The Shoulder Season – A great time to travel with kids 10

Are you sick of the constant heat waves or the snow blizzards?

Do you want to get away from it and not pay a fortune?

Well what about travelling in the near future during the shoulder season.

A great time to travel

Travel in the shoulder season.

One of the great benefits of travelling in the shoulder season is that you still get the glistening white sandy beaches or the soft powdery snow but you don’t pay high season prices.

So when exactly is the shoulder season?  Well basically for the more temperate zones it usually times with Spring or Autumn/Fall.

The pink zones are the temperate zones and this is where the majority of Australian’s, American’s and European’s live.

However if you are looking for a particular destination I found this article about where the shoulder season are around the globe

Now as the temperate zone is where most of us live and therefore want to travel to, it also means less time to travel and that equates to less cost as you are travelling less miles.

Basically the shoulder season is all about more for less.

Another great thing about travelling in Spring and Autumn is it’s not too hot, or too cold and wet to get the kids outside and having fun.

So now you know why you should think about travelling in the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn) where are you going to go and what are you going to do?

What to do for a Spring or Autumn Family Holiday

Well my friends at Family Travel Forum have got a great list of ideas for the Spring Break. Check them all out HERE.  Just be aware that the official College Spring Break is 8-16 March 2014 – so you may want to avoid then if trying to save $$$ and be away from crowds.

Snow

The Japan ski season runs until early May and it’s just a direct flight from the Australian capitals to Tokyo and then you can just catch a train to the ski fields.  Or perhaps you would like to try the South Korea Ski fields, a flight to Seoul and then again a train trip to the ski fields.  Of course if you are in the States then the ski fields of the US and Canadian Rockies are still buzzing.

All dressed – now where’s that snow?

All the ski fields can really offer you a wide range of activities to keep the entire family happy.

I have been reading some great blogs by people who have taken the family skiing recently.

• There are ski schools for all ages.
• The kids can snowboard or toboggan down the slopes,
• There will be hot springs to sooth your aching muscles after a big day on the slopes,
• and your kids can continue to run off their energy at the kids clubs.

Now I haven’t been skiing – I don’t like the cold – however I know that choosing your ski resort is the same principle as choosing your beach one.  Do your homework!  There are some great ski resorts that offer kids clubs, ski schools and indoor swimming centres.  Check out our tips on choosing accommodation for extra hints.

Remember if you travel sometime over the next few months of Spring or Autumn then you will save $$$ and beat the crowds.

Sun

But if you not into being cold, what about finding some sun.

As Autumn begins in Australia the shoulder seasons of Bali and Phuket begin.  Yes there might be a little rainfall but it shouldn’t be enough to dampen you holiday (no pun intended 🙂 ) .  If you’re in America and looking for a warm spring break look no further than the Caribbean or Northern Mexico.

The kids will love playing on the beach and digging the sand.  Or zipping down water slides and playing in splash zones.

Splash!

Stay at Home

Now not everyone can get away with only a few weeks or months notice so why not make the most of Spring and Autumn in your home town.

Take the kids to your local lake or river, pack a picnic, enjoy the wildlife, go for a bike or scooter ride, then stop at a playground to burn off the last of their energy.

Or do you have theme parks nearby.  Now that the high season crowds have gone you may find that they offer discounts.

Kiddie rides in Fantasyland

Why not explore your town like a tourist visit the local tourist bureau or online site and get the low down of what’s happening in your town.

If your still looking for ideas don’t forget Family Travel Forums great list of Sun, Snow and Sea Spring Break Vacation Ideas.

Tell us your Spring or Autumn holiday ideas.

*DISCLOSURE: Family Travel Forum sponsored this post.