Choosing low and shoulder season is a great trick. You would think a low season is a time with bad weather and no activities, when in reality it all depends on the view of the masses. Is September hot in Italy for example? In our view it is, but for others, coming from even hotter climates or similar countries, it isn’t as favorable, so there is our gap! Visiting when others rather stay home or go to even hotter climates. Shoulder seasons on the other hand are the small travel windows between the peak and low seasons. This naturally means that it is way less crowded and can reach as low number of tourists as the low seasons do in general. A great example for this would be April – May in the entirety of Europe. A great idea for city breaks in comfortable apartments but also long weekends with your family in holiday parks, just in time to take a break from the year and spend some relaxing time with your loved ones. So what are the Secret Low Seasons we would recommend and which are the best months to travel without a crowd? Let’s see!
January – April: A little bit of winter, just the right amount of spring in Belgium
When the new year starts and you are just itching for that snowy escapade, there are the obvious choices of the French and Austrian Alps, but why not think outside the box? The Ardennes region in Belgium is known to have the most snowfall in the country and can offer so much besides the usual winter sports known to us. First step is to choose a holiday park such as Vallée les Etoiles, located next to the enchanted forest region. Next is to find the perfect size holiday home for your group. Vallée les Etoiles offers bungalows for 2, 4, 6 and even 8 persons, all of these being large comfy places, with cozy fireplaces, and their own terrace area with access to a heated indoor pool, sauna and solarium in the park. During snowfalls, you will have the chance of trying out various winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snow rackets and much more. Enjoy a hot beverage on your own porch or at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants in the region, then top your day off at the wonderful restaurant located right in the park: Le Bonne Heure. In March and April, as nature wakes up and shakes its snowy head to reveal a green and lush forest, there are ample activities, without crowds and tourists: cycling trough the magical forest, trekking in the region, getting on a boat and visiting the nearby town of Dinant – a hidden gem not yet flooded with tourists.
April – May: The shoulder season worth exploring in Luxembourg and The Netherlands
The period between April and up until the end of May is perfect to take a break from your life and just zone out, experiencing new things and relaxing at the same time. If you choose Luxembourg to do this, just keep in mind that Domaine la Sapinière vacation park is located right at the foothills of The Ardennes, offering you so much in terms of activities and experiences. During these spring months, there are several routes which start right from the park, so hiking and trekking are wonderful options, ideal to let go of stress and be one with nature. If you are not much of a walker, hopping on a mountain bike is also a great option, especially in the fresh spring air, discovering all of the mountain bike trails trough the woods and the hills. La Sapinière awaits with cozy bungalows, all located at a safe distance from each-other, table tennis, an outdoor pool, sports fields, mini golf and so much more to be discovered such as the famous castles in the vicinity.
Another great option would be The Netherlands, where these months (April - May) are always fresh, breezy and help you be active and stay fit. Bergvliet Villas is hidden between the Brabant farmlands and the Oosterhout forests. This land dates back to the 13th century and is well known for its 18-hole golf course and wonderful offers in terms of houses, great food and other activities. Upon visiting, don't forget to check out the Spa One facility, which is a leader in the latest techniques of relaxation and uses the lushest, most pampering treatments to reach optimal results. The houses in this holiday park are a real dream come true. The design and architect team behind them payed special attention to the importance of light and comfort in a space. This way, one of the walls of these bungalows are basically extra large windows, letting nature in regardless of the season of your stay. If you visit during these spring months, chances are you will be witness to the true blooming of nature...right from the comfort of your sofa.
The end of September: still summery, but not that crowded!
Italy is one of the best destinations when it comes to a great mix of cultural expectations and wonderful seaside vistas. The summer months are great for hot days spent on the beach, but if you are more of an active type of traveler, it's even better to choose a low season such as the end of September, when the mornings are crisper and the nights are colder but you can still happily swim in the sea! Pompeiana, in the Liguria region is one of those quaint, hidden villages speckled in the hills, overlooking the sea. The kinds you see from the road down below and dream of staying at and living like a local. During September, you and your family can for example book a stay at Casa Marisa and use this as your base for trekking trough the region, accessing the sea and visiting other historical villages. The Alpi Liguri, a beautiful area is also closeby, here besides hiking you can try out rafting, canoeing, horseback riding and cycling.
October – November: Full blown autumn, great weather and colorful nature
Autumn sometimes is truly underappreciated, people tend to stay more indoors when in truth, these are the months some vistas really come to life. These are the days when you appreciate the warmth in yout holiday home and truly enjoy a hot cup of mulled wine on the terrace, surrounded by the people you most enjoy spending time with. Other people's loss is your gain, because during this period there is absolutely zero chance of running into crowds in most of Europe's spots, especially if you choose a vacation park as your home for those carefree days. Germany is a great option for his period, due to its many beer festivals, lovely villages and friendly faces. Grafschaft Bentheim holiday park lies on the border between The Netherlands and Germany, offering the best of both worlds. The region has a distinct dutch feel to it with its windmills and watermills yet it is unmistakably German with rolling green hills, typical houses and local festivals and events. October – November is such a special time to enjoy what nature has to offer, discover farms and charming villages, go on long bike rides, partake in cultural activities and spend time with your family in total peace, without crowds and stress.
