Venture beyond the crowds! Shoulder season is here!

When I talk about travel, I always tell our partners that there is a “magic window” in the calendar – a moment when destinations slow down, the light softens, and everything feels more personal. It’s when travel feels less like tourism and more like discovery. As a travel advisor, have you ever wished you could give your clients the most authentic, meaningful journeys, without the rush and the queues? That’s what the shoulder season is all about, and in my experience, it’s the very best time to send travelers to Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.

But here’s the question you might be asking yourself: why travel at this time? Well, from late October until just before Easter (excluding Christmas and New Year), Portugal and Spain show their easygoing alternative mood to the high season. The same is true for Morocco between January and March (excluding the Ramadan period, which, in 2026, goes from mid February to mid March).

During these months, rates are lower, availability is better, and logistics are easier, allowing you to offer your clients a truly seamless experience. But what excites me most is the atmosphere: fewer crowds, milder weather, and a sense of authenticity that’s hard to find during peak season. This is when travelers truly connect with the soul of a destination.

In Portugal, I always encourage travel agents to look beyond Lisbon and Porto and discover what I call our “satellite cities”. Take Aveiro, for example (around 50 minutes south of Porto) – our very own Venice, full of canals and Art Nouveau facades, perfect for a relaxed boat ride or a pastry tasting. When I go there, I always try the famous “ovos moles”, a delicate sweet made with egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin wafer shell.

Up north, choose Vila do Conde. It offers history and tranquility, and you can stay in a restored convent, explore its quiet streets, or stroll along its beautiful Atlantic beaches. Guimarães and Braga are living museums, with medieval streets and baroque squares that come alive in the slower months. Finally, Amarante – one of my personal favorites – is romantic, intimate, and ideal for a wine tasting at a local cellar or a leisurely riverside stroll. (These cities are all in a range of a 20-to-40-minute drive from Porto.)

Spain is also irresistible in the low season. Asturias is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with its rugged green mountains and coastal trails. San Sebastian is a foodie playground, but without the crowds – the “pintxos”, small snacks often served on bread with toppings like ham or cheese, taste even better when you have the bar to yourself.

I also suggest visiting the Costa Brava, which feels more intimate outside the peak summer months and is perfect for an e-bike ride along its dramatic coastline. In the northwest, the region of Galicia reveals itself in incredible value, with charming boutique stays and a rich cultural scene – from its historic towns to vibrant local markets.

And what about Andalusia? It also shines in the autumn. Mild temperatures invite you to linger in sun-dappled plazas, enjoy late-evening flamenco performances, and wander through Moorish palaces glowing under golden light. It is simply magical. Cities like Granada, Córdoba, and Seville come alive, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and unique experiences.

Then there is Morocco – exotic, vibrant, and unforgettable. Many travelers know Marrakech, but I like to invite them to see a different side of the country. Tangier is just a ferry ride from Spain, yet it feels like another world, with its mix of Mediterranean, African, and European influences reflected in the bustling markets, colorful streets, and rich cultural history.

Chefchaouen, the “blue city,” is at its most photogenic in the early morning, when the streets are quiet and the light is soft, and wandering its narrow alleys feels like stepping into a living postcard of vivid blue walls and local artisan shops.

And Fes – perhaps my most cherished Moroccan city – offers the ultimate cultural immersion, where your clients can explore ancient medinas, discover traditional crafts, and taste authentic cuisine in a family riad. I’ve always found it fascinating to get lost in its labyrinthine streets and soak up the atmosphere of centuries-old traditions.

One of the best things about traveling in shoulder season is the access to incredible boutique properties at better rates. So, my advice to travel agents is simple: inspire your clients with truly special stays.

Think of a five-star hotel in Aveiro, a peaceful convent in Vila do Conde, or intimate boutique properties like Villa Favorita in San Sebastian, or the Quinta da Auga or the Noa Boutique Hotel in Galicia. They all offer exceptional service and dedicated teams – and within just a 20-30 minute transfer from the main hubs, your clients are straight into comfort and excellence. From my perspective, the attention and care is even more remarkable when there are fewer guests around. In Morocco, Palais Amani in Fes and Villa Mabrouka in Tangier offer the same sense of refinement and intimacy.

And what about activities? We love helping travel agents craft journeys that suit every type of client. Cultural explorers will be drawn to Guimarães, Braga, Aveiro, and Fes. Food lovers can indulge in San Sebastian, Amarante, Granada, or Galicia. Nature seekers can escape to Costa Brava, Galicia, or even the Atlas Mountains. Couples can find romance in Amarante or Aveiro. And for those looking to make the trip even more memorable, we can add hands-on activities – from cooking classes and horseback rides to e-bike tours and olive oil heritage experiences – all designed to turn a journey into a story worth sharing.

Finally, I want you to know that you’re never on your own. With The Dispatcher, our independent editorial platform, you get fresh, curated content to inspire your clients. We also offer our constantly updated restaurant guide, ready to share, and white-label marketing materials along with a transparent commission model – making it easy for you to provide unforgettable trips under your own brand.

So, here’s my invitation let’s go beyond the crowds together. Let’s show your clients a side of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco that feels truly theirs – intimate, authentic, genuine, and unforgettable. Shoulder season is more than just a date range. It’s the moment when great journeys happen.