Over the past few years, an increasing number of Americans have been spending more time traveling overseas, with the summer season obviously the most popular months for travel, especially for families. Last June alone, more than 4.8 million Americans traveled overseas to popular destinations, like Europe, the Caribbeans, Asia and South America — a 9.6 percent increase from June the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). What might come as more of a surprise is an even bigger increase of travelers are wisely skipping the summer crowds and taking time off during the fall months for international travel, instead. Take October, for example: In 2017, more than 2.7 million U.S. citizens traveled overseas, while, in 2018, more than 3.1 million did; that’s an increase of 14.2 percent. All this to ask: Should you consider booking an international vacation? Well, if you love saving money and booking smarter, actively avoiding crowds at all costs and don’t mind bundling up, then the answer is a resounding “yes!”
October may have experienced the biggest increase in travelers, but the surrounding months also saw a decent bump in overseas travel. August saw a 9.6 increase, September a 11.6 increase, and November a 12.3 increase. But where should you start your research? According to SkyScanner, Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon, Moscow and Athens are the cheapest fall international destinations this year. But a handful of other popular cities are not only cheaper to fly to, but boast decent autumn weather and sights.
Ahead, we’ve curated a list of 10 international destinations to consider for your next fall trip.
Barcelona, Spain
Taking in Spain’s renowned art and architecture, from Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró to the Sagrada Família church and Roman archaeological sites, against the autumn foliage is an experience you’ll likely never forget.
Flights: Flights are about 29 percent cheaper during the fall months, according to SkyScanner, which also reports flights in the low- to high-$200s when flying from NYC, Boston or Los Angeles.
Lodging: In October, 3-star hotels range start in the low-$100s per night, and Airbnbs are even more reasonable, starting in the mid-$50s.
Paris, France
Sure, Paris‘ fall temps dip as low at 50 degrees, but with a heavy peacoat, the right accessories and a hot espresso in hand, you’ll have just as memorable a time gawking at the Eiffel Tower and taking in the city from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Flights: Flights are 22 percent cheaper in the fall months, according to SkyScanner, particularly when flying from NYC, Miami or Los Angeles. They’re so inexpensive, in fact, flights range from low- to high-$200s.
Lodging: In October, 3-star hotels and Airbnbs are similarly priced — and cheap, to boot — ranging from the mid-$70s to the low-$100s.
Lisbon, Portugal
Much like Paris, Lisbon is chilly in the fall months, but as you meander about old city’s pastel-colored buildings and stroll through the National Azulejo Museum, you’ll be too distracted by the beauty and history of Lisbon to worry about the weather.
Flights: SkyScanner reports a savings of 38 percent when booking a trip to Lisbon from Dallas in the fall. However, when flying from NYC, round-trip flights range are as low as the mid-$400s in October.
Lodging: Early October Airbnb rates range from $60 to just over $100, while 3-star hotels are similarly priced from $50 to $150.
Moscow, Russia
There’s a reason Moscow is so affordable in the fall: It’s very cold — reaching lows of 36 degrees in October. So if Russia’s been on your travel bucket list and you’ve been itching to cross it off, we highly recommend booking your flight in September when it’s 10 degrees warmer.
Flights: SkyScanner reports flights as low as the mid-$300s when flying from Miami or Fort Lauderdale or NYC.
Lodging: In Moscow, Airbnbs don’t seem to exceed $100 in October; while 3-star hotels are so incredibly inexpensive, hovering in the $20 to $35 range. So why not splurge while you’re here?
Athens, Greece
It’s still very much summer in October in Athens, with temperatures typically in the mid-70s, making it a great time to explore Acropolis and the winding, vibrant streets of Athens.
Flights: When flying from NYC, Boston or San Francisco, expect flights as low as the mid-$200s to low-$400s, according to SkyScanner.
Lodging: Airbnbs and 3-star hotels range from $30 to no more than $130 per night, so you have plenty of inexpensive options.
Dublin, Ireland
In the fall months, when it rains about half the month, Dublin has plenty of sites in which to take refuge: from the Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the National Museum of Ireland. And on dryer days, take the kids to Dublin Zoo and Phoenix Park.
Flights: During the months of October and November, you can save about 35 percent on your roundtrip flight to Dublin from LAX and Chicago, where flights are in the high $400s. You’ll save even more if you fly out of NYC, though, where flights are in the high $300s.
Lodging: Airbnbs range from $55 to over $100, while 3-star hotels will cost you more, ranging from $80 to over $160.
Manila, Philippines
To really extend your summer, head to Manila, where it’s a steady high-80s throughout the fall months. And with warm weather — and lots of humidity — that means taking a dip in one of its many water parks and wading around one of its many waterfalls.
Flights: SkyScanner reports a savings of 39 percent when flying from Los Angeles, so choose LAX over Seattle and New York as your departing hub. In September, flights are as low as $400; and in October and November, high-$500s. For comparison, December is a popular time of the year to visit due to its warm temperatures, and flights during that time skyrocket to more than $1,300.
Lodging: Manila is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck, where 3-star hotels don’t seem to exceed $50 per night for even the ritziest hotels. Airbnbs, however, are a little more expensive (but not outrageously priced) at $25 to $50 per night.
Calgary, Canada
Bundle up, because Calgary will chill your bones. The bold and brave will embark on an outdoor adventure hiking one of Calgary’s surrounding picturesque hikes, like Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park and Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands. But for those who’d rather stay in the city, there’s plenty to do, including taking in a 360-degree view of the city from Calgary Tower.
Flights: According to SkyScanner, you can save 42 percent when flying from Seattle — and they aren’t wrong. Roundtrip flights in October and November are around $230. If you’re flying from Los Angeles, flights are a tiny bit more expensive, in the high $200s. And if you’re flying from New York, you’ll want to skip September altogether and look, instead, at an October or November trip, when flights are around $300.
Lodging: Airbnbs range from $40 to $100, depending on how close to downtown you want to stay, while 3-star hotels are a bit more expensive, ranging from $60 to $120.
Shanghai, China
Fall in Shanghai is gorgeous, and with mid-70 temps, you’ll want to spend all your time outdoors. At the top of your list of places to go should be the lush, five-acre Yu Garden; Jade Buddha Temple; and the bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets.
Flights: According to SkyScanner, you can save 37 percent on your flight to Shanghai when departing from Seattle. A quick look at Google Flights shows cheaper roundtrip flights from NYC in October, where they start at about $400. It’s even cheaper to fly out of Los Angeles, though, where roundtrips flights are in the low $300s throughout most of October and November.
Lodging: Airbnbs range from $20 to $80, while 3-star hotels hover around the $20-$40 range.
Cartagena, Spain
Another warm-weather destination, Cartagena is rich with Roman ruins, like the Roman Theatre and Casa de la Fortuna. And when you’re ready to unwind and relax, Cartagena also boasts plenty of gorgeous beaches and coves, from Calblanque Beach to La Cortina Cove.
Flights: Flights from NYC to Cartagena drop drastically between September to October, so we recommend booking either in October or November when roundtrip fares range from the mid-$400s to just over $600.
Lodging: Expect to see prices between $45 and $90 for Airbnb stays and 3-star hotel rates between $50 and just over $100.
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