During spring break, I got to live out my travel dreams when I went to visit my sister – who is studying abroad – in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I traveled alone, and because my sister had classes to attend, I found myself wandering the city by myself at times. The experience of traveling solo I realized was an experience like no other, and I found myself in a constant state of awe as I explored all the cities had to offer.
I think a lot about traveling and its importance. I also found myself grateful that I had the opportunity to travel to Scotland during the tourism off-season. When I reflected on the experience, I realized that the lack of tourism made a world of difference to my experience.
tea off season for tourism in Scotland, and many other European countries, it is from November to March, and the peak season is usually from June to August. I have traveled to various European countries during peak season, and found it to be a much more hectic experience. There are usually swarms of people everywhere you look, flocking to famous monuments and museums. Restaurants usually had lines out the door and a never-ending waiting list. The streets were so busy that it was difficult to take in the sites without being mugged. Every selfie or family photo you try to take, no matter how you angle it, features massive amounts of strangers in the background trying to take the same photo.
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If there was one word to describe travel in famous cities during high season, it would be chaotic.
In contrast, Scotland during the season felt almost empty. There were certainly people in the city as well, but not the mass of people I expected and feared. Walking during the day, there were few crowds, the streets were very quiet and the cafes and restaurants were not packed.
One of the most notable advantages of traveling during the off-season was the ease of travel to get to Scotland, despite it being an international trip. The lack of travelers at this time of year makes airports quieter and less stressful. The plane tickets were of course even cheaper, which is a huge benefit – especially as a university student, because international travel is an incredible but expensive experience.
Another benefit was the availability of excursions. If you’re anything like me, exploring the famous landmarks is a must when visiting a new city. It is often difficult to have the opportunity to see everything, especially when you need to plan for them well in advance and buy tickets in blocks of time. However, thanks to the lack of other visitors at that time, I was able to book tours and buy tickets for the castles and cathedrals on the same day I visited.
I found it much easier to be flexible, and often my daily plans were made at the last minute.
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Another part I liked about traveling during the off-season was that my time in the city felt more authentic. Surrounded by locals and people living their normal everyday lives in the city, I felt it was easier to blend in and experience it through the eyes of someone who lived there. Instead of feeling like a tourist following the crowd of other tourists around town, I could almost pretend it was a local. You can see the city in a time where it is not so crowded, but so beautiful and open.
If traveling during the off-season doesn’t seem appealing enough, keep in mind that there is too sustainability benefits both for the city you visit and for the planet when you travel during this period. The city benefits from the income generated by tourists throughout the year, and traveling at different times of the year eases the tension on the city during the high season. Litter and air pollution are also reduced when people travel during the season.
My experience in Edinburgh was only enhanced because I traveled during the off-season, so when planning your next trip, keep the months of November to March in mind. Can there be a better experience for you and the planet, and honestly what could be better than this?
Caitlyn Kulczycki is a sophomore studying media advertising with minors in psychology and creative writing.
