Summer Travel Shifts: Why Europe's Off-Season is Heating Up

Europe's travel scene is changing. People are no longer just flocking to popular spots like Barcelona and Florence during the summer. Instead, they're spreading out their visits throughout the year. This trend is not new, but it's becoming more noticeable. Why the change? Many travelers want to avoid the crowds and the scorching summer heat. Plus, more people are retiring and have flexible schedules. They can travel whenever they find good deals. This shift is clear in the data. For example, in Florence, short-term rental demand shot up over 40% in February 2025. But in August, it actually dropped by nearly 6%.This isn't just happening in Italy. Across southern Europe, people are looking for flights to places like Greece, Portugal, and the Canary Islands in the fall. Searches for these trips were up over 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year. But don't worry, the off-season isn't going away. Travel experts say it's still the best time to avoid crowds and high prices. In fact, searches for fall travel to Barcelona in 2025 were about 40% lower than for summer travel. Plus, more tourists are exploring lesser-known destinations. For instance, searches for lodging on the Greek island of Naxos went up 50% year over year. So, if you're looking for a good deal and a less crowded trip, consider traveling in the off-season.