Shoulder season is the best season (in my opinion) to score travel deals. And lucky for us, we’re on the cusp of it—typically mid-April until June—when the spring break rush dies down, summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, and prices start to dip. It’s the perfect time to check off those bucket-list destinations without hordes of tourists, long lines, or sky-high rates. Bonus: the weather is usually still fantastic, whether you’re chasing beach days, desert hikes, or city strolls.
As someone who works in marketing at Sun Country, I spend a lot of time thinking about (and booking) travel, and I can tell you firsthand—shoulder season is where the deals are. Flights are cheaper, hotels drop their prices, and you can actually enjoy top destinations without feeling like you're in a never-ending line. If you're looking to make the most of this sweet spot in travel, a little strategy can help you stretch your budget even further. Here are a few tricks to save big and make your spring getaway happen without the sticker shock.
Book early and fly midweek
You’ve heard it before, and it’s still true: the earlier you book, the better the deal. Good deals go fast, so lock in your flights now—especially if you’re eyeing sunny spots like Fort Myers, Phoenix, or Cancun. And if your schedule is flexible, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can sometimes save you big compared to weekend departures.
Hotels are cheaper—take advantage of it
With fewer travelers in shoulder season, hotels tend to lower their rates to fill rooms. That means you can snag a better stay for less—think oceanfront views in Myrtle Beach, boutique hotels in San Diego, or a downtown spot in Charleston without peak-season pricing. Plus, more availability means you can be picky about location without (hopefully) paying a premium.
Consider alternate airports
Big travel hubs can drive up costs, but flying into a nearby airport can be an easy way to save. Want Florida sunshine? Tampa and Sarasota offer great access to the Gulf Coast with potentially lower prices than other Florida hotspots.
Use Sun Country Vacations for bundled deals
If you’re booking flights and hotels, bundling them together can unlock major savings. Our vacations packages offer discounted stays in destinations like Las Vegas, Cancun, and Puerto Rico—plus, you can lock in the deal with a deposit and pay overtime with Flex Pay.
Get creative with your destination
Want warm weather but don’t need a beach? Shoulder season is a great time to explore beyond the usual spots. Denver offers beautiful mountain views, a thriving craft beer scene, and outdoor adventures without the crowds. Washington, D.C. is stunning with cherry blossoms in bloom, and the city’s best museums are free. If you’re craving a city escape, New York City is the obvious choice to explore iconic spots like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, especially as the city comes alive with the colors of spring.
Set price reminders and be ready to book
Not ready to book yet? I set reminders on my Google Calendar to check back on flights and hotel deals before they’re gone, but a simple paper calendar or whiteboard works just as well. When you spot a deal, act fast—spring travel demand means low fares won’t last long.
Shoulder season is truly the sweet spot—lower prices, better weather, and fewer crowds. Whether you’re chasing a budget-friendly break or an epic adventure, now’s the time to make it happen. So, pack your bags and grab a deal—your next getaway is waiting! Get To Going.