Travel in peak season and you'll have to battle the crowds and sky-high prices, while go out of season and you might find you've nothing to do, as many destinations almost entirely shut down when the tourists go home. But between these highs and lows lies the Goldilocks 'shoulder season' – the time when a destination isn't quite at its busiest, but might well be at its best. It's often cheaper, quieter and more rewarding than peak or low season travel, so here's a breakdown of the best destinations to visit during this sweet spot.