As the busy summer travel season fades and school schedules settle in, a hidden opportunity opens up for savvy travelers: shoulder season.

This sweet spot, falling between the peak summer crowds and the quiet of winter, typically runs from September through November in the fall, and again from April to May in the spring. It offers something travelers often dont expect: significant savings without sacrificing the experience.

Cassie Kauffman and Rebecca Skowronek travel every year after Labor Day, making the most of the off-peak season.

We've kind of made it our tradition to travel on the shoulder season every year. And I think we're at the third year now, so we're going to keep it going, Kauffman said.

This year, they flew from Connecticut to Arizona, where theyre spending a full month

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