise, my ship carried 85 passengers instead of its full capacity of 140. The service levels are phenomenal anyway, but when there are 85 passengers you’re well taken care of. At Rome’s Trevi Fountain, I got to stand there by myself and take pictures. I’ve also been there with school groups where there are hundreds of people, and you’re going through a line just to get a photo.
Early spring and early fall are perfect times to travel on the Rhine River with Viking Cruises. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF VIKING CRUISES
A lot of people are choosing river cruises and land packages in Europe, and the value in the shoulder season is hard to beat.
Having a beach or pool all to yourself is the ultimate luxury. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE MARRIOTT VACATION CLUBS
How significant are the savings of travelling during the shoulder season?
On the accommodation side, it could be very substantial — $50 to $200 a night in some cases. Going in May versus the middle of July, everything just starts going up.
What can CAA Members access that they won't find booking on their own?
We have great Member benefits through many of our preferred suppliers, additional discounts on packages, cruises, hotels and car rentals. We also have specialized group pricing with several cruise lines. There are tons of benefits CAA Members get above and beyond what’s available publicly.
Any advice for Members still on the fence?
To me, off-peak is the time to go. And give us a chance to show you what we can do. In 30-plus years in this industry, I’ve never been able to get a hold of anyone through the internet when there’s a problem, but you can always reach us. CAA
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