How to beat crowds while travelling overseas

By Krutika Kale · · 3 min read
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We have all heard the saying, “Travel is the best investment you will ever make.” And it can be absolutely true, as travel lets you experience life on so many different levels. But what if all your special travel plans get ambushed by a huge crowd, because you made a mistake of travelling during the peak season? It can ruin a perfect holiday. 

Don’t get it wrong though: peak season is a popular time to visit a destination for a reason. The weather is often perfect, the cities are bustling with lights and energy, and there is a sense of celebration all around. But peak season also brings with it crowds, limited capacity, and expensive markups on flights and accommodation. Also selfies being taken everywhere. 

If you are someone who wants to travel to the best destinations around the world whilst avoiding peak season crowds, we have curated a list of tips that you can use for your next trip overseas, so you can have a good time and make memories that last a lifetime.  

Here’s how to plan a crowd-beating holiday

Pick a time just outside of peak season 

Your best bet to avoid the crowds and enjoy the destination to its fullest is to pick a time before or after peak season (also called off or shoulder season). This gives you a better chance to explore the places in your travel itinerary and gets you better deals on flights, hotels, etc. 

Though if you are visiting during the peak season, you can make an exception and opt to visit the popular destinations earlier in the day, before it gets crowded. Book hotels and accommodation outside the main city, too, to avoid overpaying. 

Research & plan ahead

Whatever the season of your visit, make sure you have researched the place you’re visiting thoroughly. You do not want to miss out on any of the places that might have a significance to you. This may include spending a morning taking a dip in a hidden beach, hiking to a lesser-known waterfall, or visiting a museum to get to know the ancient culture of the place. 

But planning ahead means taking care of business at home, too. Before heading overseas, make sure you: 

  • Apply for leave well in advance and get a confirmation beforehand. 
  • Be on the lookout for deals around your flights, hotels, or Airbnbs.
  • Figure out if you can take public transportation for cheaper travel. 

Create an itinerary 

Make an itinerary for your travel. An itinerary helps you make reservations at the popular cafes, restaurants, and other Instagrammable places you want to visit, along with the main attractions of the place. 

But also remember not to get overwhelmed by the number of things you have planned. Create a realistic itinerary – not a hectic one – so that you get some time off to get the feel for the destination as well. 

Set a travel budget

Don’t forget to set a travel budget. Creating a budget and sticking to it helps you keep track of your spending before and on the trip. It can even help you get back on track at once when you’re back to your routine. 

Check your passport and visa

It is very important to get your travel documents sorted out early on. In fact, right after you decide the destination, you should check/apply for the visa to that country if relevant. 

You might also want to check and track if there are any ongoing travel restrictions for the particular country/countries you might be visiting, or if you would be required to show any documents other than your passport. 

Get travel insurance

Consider putting travel insurance in your pocket before you take off for your trip, especially if it is an overseas one. Travel insurance can help you settle up unexpected expenses related to illness/injury, loss, or damage that you might have paid for on your trip, or in case of a cancellation altogether. 

While getting a travel insurance policy, consider the following: 

  • The weather conditions and safety concerns of the place you’re visiting. 
  • Any medical emergencies or hazards you’re likely to face. In case if you’re visiting a remote area where no healthcare facilities are available, you might want to consider travel health insurance as that could include emergency medical evacuation. 
  • Travel interruptions like baggage delay/loss, delay in flights, missed connecting flights, etc. 

Pack the right travel money 

Don’t let your holiday get spoiled by high credit card and ATM fees and charges. There are plenty of low-fee travel cards that can help save you money on currency conversion. 

Not sure who's got the best? We've got you covered. Check out the Travel Money Mozo Experts Choice Awards for 2023.

Compare international travel insurance policies for your next adventure below. Be sure to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and know the coverage of the policy before you buy. 

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Last updated 25 April 2025 Important disclosures
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