These Destinations Across the Globe Have the Cheapest Airfare During Shoulder Season

According to a study from the flight deals app Going.

By Stella Shon Stella Shon

Stella Shon is an aviation news writer. Her work has been featured in publications including The Points Guy, USA Today, and others. Globetrotting more than 100,000 miles every year, she loves flying new airlines and scoping out remodeled airports. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 23, 2024

Close The Edo Castle Ruins and Palace Hotel in Tokyo, Japan . Photo:

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Shoulder season is officially here, marking one of the best (and often overlooked) opportunities to plan a trip to a new destination. 

A new analysis from flight deals app Going, shared with Travel + Leisure, revealed the best international airfare deals for this shoulder season—spanning now through mid-December. This period between peak and off-peak travel gives travelers the advantages of smaller crowds, lower flight and hotel costs, and favorable weather.

“This year's shoulder season is proving to be an incredible opportunity for travelers seeking great deals to Europe and beyond,” a spokesperson for Going shared in a statement with T+L. “With fares dropping to pre-pandemic lows and quality discounts on premium economy, now is the perfect time to explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations on the Going app.”

Travelers who missed out on a summer Euro trip can find a goldmine of flight deals to London and Paris. Round-trip fares start as low as $483 from numerous U.S. cities to Europe, including smaller airports like Nashville and New Orleans. Meanwhile, East Coast travelers can even score flights to cities like Kraków, Poland, and Vilnius, Lithuania, for as little as $400.

For those seeking extra comfort, this shoulder season offers record-low premium economy fares to Europe. Travelers can enjoy more legroom and additional onboard perks for under $750, representing a 60 percent savings compared to standard rates, Going shared.

Meanwhile, adventure enthusiasts should turn their attention to the Canadian Rockies, perfect for hiking and catching the start of aurora season. Flights to Calgary and Vancouver are available for $150 to $200 round-trip from the U.S., making it easier to explore stunning national parks like Banff and Jasper.

Even bucket-list trips to Japan are more affordable than ever, thanks to the yen’s lowest point in decades and a 13 percent increase in nonstop flights from the U.S. to Tokyo over the past year. Travelers can find shoulder season flights to Tokyo for about $700 round-trip, offering a 40 percent savings.

In all, starting a new tradition of traveling abroad this Thanksgiving could be a smart choice with the abundance of flight deals available, making it easier than ever to book a last-minute getaway.