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The school calendar can seem like a roadblock to many families’ ideal vacation. Here’s a little secret, though: taking a trip during the school year, particularly during the “shoulder season,” may turn out to be one of your best choices ever. As a mom and former teacher who balanced lesson plans and family vacations, I can assure you that it is feasible and that the benefits are well worth the effort.

Ideal weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable travel are all features of shoulder season, that enchanted window between peak and off-peak travel periods (think fall and spring). When the rest of the world is preoccupied with back-to-school routines, these six locations shine, whether you’re looking for mountain air, coastal charm, or a little culture.

1. Austin, Texas

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Austin becomes a laid-back playground when the Texas heat subsides to a more tolerable level. Summertime crowds at Barton Springs Pool make it the ideal, climate-controlled haven for a leisurely swim. For a unique land-and-lake experience, adventurers can board Austin Duck Adventures’ amphibious tour.

Naturally, Austin’s culinary scene is constantly evolving. While the Big Top Candy Shop on South Congress Avenue revives classic sweetness with its soda fountain and shelves of vibrant treats, the Picnic food truck park offers international bites with a dash of convenience (hello, spotless restrooms).

Where to stay:  The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” attitude is perfectly complemented by the eclectic, artsy Hotel ZaZa Austin. Even downtime becomes an adventure thanks to their themed suites, which are like something from a design dream.

2. The Adirondacks, New York

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Welcome to the Adirondacks, a region of six million acres of forest, glassy lakes, and misty mountains. Here, fall is a time of pure magic, with the landscape painted in fiery oranges and reds. Compared to nearby New England, it feels surprisingly uncrowded and is a leaf-peeping paradise.

Put on your boots for a family-friendly hike, bike the picturesque Adirondack Rail Trail, or canoe across mirror-like lakes. The pace is slower, the air feels cleaner, and the views are simply breathtaking.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Schroon Lake offers everything from indoor swimming to fireside s’mores in the evening. It’s as comfortable as it is traditional. For the ideal way to wind down at the end of the day, rent a pontoon or take a guided boat tour.

3. Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles is a shoulder season superstar with its year-round sunshine and countless attractions. To save time and avoid traffic, concentrate your stay in a particular neighborhood.

Families who enjoy art, movies, and interactive activities will love the Miracle Mile neighborhood. Take in the breathtaking automobile collection at the Petersen Automotive Museum or tour the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Unleash your creativity at Orly Color Labs in the neighboring Fairfax District by creating your own custom nail polish shade—a one-of-a-kind memento you’ll truly use.

Where to stay: West Hollywood’s Kimpton La Peer offers boutique luxury with a playful twist, including a pool, pickleball on the rooftop, and Mediterranean-inspired dining at Ladyhawk.

4. The Hamptons, New York

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The Hamptons take a deep breath as summer comes to an end, and that’s your signal. This renowned upscale area of Long Island becomes surprisingly tranquil when the crowds and exorbitant prices are removed. After Labor Day, many beaches are permit-free, and you can walk the beaches without having to compete for parking or space.

Explore the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for seven miles of serene trails or visit Hampton Bays’ Ponquogue Beach for fantastic waves and birdwatching. Are you having fun? Kids (and adults) will enjoy the entertaining mini-golf course at the Southampton Golf Range.

Where to stay: Hampton Bays’ Canoe Place Inn & Cottages combines a hint of luxury with a relaxed coastal aesthetic. Savor a seafood dinner at the welcoming Good Ground Tavern after a day of outdoor activities.

5. The Danish Riviera, Denmark

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The Danish Riviera, Denmark’s best-kept secret, is just a short train ride north of Copenhagen. With its sand dunes, pine forests, and small fishing villages, this section of the coast seems like something from a fairy tale. It is perfect for tourists looking for charm and peace because it is quiet in the spring and fall.

Shakespeare’s inspiration for Hamlet, the magnificent Kronborg Castle, can be found in Elsinore. Thanks to beautiful, car-free trails, biking is a breeze here. Everywhere wildflowers bloom in the spring, the landscape is illuminated by amber hues by the fall.

Where to stay: The Hotel Hornbakhus in Hornbaek offers communal dining and minimalist comfort, which epitomizes Danish coziness, or “hygge.” Enjoy a home-cooked dinner that you will remember long after you depart, gathered around the candlelit table.

6. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is breathtaking all year round, but it’s blissfully quiet during the shoulder season. It’s surprisingly accessible for travelers from the United States, with flights from the East Coast continuing well into the fall.

Palma’s old town offers historic charm, picturesque drives past vineyards and almond groves, and warm waters for late-season swimming. Explore the Gothic cathedral, take a look inside the royal residences, and spend time in tiled courtyards enjoying tapas.

Where to stay: The five-star Zafiro Palace Palmanova resort offers family-friendly features like a spa, kids’ programs, and multiple pools, all within minutes of the beach.

Why Shoulder Season Works?

A little ingenuity in scheduling can make a big difference. You can take a little vacation without causing too much trouble if you schedule it around long weekends, teacher workdays, or school breaks. Furthermore, whether it’s Spanish culture, Danish castles, or just the excitement of being together in a new place, children frequently learn more from travel than they could from a textbook.

So feel free to jump to shoulder season. When everyone else is in class, the world seems a little more open and much less congested.