How to beat crowds while travelling overseas

By Krutika Kale · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

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. 

Compare Travel Insurance Policies

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 13 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $25,000

    Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Today's travel insurance deals