10 Worst (Busiest) Times of Year to Travel – And When to Go Instead
Some travel seasons are known more for crowds, chaos, and sky-high prices than for rest and relaxation. Whether it’s overbooked flights, traffic jams, or long lines at top attractions, traveling at the wrong time can turn even the best destinations into stressful experiences. While it’s not always possible to avoid peak periods, knowing when to steer clear can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are 10 of the worst (busiest) times of year to travel—and smart alternatives to help you plan a better trip.
1. Christmas and New Year’s Week (Late December – Early January)
This is hands-down one of the most crowded and expensive travel periods of the year. Airports are packed, flights and hotels are often sold out, and top destinations like New York City, ski resorts, and Caribbean islands see overwhelming demand.
Prices for flights and lodging can double—or worse—during the holiday break. If you’re looking to enjoy the season without the stress, consider traveling in early December or after January 5th when crowds thin and deals return. Alternatively, stay local and plan a more relaxing getaway in late January.
2. Spring Break (Mid-March to Early April)
Beach destinations, theme parks, and college hotspots become extremely crowded during spring break. Popular spots like Cancun, Miami, and Orlando are packed with families and students, leading to inflated prices and rowdy atmospheres.
Flights are often booked solid, and hotel rates surge. If you want a spring getaway, opt for early March or late April when crowds are lighter and prices are more reasonable. Consider underrated alternatives like Puerto Rico’s west coast or Portugal’s Algarve before peak European travel kicks in.
3. U.S. Thanksgiving Week (Late November)
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for domestic air travel in the United States. Airports are flooded with travelers heading home for family gatherings, causing delays, long security lines, and limited availability.
Because everyone is on the move within a tight 4–5-day window, flexibility is minimal. If you can’t avoid flying that week, try booking early morning or late-night flights on Monday or Friday, and avoid peak travel days like Wednesday and Sunday. For a quieter alternative, consider traveling internationally, where it’s not a holiday.
4. Summer Vacation in Europe (Late June to August)
Europe in the summer may be romantic in theory, but in reality, it often means packed cities, soaring temperatures, and long waits at major attractions. Places like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are at their busiest—and most expensive—during this time.
Hotels fill up months in advance, and it’s nearly impossible to escape the crowds at iconic sites. For a better experience, travel in May or September when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are thinner. Alternatively, explore lesser-known European destinations like Slovenia, Estonia, or northern Spain.
5. Lunar New Year (Late January or February – Dates Vary)
Celebrated across much of Asia, Lunar New Year causes a massive travel surge as people return home for the holiday. Flights throughout East and Southeast Asia become scarce and expensive, and cities like Beijing, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok experience shutdowns and crowds.
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, avoid this two-week window unless you’re specifically looking to participate in the festivities. A quieter alternative is to visit after the celebrations wrap up, when many destinations experience a lull and reduced prices.
6. Memorial Day Weekend (Last Weekend of May)
As the unofficial start of summer in the U.S., Memorial Day weekend sees a spike in travel across the country. National parks, beach towns, and road trip routes become congested, and hotel prices often jump significantly.
It’s especially busy near major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Consider traveling the week before or after for a similar experience without the chaos. If you must travel over the holiday, aim for lesser-known state parks or smaller towns with more manageable crowds.
7. Golden Week in Japan (Late April to Early May)
Golden Week is a cluster of Japanese national holidays that leads to one of the most congested travel periods in the country. Hotels, trains, and flights are booked months in advance, and tourist sites become overwhelmed.
If you’re traveling in Japan, it’s wise to avoid this week altogether unless you’re well-prepared and have reservations secured. A better time to visit is mid-May, just after Golden Week, when the weather is beautiful and crowds have dispersed.
8. Eid al-Fitr (Dates Vary – End of Ramadan)
Eid marks the end of Ramadan and sparks a major travel period across Muslim-majority countries as families gather and take holidays. Airports across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa become extremely busy, and domestic travel within these regions spikes.
Accommodations can be limited and transportation prices soar. If visiting during this time, book early and be prepared for holiday closures. Alternatively, travel a week or two after Eid, when normal operations resume and crowds fade.
9. Labor Day Weekend (First Monday of September)
Another busy U.S. holiday weekend, Labor Day draws travelers to beaches, lakes, and popular getaways for one last summer trip. Expect heavy traffic, crowded airports, and surging prices—especially in places like the Hamptons, Lake Tahoe, or the Outer Banks.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, travel mid-September instead, when temperatures are still warm but school is back in session and rates begin to drop. For long-weekend getaways, opt for less touristy spots like the Finger Lakes or Door County, Wisconsin.
10. Chinese National Day Week (October 1–7)
Known as “Golden Week,” this Chinese national holiday sees one of the largest human migrations on earth. Tourist attractions, transportation hubs, and hotels across China are jam-packed, and popular spots like Beijing and Shanghai are often bursting at the seams.
Foreign travelers may find it difficult to get around or enjoy top sites during this time. If you plan to visit China, try mid-to-late October instead, when weather remains pleasant and crowds have cleared out significantly.
