The annual stream of European summer holiday photos now seems to stretch well beyond the traditional peak – and there’s a clear reason why, according to theaustralian.com.au. Increasingly, Australians are choosing to travel to Europe during the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October, drawn by lower costs, milder weather and thinner crowds.
Flight booking data from Webjet shows June remained the most popular month for Europe-bound Australians in 2024, accounting for 16.7 per cent of bookings. July and September followed at 12.6 per cent each, with August close behind at 12 per cent and May at 11.3 per cent. Early figures for 2025 suggest demand for May and September travel is holding steady, reinforcing the strength of shoulder season travel.
Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long said the decline of traditional early-bird airfare deals has pushed travellers to seek value outside peak periods.
“I’m not sure shoulder seasons will ever overtake the peak period but they are growing in popularity as people are trying to find good value at a good price,” he said.
Flight Centre Travel Group managing director Graham Turner said travellers were increasingly keen to avoid Europe’s crowded summer months, when locals are also on holiday.
“So that’s when everything is crowded, everything is packed… It’s just a more pleasant experience.”
The trend has also led to earlier planning. In 2025, 25 per cent of Australians booked European trips more than six months ahead, while 35 per cent booked three to six months in advance — both higher than in 2024.
While Europe’s shoulder seasons are booming, destinations such as Bali and Japan continue to attract Australians year-round. Travel to the US, however, remains subdued, with Mr Turner citing political uncertainty as a key deterrent.
Source: TheAustralian.com.au
