Off-season in Europe once meant a blissful stretch of months free from crowds, lower hotel prices and reasonably predictable weather. But with greater numbers of people on the move and warmer temperatures stretching peak season in certain countries well into fall, what’s a traveler to do to escape the hordes and lock in favorable hotel and airline rates? Here three travel experts give their take on the new rules for off-season travel: Anne Scully, president of McCabe World Travel a member of Virtuoso, the network of luxury travel advisers, who is on Travel +Leisure’s Advisory Board; Joyce Falcone, owner of Italian Concierge, specialists in custom itineraries in Italy, and listed since 2009 on Travel + Leisure’s A-List of the World’s Top Travel Advisers; and Kaya Ziegler, founder of Destination Europe, a member of Virtuoso.
. The off-season keeps shrinking.
. April is the new June.
. Warmer temperatures are extending peak season.
. Because summers have been hotter, September and October are becoming the new August.
. Cruise ships are staying in Europe longer.
. Travelers are taking more than one vacation a year, increasing demand for off-season travel.
. It’s not necessarily easier booking a pricey hotel.
. When a mega-star is in town for a concert, it might seem like high season even when it’s not.
. When best to visit a destination overrun with visitors like Venice.
. Some prime spots for off-season travel.
. Travelers are looking farther north during low season.
. Off-season in Europe is seeing warmer temperatures, but unpredictable and severe weather too, like torrential rains, unusual snowstorms and cold snaps.
. Travelers are also heading to the countryside.
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