Travelling against the crowd: embrace the off-peak advantage

In an era where exclusivity and authentic experiences reign supreme, South African travellers are discovering a compelling new trend: off-peak travel 2025. Leaving behind the crowded, price-heavy peak periods in favour of quieter, more affordable months is transforming holidays into genuinely enriching journeys.

Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa, observes, “It turns out that travelling at the ‘wrong’ time of year might actually be the smartest choice.” With savings ranging from 20% up to an impressive 50%, the savvy traveller is now choosing to explore the world through off-peak travel 2025 when most prefer to stay home.

The joy of quiet luxury

Turner elaborates, “Watching every rand, stressing over cramped conditions, or being rushed through iconic sights diminishes the joy of a well-earned break. But the true luxury lies in tranquility—when the famed landmarks quieten, allowing for a more intimate encounter with their splendour, and lesser-known gems bloom in the absence of crowds.”

If you’re contemplating your next holiday during the July or December breaks, now is the ideal moment to consult your travel advisor about travelling during low or shoulder seasons, and unlocking the best kept secrets of your dream destinations.

Unbeatable prices and still-exclusive experiences

One of the finest perks of off-peak travel 2025? Considerably lower prices on flights, hotels, guided tours, and entrance fees. Turner notes, “The quieter seasons often come with alluring deals and attractive upgrades. It’s the perfect moment to indulge in luxury at a fraction of the usual cost.”

For example, Dubai’s renowned “Summer Surprises” event from June to September unveils extravagant sales, luxurious resorts offering unbeatable rates, and a plethora of shopping incentives. Their “Kids Go Free” initiative, including free access to popular attractions such as Legoland, makes it particularly appealing to South African families seeking a glamorous getaway without the peak-season prices during off-peak travel 2025.

Even dining experiences become more refined and accessible. Fewer diners mean easier reservation access and attentive service, transforming every meal into a true pleasure.

Embracing the off-season: A wise choice

While some may be deterred by potential weather setbacks, a well-planned off-peak escape can prove rewarding, provided expert advice is heeded. Turner highlights how many South Africans are increasingly choosing their travel times carefully to sidestep extreme weather, often opting for the shoulder seasons—those transitional periods between high and low seasons.

For instance, Japan’s popularity among South African travellers has surged, particularly during its shoulder seasons from early April to mid-June, and mid-September to early December. The famous cherry blossom peaks are bustling, yet travelling just before or after creates a more relaxed experience with substantial savings, fewer crowds, and comfortable weather conditions.

Tropical destinations also boast their charms during less busy months. Take the Maldives; from May to November, during its rainy season, Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll hosts mesmerising gatherings of manta rays—a spectacle worth witnessing. Similarly, the quieter weather on cruises often means fewer disruptions, with on-board activities filling the days regardless of the skies.

Travel with a purpose: sustainability and night-time adventures

Beyond savings, off-peak travel offers significant environmental benefits. It alleviates the strain on overburdened destinations like Italy, Spain, and Greece, where high-season tourism can impose pressure on infrastructure, natural landmarks, and local communities. Turner emphasises, “By spreading visits throughout the year, we reduce overtourism, enhance economic stability for local economies, and help preserve these treasures for generations to come.”

A burgeoning trend, ‘noctourism’, exemplifies this mindful approach. Cultural festivals, starlit safaris, and wildlife encounters after dusk allow travellers to forge unique memories while minimising their impact on the daytime crowds. Experiences such as Namibia’s winter stargazing or Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans sleepouts suggest new ways to enjoy travel’s magic.

A quiet revolution in 2025

As the world steadily moves through 2025, an intriguing shift emerges: the deliberate choice of calmer, more contemplative travel. Turner describes it as “a quiet revolution,” with more destinations offering compelling off-season campaigns—discounts, insider tips, and exclusive experiences—encouraging all of us to rethink the traditional holiday calendar.

This movement isn’t just shaping individual journeys but also transforming global travel trends. An increasing number of travellers are embracing the slower, more authentic rhythm of off-peak adventures, turning what was once considered ‘wrong’ timing into an opportunity for discovery.