Off-season travel is gaining ground: Chileans prioritize greater availability and lower prices

Traveling outside of traditional peak seasons is no longer the exception. Today, it's becoming an increasingly common practice among Chileans, who are redefining how they plan their trips. The so-called low season, which is concentrated mainly between March and June and between August and November, excluding peak weeks like winter break, Independence Day celebrations, and summer holidays, shows sustained growth, with an increase of nearly 3% year-on-year.

This shift reflects a more strategic logic: travelers no longer move solely based on schedules, but rather on convenience. According to data from COCHA, today the decision is explained—in order of priority—by better price, greater availability, less congestion, and a more comfortable experience at the destination.

“In recent years we have seen a consolidation of travel outside of traditional peak demand periods. Chilean travelers are more willing to take advantage of lower prices, better availability, and less crowded experiences,” says Daiana Mediña, Head of Branding & PR at COCHA.

Although the high season continues to concentrate the largest volume, with 45% of the demand in the last 24 months, the low season is gaining prominence, especially among those who prioritize flexibility and a better price-experience ratio.

A more flexible and more intentional traveler

One of the most obvious changes is in the advance booking time. Unlike summer trips or winter vacations, where planning can begin several months in advance, in the off-season decisions are more agile, with booking windows ranging from 30 to 45 days.

“Travel behavior is different in the off-season: there is more flexibility and quicker decisions, because there is also greater availability. This allows travelers to better optimize their budget without sacrificing the experience,” adds Daiana Mediña.

The profile is also changing: Travelers with greater freedom of dates predominate, along with couples, older people, groups of friends, solo travelers and families without school-age children, in addition to a growing segment that combines rest with remote work or short getaways.

In terms of duration, short getaways of 2 to 3 nights coexist with week-long trips, especially in regional destinations and cities with good connectivity.

During the off-season, nearby destinations continue to be the most popular, especially in South America. In terms of travel preferences, the off-season travel landscape is structured around three main areas: the Caribbean as the leader in long-haul travel, Brazil as the top regional destination, and Europe as a well-established option thanks to its connectivity and offerings. Brazil stands out with Rio de Janeiro ranking 6th in sales and Florianópolis in 15th, while Buenos Aires is positioned in 18th place, climbing two spots compared to 2025. Meanwhile, Cartagena enters the list in 19th place, reinforcing interest in the Colombian Caribbean.

Adding to this scenario is Easter Island, which is gaining traction as an off-season destination, driven by its stable connectivity with daily flights and a more extended travel offering. The average stay is seven nights, with rates around US$780 per person for standard accommodation, reflecting a shift in traveler behavior towards more immersive experiences, even within the country.

Internationally, the Caribbean maintains its appeal with destinations such as Punta Cana, Cancun and Curacao, while Europe, with cities like Madrid, Paris and Rome, and Japan continue to be strong due to connectivity and perceived value.

“Nearby destinations continue to be popular because they allow for shorter and more affordable trips, but we also see how Chilean travelers are opening up to more distant options when they find a good opportunity,” explains Daiana Mediña.

Less mainstream alternatives, such as La Romana in the Caribbean or Tokyo, are also beginning to gain ground, reflecting a more experiential and personalized search.

The economic factor remains relevant, but it is no longer the sole driver. The off-season allows access to more competitive tickets, improving the price-to-experience ratio.

A concrete example: a package to Rio de Janeiro (flight + 3-star hotel for 6 nights) can average around US$392 in low season, compared to US$524 in high season.

“Today’s traveler is not only looking to pay less, but to travel better. The low season allows access to better conditions and that completely changes the perception of travel,” says Daiana Mediña.

In this scenario, the exchange rate also has a direct influence: when the dollar rises, the low season becomes a tool to offset that impact through better base prices.

E-commerce events have been key to this change in habits. Initiatives like Travel Sale, which in 2016 brought together 36 brands in the sector, have driven discounts ranging from 20% to 55%, stimulating demand in the shoulder months.

Overall, the digital ecosystem continues to show strength: CyberMonday 2025 reached sales close to US$450 million, confirming the high response of the Chilean consumer to this type of event.

Meanwhile, travelers have become more demanding. Flexibility, changes, cancellations, and travel assistance are now key factors in purchasing decisions, along with a growing preference for more personalized products. In this context, flexible packages are gaining ground, while all-inclusive packages remain competitive when offered on promotion.

“Safety and flexibility have become central to the decision. Today, travelers want to have control, but also support throughout the entire process,” adds Daiana Mediña.

Beyond price, the low season is being driven by specific motivations: relaxation, wellness, gastronomy, shopping, city breaks, and event-related travel. For 2026, the scenario is defined by five trends: a greater willingness to travel outside of peak periods, the prominence of nearby destinations, activation through promotional events, decisions more sensitive to exchange rates, and a growing search for experiences over traditional formats.

Source: Cocha.