Where to go in the shoulder season?
For a little travel inspiration we have asked our team where they are dreaming of travelling to outside of the peak holidays in what is known as the shoulder season, This is often the perfect time to travel (if you can) with fewer crowds, better prices and perfect weather conditions.
We love to travel, explore new places and share these secret gems with you. That’s not to say we’ve all travelled to all four corners of the world, so there is still plenty we want to discover. Here’s a selection of places that are on our bucket lists, some you may have already been to, others may be on your wish list too. If they are get in touch to start planning!
TRAVELLER? Philippa (Founder & Commercial Director – the ‘P’)
TRAVELLING WITH? With my mad family of 5 (12, 11 and 7)
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? A Californian Road Trip – I’m so excited our children are now fully ready for adventure after a super successful Morocco trip at Christmas. I”d love to all pile into a car (and at times an RV) and experience this cool part of the States. From Alcatraz to Yosemite and even perhaps Universal, I think it would tick boxes for every member of the family.
TASTING? Californian wine in the sunshine!
TAKING THE TRIP? With a two week October half term, a little bit of autumnal sunshine would set us up well for the winter.
TRAVELLING TIP? Factoring in enough down time. Sight seeing is great, and their little minds are blown, but remembering it is meant to be a holiday and some chill is essential.
TRAVELLER? Jo (Head of Sales – Tailormade)
TRAVELLING WTIH? Husband and 11 year old triplet boys.
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Botswana and Victoria Falls including quad biking on the Mkgadikadi Salt Pans, a Mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta, incredible game drives in the Linyanti and a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls.
TASTING? The delicious food served al fresco at each safari camp and the yummy bitings at sundowner time.
TAKING THE TRIP? February (their shoulder season)
TRAVELLING TIPO? Going on safari with children is all about choosing camps that have excellent guide and destinations that offer a variety of safari activities to ensure no two days are ever the same.
Find Out More About Going On A Family Safari
TRAVELLER? Clare ( Head of Sales – Sailing & Islands)
TRAVELLING WITH? Husband and teenagers.
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Going on a sailing holiday –– the kids love jumping off the boat as soon as they wake up to go for a swim, I enjoy a paddle board and then a coffee on the deck and my husband can’t wait for the winds to pick up in the afternoons to be able to go for a kite surf! We all love dining somewhere different each evening and not having to get too dressed up!
TASTING? Small tavernas in secluded bays, sipping on the local rosé.
TAKING THE TRIP? I’d head to the British Virgin Islands over our winter months and Greece/Croatia in Europes warmer months. We’re still confined to school holidays, but if you can get away outside of the holidays, it’s slightly quieter.
TRAVELLING TIP? Don’t pack too much, you’ll not wear half the clothing you think you will; it’s all barefoot and beachwear… heaven!
TRAVELLER? Vicky ( Head of Marketing)
TRAVELLING WITH? Husband and a 2 year old toddler.
DREAM OF TRAVELING TO? Going on a road trip through Portugal. I would love to hire a car from Lisbon and travel through Portugal staying at as many of the F&P hotels as possible (they are all amazing and high on my hit list).
TASTING? Local wines and fresh farm to fork food.
TAKING THE TRIP? A way up between in April or September. Sunny weather but not too hot for taking part in plenty of activities.
TRAVELLING TIP? With a tot, stay somewhere with excellent food on site so that you don’t have to go out every evening.
TRAVELLER? Clare (Head of Operations)
TRAVELLING WITH? A couple of friends
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Patagonia – for adventure, hiking, camping and generally experiencing the amazing geography of the region.
TASTING? Some of those lovely South American wines.
TAKING THE TRIP? November for the spring flowers!
Travelling Tip: Pack light – you will never need or wear everything you think you will! Plus you’re the one carrying it (if you’re me that is).
TRAVELLER? Flora (Concierge Specialist)
TRAVELLING WITH? Husband and two little ones
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Maldives and staying at the COMO MAALIFUSHI to check out the Scuba Diving spots
TASTING? Fresh fish!
TAKING THE TRIP? In April whilst its still dry and not too hot for the little ones
TRAVELLING TIP? Stay somewhere with a fun and engaging Kid’s Club so you can get some R&R for yourselves without any Mum guilt!
TRAVELLER? Solène (Resort Manager)
TRAVELLING WITH? My boyfriend plus another couple
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Norway in October or November. It is a great time to see the aurora borealis (Instagram told me the best years to see them will be 2024, 2025, 2026)! Enjoying fjords during the day and sleeping in some remote cosy lodge in the middle of the white wilderness. I really want to go on a boat tour for some orca watching!
TASTING: Freshly caught fish and local delicacies
TAKING THE TRIP?: In October or early November. Just before the high season to avoid crowds but still enjoy the snowy landscape.
TRAVELLING TIP: Invest in some technical clothing so the cold won’t stop you from exploring.
TRAVELLER? Lucy Fisher (Alps Concierge Specialist)
TRAVELLING WITH? My husband.
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? The white sandy beaches of Antigua for some sunshine and cocktails.
TASTING? Freshly caught fish and the local fungi.
TAKING THE TRIP?: In May, once the winter ski season comes to an end. A nice change from the snowy mountains!
TRAVELLING TIP: Book with F&P! We not only work with fabulous properties but us Concierge Specialists take care of all the small details making your life so much easier.
TRAVELLER? Gisela (Sales Assistant)
TRAVELLING WITH? Husband and children in their early 20s.
DREAM OF TRAVELLING TO? Abu Dhabi for some quality time just the four of us as kids now tend to go away with friends in the summer months.
TASTING? Cocktails and excellent multi-national food.
TAKING THE TRIP?: May/early June to get a healthy summer glow when there’s a higher chance of seeing the Hawksbill turtles in the middle of their nesting season at Saadiyat Island.
TRAVELLING TIP? Just coming out of high season for cheaper prices, a few days in Dubai for cocktails and vibrant night life then ending it in Abu Dhabi for some downtime on the beautiful unspoilt beach, turquoise sea and soft white sand.