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Is Travelling During Peak Season Worth It? The Pros, Cons, and Personal Stories to Help You Decide

  • Writer: Emily Fata
    Emily Fata
  • Jun 13
  • 6 min read
Not sure if travelling during peak season is worth it? Uncover the pros, cons, and personal stories to decide if travelling during this time is right for you.
A woman in a beige coat smiles at the camera, peering over her shoulder. Behind her is a large statue of a man on horseback inside of a large room of a castle-turned-museum.
Wandering through a quiet Castello Sforzesco during Milan's off-season. Photo by Andrea Richer-Simon.

Let’s face it: there’s a special kind of magic that comes with travelling during peak season. Whether it’s the buzz of a lively destination or the chance to experience a place at its most vibrant, the high season often promises the kind of excitement that’s hard to resist.


Here’s the catch—while the crowds may be aplenty, so are the challenges. So, is it worth it? Is the chaos of summer crowds and sky-high prices really the best way to experience a destination, or is there another way to enjoy the same places without the headache? Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to dive into the pros and cons of travelling during peak season. Trust me, it’s going to be a bumpy ride—but totally worth it.



Travelling During Peak Season: The Thrill (and the Reality) of the Crowds


There’s something about peak season that gets travellers excited. The energy is palpable. Everyone’s in a holiday mood, and everything is open, alive, and full of possibilities. The streets are buzzing, events are in full swing, and the weather is exactly what you hoped for. It’s a time when the world feels like it’s at your fingertips, especially in those cities that were made for summer.


I recently spent over two months in Rome during 2025’s Jubilee year, and despite the hype, I was worried about the typical overcrowding and spiking accommodation prices. But to my surprise, the experience was far from the nightmare I expected. I found a charming two-bedroom apartment for a steal and only encountered overcrowding once or twice—and even then, it wasn’t unbearable. Plus, the lines for popular attractions were manageable, especially when I was strategic with my timing.


Three girls smile at the camera for a selfie. In the background at the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. You can see that there are not many people in the background.
A surprisingly quiet visit with my sisters to the Roman Forum during the Jubilee year in Rome.

Travelling during peak season can offer those picture-perfect moments you’ve been dreaming of. The beaches are at their best, restaurants are bustling, and the nightlife feels like it’s practically calling your name. Before you book that plane ticket though, consider what comes with the territory. The constant crowds, inflated prices, and long waits might just test your patience. The key is balancing your expectations and embracing the experience for what it is—busy but alive, and often more rewarding than you think.


The Best of the Best: Why Some Places Shine During Peak Season


While many may shy away from peak season travel, there are destinations where the high season is simply unbeatable. Calabria, for instance, may be at its most crowded in July and August, but it’s hands down my favourite time to visit. The beaches may be packed, but the water is crystal clear, and the towns hum with life. Everything—from restaurants to gelato shops—is open, and the summer buzz is undeniably contagious. It’s a far cry from the sleepy off-season, where some places seem to shut down completely. When you’re in Calabria during peak season, you’re experiencing the region at its fullest, and it feels alive in ways that are hard to replicate in quieter months.


A warm, hazy photo of Capo Vaticano in Calabria. The sea water is a beautiful turquoise colour and meets the sandy shoreline far below. In the foreground, prickly pear cacti and some pink flowers are seen.
Views of Capo Vaticano. Photo by Emily Fata

The weather? Perfect. Hot. The kind of heat that makes you feel alive in the sun—which, for me, is bliss. And while it’s true that the summer heat in southern Italy can be intense, it adds to the charm. You’re not just sitting on the beach—you’re immersed in a place where the pace slows down, and yet, there’s an undeniable excitement in the air. It’s a joy that, for me, could only be experienced during peak season.


The Dark Side: Crowds, Prices, and the Hidden Costs


Of course, not every destination handles peak season the same way, and the impact of the crowds can vary greatly depending on where you are. I’ve had my fair share of peak season travel hiccups, especially in the form of overcrowding. One of my biggest challenges during high season was in Paris in 2016 when I visited with my mum. We got caught in the madness that often accompanies the summer months in the City of Lights. Unfortunately, my mum’s Ray-Bans were stolen by a slick pickpocket while she was adjusting her ponytail near the famous Shakespeare & Co. bookstore.


That same trip, we spent nearly three hours in line to enter the Catacombs—a must-see for me, but an exhausting wait. Let’s not forget the metro during rush hour. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze onto a train at the peak of summer, you know the struggle. I still remember seeing a poor baby’s face squished against the window, as his mother tried to elbow her way in. It’s moments like these that make you question whether the sacrifice of your personal space is worth the experience.


The bigger crowds mean a heightened risk of things like theft and higher chances of running into long wait times for popular attractions. I won’t even talk about the prices—from accommodation to dining, everything’s marked up during peak season. If you’re not careful, you can quickly find yourself paying double for the same things you could have gotten at a bargain price just a few months prior.


The Joy of Off-Season Travel: A Quiet Escape with Big Rewards


A woman in a purple jacket and long brown hair makes a silly pose with her arms in the air. She is standing in front of a thermal pool filled with bright blue water and on volcanic soil.
Winter in Iceland (without snow). Photo by Vittoria Urzetta.

I know the bright lights and bustle of peak season are tempting, but let’s not forget the charm of off-peak travel. While many shy away from winter or the ‘off months,’ I’ve had some of my most memorable experiences during these quieter times. For example, I recently visited Iceland in February with my cousin, and we were pleasantly surprised by the weather. Sure, we got a little rain here and there, but it wasn’t as brutal as we thought it would be. The best part? We had almost the entire place to ourselves.


But it’s not just about avoiding the crowds—it’s about finding the beauty in the quieter moments. There’s something truly special about experiencing a destination when it’s not flooded with tourists. In Egypt, for instance, I travelled during the blazing summer heat in August. Sure, it was hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement (or on my back, the day I fell asleep from jetlag while on my stomach on a yacht excursion through the Red Sea), and my eczema wasn’t thrilled, but the benefits of fewer tourists and lower prices were too great to pass up.


Plus, when you’re travelling with teachers (or Italians, in general), August is often the safest time to book around their time off and holidays. We got to explore the pyramids and tombs without having to fight for a good spot to take a photo, and our travel budget stretched much further than it would have during the high season.


How to Survive the Madness: Tips and Tricks for Peak Season Travel


Let’s face it: if you’re going to brave the peak season crowds, you need to be prepared. First things first—do your research. Read up on the current state of your destination and get advice from other travellers who’ve been there before. A quick search can help you avoid the worst pitfalls. Personally, I find talking to friends who’ve experienced the same destination can be incredibly helpful. They can tell you where the best places are to escape the crowds or share tricks for avoiding long lines.


Another tip? Book early. That goes for flights, accommodation, and even some of the more popular activities. The earlier you lock things down, the better your chances of snagging a spot without having to battle for it. And if you’re flexible, don’t hesitate to travel during the shoulder periods of peak season—a week or two before or after the official high season can still offer great weather but fewer crowds.


All in All


A woman stands on a limestone ledge with her arms outstretched on either side of her. In the background, the Great Pyramids of Giza are visible.
Empty deserts in Giza in the heat of August.

When it comes to travelling, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people thrive in the heart of peak season, relishing the buzz and vibrancy, while others prefer the solitude and serenity of quieter months. The trick is figuring out which type of traveller you are.


Personally, I’m a sucker for the heat, so I’m often happiest during the summer months. But if you’re someone who enjoys the peace of fewer tourists and a slower pace, off-season travel might just be your thing. The key is knowing what works best for you. The best advice I can give? Plan around your preferences and make sure you’re getting the most out of your experience, whether it’s peak or off-peak season.


Just take the plunge and make your decision—will you brave the crowds of peak season or embrace the tranquillity of off-season? Either way, there’s an adventure waiting for you. The world’s ready for you to explore it on your terms.



7 Comments


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Ebony
Jun 19

These are such great tips! I don't mind traveling when it's super busy as long as it does not take away from the experience. Ex: Europe during summer is amazing and the vibes are everything!

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Abida
Jun 18

I always thought that no other season is better than winter for traveling. This article gave me a new approach

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Arun Dahiya
Jun 16

It's lovely that you had a good trip. Personally I avoid travelling during peak seasons untill everything is pre booked.

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