As travel costs rise and heatwaves increase, more travellers are choosing to travel during shoulder season, says a new report from 1Cover Travel Insurance.
While Europe’s peak summer months remain a major drawcard, more Australians are now also embracing the cooler, shoulder season months. According to 1Cover Travel Insurance, last year’s September-October sales increased by 12% compared to the previous year, with 2025 showing a similar trajectory.
Natalie Ball, COO for 1Cover Travel Insurance says, “We’re seeing a seasonal shift in travel trends, with more Aussies travelling to Europe outside peak summer. Travellers are avoiding crowds and high prices, instead chasing off-season deals and cheap flights. With around 1 million Australians already overseas this year, this trend is gaining momentum fast.”
Where Aussies are travelling during shoulder season
According to 1Cover’s data, Europe is still a major drawcard for overseas travel, even as the weather starts to cool down. And while big name destinations such as Italy and France remain popular, interest in unexpected spots like Albania, Finland and the Czech Republic are on the rise.
“Based on our sales, travellers are diversifying their routes and opting for locations off the beaten track,” says Ball. “New and emerging locations can often provide better value while offering a more relaxed, sustainable experience with fewer crowds and queues.”
Ball notes that European river cruises have also seen a significant rise in popularity. “River cruises have always been a convenient, luxurious way to travel through Europe, but we’re seeing a rise in cruising through the cooler months of October and November. Travellers are realising they can enjoy the same itineraries with fewer crowds, more availability, and often better value,” Ball says.
Cooling effect on summer travel
Beyond cost savings, the appeal of milder weather and shorter queues at major attractions is drawing Australians to delay their trips until after the peak summer rush.
“In recent years we’ve seen the effect of extreme heatwaves on parts of Europe,” says Ball. “Mass evacuations in places like Greece or Rhodes during recent wildfires have shown the financial and safety implications of travelling during the hottest months, prompting Aussies to shift their travels to the cooler months when risks and temperatures are lower.”
Lastly, Ball notes that shoulder season trips are often booked further in advance, making it a priority to secure protection early.
“If you’ve booked your holidays months in advance it’s important not to put off buying travel insurance. While it can be tempting to leave it to the last minute, purchasing cover at the same time as your flights and accommodation means that your cancellation benefit kicks in straight away, giving you peace of mind from the moment you book.”
