{"id":19833,"date":"2026-08-09T02:34:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T00:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/09\/im-a-travel-expert-and-this-is-where-id-go-in-shoulder-season-when-prices-drop\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T02:35:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T00:35:33","slug":"escape-the-crowds-a-travel-experts-top-picks-for-shoulder-season-savings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/09\/escape-the-crowds-a-travel-experts-top-picks-for-shoulder-season-savings\/","title":{"rendered":"Escape the Crowds: A Travel Expert\u2019s Top Picks for Shoulder Season Savings"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Why September is the Ultimate Month for Your Next Escape<\/h2>\n<p>As the peak summer crowds dissipate and the sweltering heat mellows into a comfortable warmth, September emerges as the premier window for travel. For those looking to extend their summer, Southern <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/europe\">Europe<\/a> remains a sun-drenched paradise, offering the perfect climate for exploration without the frantic pace of July and August.<\/p>\n<h3>Mediterranean Adventures and Exotic Retreats<\/h3>\n<p>\nIf you are craving a coastal getaway, consider trekking the rugged, scenic trails along the southern coast of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/travel\/europe\/italy\">Italy<\/a>. Alternatively, the islands of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/travel\/europe\/greece?CMP=ILC-refresh\">Greece<\/a> and Spain offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that remain inviting well into the autumn. For travelers willing to venture beyond the continent, the vibrant culinary scene and tropical allure of Mauritius provide a sophisticated alternative for a late-season vacation.<\/p>\n<h3>Domestic Tranquility and European Elegance<\/h3>\n<p>\nFor those preferring a shorter journey, the UK offers its own unique charm. Navigating the tranquil waterways of the Cambridgeshire Fens by narrowboat provides a meditative pace of life, while the rolling landscapes of Suffolk offer a serene backdrop for a countryside retreat. <\/p>\n<p>If you are planning a milestone trip, such as a romantic honeymoon, the combination of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/slovenia\">Slovenia<\/a>\u2019s emerald lakes and the timeless, winding canals of Venice creates an unforgettable itinerary. For a touch of luxury, renting a private villa in the South of France allows you to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle with complete privacy and comfort.<\/p>\n<h3>Spotlight: The Hidden Gem of Paxos<\/h3>\n<p>\nFor a quintessential late-summer experience, look no further than the Ionian Islands. Paxos, situated just south of Corfu, offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. <\/p>\n<p>*   <strong>Stay:<\/strong> Villa Somnium, a charming two-bedroom property perched above the turquoise waters of Marmari Beach near Loggos.<br \/>\n*   <strong>Why it works:<\/strong> With your own private pool and an expansive terrace, you can enjoy the lingering warmth of the Greek sun in total seclusion. <\/p>\n<p>According to recent travel industry data, booking travel in the &#8220;shoulder season&#8221; of September can result in savings of up to 20-30% on accommodation compared to peak August rates, making it a financially savvy time to explore these premium destinations.<\/p>\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/travel\/inspiration\/airbnb-solo-travel-best-tips-b3005779.html\">I\u2019ve stayed in over 70 Airbnbs solo, here\u2019s what you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"echo_read_more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/travel\/inspiration\/best-holiday-deals-september-2026-b3029683.html\" target=\"_blank\"> \u00bb More Info >>><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September is one of the best months to steal away for a holiday, particularly in southern Europe where it\u2019s still very much summer. Go hiking along Italy\u2019s southern coast, or soak up the sun on a Greek or Spanish island. If you want to go further afield, the delicious flavours of Mauritius are waiting to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":19834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ai_generated_summary":"","wpai_meta_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[850,36,42],"class_list":["post-19833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-travel","tag-inspiration","tag-mixtv","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19833","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19833"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19833\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19841,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19833\/revisions\/19841"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19833"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19833"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mixtv1.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19833"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}