How to Save Hundreds by Booking Off-Season
29 October 2025
Your smartest travel move this year
Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest: peak-season prices can take the sparkle right out of planning a trip. The good news? There’s a secret that savvy travellers already know:
Go when everyone else isn’t.
Booking off-season doesn’t mean compromising on sunshine, scenery, or luxury. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to unlock five-star stays for three-star prices. Here’s how you can start saving hundreds — without changing how you love to travel.
Why Off-Season = Better Savings
Hotels don’t want empty rooms. When demand dips — outside major holidays and school breaks — prices fall fast. Rather than paying big commissions to online travel agents, many hotels are happy to offer lower rates directly to guests who book cleverly.
This is where Secret Stays members get a major advantage:
commission-free prices, meaning hotels keep more revenue, and members keep more money in their pocket.
Real Member Savings
A few recent favourites:
| Destination | Nightly Price on Typical Booking Sites | Secret Stays Member Price | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona Boutique Hotel | £189 | £115 | £74 per night |
| Lisbon Heritage Stay | £145 | £95 | £50 per night |
| Marrakech Luxury Riad | £220 | £135 | £85 per night |
Multiply that across a 4-night break? That’s £200–£350 saved — just by travelling wisely.
The Best Months for Big Savings
Use this rule of thumb:
| Season | Where to Go | Why It Saves You Money |
|---|---|---|
| November–March | Southern Europe, Morocco, Canary Islands, Dubai | Warm weather, lower demand |
| April–May | Most European cities & coastlines | Summer hasn’t hit yet |
| September–October | Beaches & wine regions | Peak crowds gone, weather still beautiful |
| Early December or mid-January | Christmas markets or winter spa escapes | The “calm between storms” |
Pro tip: Plan trips right after the school holidays end for maximum savings and calmer streets.
Date Hacks to Keep in Your Back Pocket
Small shifts in dates can mean huge differences in price:
• Avoid Saturdays — the most expensive check-in day
• Check in Sunday–Wednesday — travellers are at work, you save more
• Travel mid-month — pay less once payday crowds disperse
• Skip national holidays — even one day overlap can spike prices
Set your dates with flexibility and the savings compound quickly.
The Bottom Line
Travelling off-season isn’t about missing out — it’s about getting more:
✔ more sun
✔ more space
✔ more savings
✔ more luxury for your budget
So if you’re dreaming of a few European escapes this year, start checking dates outside peak season on Secret Stays!
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