It used to be that savvy travelers could wait until fall or early spring to score deals and dodge the crowds. But is that era over? More destinations now report year-round tourism, fueled by remote work and social media-driven travel trends. As a result, airfare and hotel prices are staying high even during what was once the "off" season—and some locals say the crowds never leave.
I'm working on a story about the shrinking (or vanishing) off-season in travel. Have you noticed that your favorite destinations are now busy all year long? Have you tried to travel during the "shoulder season" only to find no real savings or fewer available accommodations?
I’d love to hear:
- Your recent experiences with off-season or shoulder-season travel—was it cheaper, less crowded, or just as hectic?
- Travel industry insights: Are airlines, hotels, and tourism boards intentionally stretching the high season?
- Expert opinions on the long-term implications: Is the off-season becoming a myth? And where can you still find seasonal deals for travel?
If you're a traveler, tourism professional, or economist who has thoughts on this shift, I’d love to hear from you.
The Department of Transportation just dropped a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate U.S. travelers for delayed flights. Behind the scenes, the airline industry is lobbying to undo even more consumer protections — from refund requirements to fee disclosures.
I'm researching a story about which rules are most at risk of being rolled back, and what travelers can do to protect themselves if airlines get their way.
I'm looking for air travelers who’ve already felt the sting of weakened protections. Maybe it was a delayed refund, being forced to accept a credit, or a surprise airline fee. I'm interested in hearing your personal stories about what happens when rules vanish and passengers are left to fend for themselves.
For industry experts, I'd love to know which DOT regulations are most vulnerable. How would repealing these rules affect travelers? And what steps can consumers take now to safeguard themselves?
If you’ve experienced any of this, I'd love to hear your story.