It’s been one heck of a summer season for most European tourist destinations.
Travel insurance provider Allianz Partners predicted at the start of the season that the number of American travelers visiting Europe would reach over 55% of last year’s numbers.
The result? Record-breaking crowds of travelers braving high prices under a summer sun that’s brought incredible heat with it.
The solution? Forego summer travel in favor of fall holidays.
If you were one of the savvy travelers waiting out peak season in favor of cooler temperatures, fall foliage, and cheaper prices, now’s your time to swoop in and snag plane tickets to one of these seven European destinations.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Best time to fly: November 20th-30th
A non-stop flight from Washington, D.C., to Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport is currently cheaper than usual, coming in at just under $750 roundtrip (which drops to just over $400 if you’re willing to add a layover to your trip).
According to Hopper, you’re not likely to find a lower price than this, making it a steal to visit one of Europe’s most enchanting cultural hotspots.
While the peak time to experience fall foliage in Amsterdam is towards the beginning of November, visiting at the end of the month means you can still enjoy the city in all its autumn splendor.
Experience the canals without the crowds and enjoy activities like the Amsterdam Light Festival, the Van Gogh Museum, or the chance to warm up with a hot chocomel.
2. Madrid, Spain
Best time to fly: November 5th-15th
Fly out of JFK and make your way to the Spanish capital city of Madrid for just $640 roundtrip.
According to Hopper, this is likely the lowest price you’ll find, with prices expected to increase up to nearly $300 if you wait until October to purchase your tickets.
The best part? These dates couldn’t be more ideal for travelers eager to experience the magic that is autumn in Madrid.
At the beginning of November, the trees turn a beautiful golden color, making strolls in the iconic Retiro Park or a train trip across the country all the more enchanting.
The weather won’t be too cold yet, either, making it a great time to walk around the rest of the city to visit places like Gran Vía, Plaza de Cibeles, and Plaza Mayor.
If it gets too cool outside, warm up alongside some of the most famous classical European art in the world inside at the Prado Museum.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Best time to fly: Pretty much all of November
Lisbon is having a record-breaking summer for tourism. At the same time, the number of tourists in the Portuguese capital city (partly due to the Pope’s recent visit) has led to overcrowding and higher prices.
However, flight prices from the U.S. to Lisbon are set to drop beginning the last week of October and into November.
Currently, Hopper is predicting lower-than-usual prices pretty much all throughout November, especially if you fly in and out on a weekday.
Booking a roundtrip flight from JFK to Lisbon for a week in November currently costs just over $600, which is about $300 less than usual.
If you’re interested in fall foliage, it’s best to wait until the end of November or even into December, as the leaves in Lisbon don’t change until later in the season.
4. Rome, Italy
Best time to fly: November 26th-December 3rd
Skip Thanksgiving in the States this year and opt for a fall Italian getaway instead.
Nonstop, roundtrip flight prices from New York City to Rome are currently at their cheapest the last week of November.
Hopper is currently listing flights with Air France, Delta, or KLM for as low as $685, which is a steal for a flight that’s just over eight and a half hours long.
Rome in November is ideal and enchanting, with daytime temperatures in the high 50s and far fewer tourists at popular spots such as the Trevi Fountain, Roman Colosseum, and The Vatican.
5. Munich, Germany
Best time to fly: November 6th-27th
November is often touted as the best time to visit Munich, and current flight prices from Washington D.C. to the German city are at their lowest all season.
Flying in for a week in mid-November will currently only cost you about $790, which is about $130 less than usual (and a whopping $586 less than what the trip would cost if you wait much longer to book).
Enjoy the cozy vibes as fall transitions to winter and the city prepares for Christmas markets, the Tollwood Winter Festival, and other cultural festivities.
Or, take a day trip from Munich to visit the popular Insta-worthy Neuschwanstein Castle.
6. Paris, France
Best time to fly: Pretty much all of November
Ella Fitzgerald might have sung, “I love Paris in the springtime,” but there’s truly nothing quite like experiencing the City of Lights in the fall.
If that’s ever been on your bucket list, now’s the time to book that flight.
Flights to Paris from popular East Coast airports like JFK, Miami, and Ronald Reagan are all typically lower in Paris. However, you can currently snag a roundtrip flight from JFK to Paris for just $473.
Make your way up to the Arc de Triomphe’s viewing deck to see the city set ablaze in stunning red and golden hues.
You’ll find plenty of other fall photo spots in places like Montmartre, Jardin des Tuileries, and Quai Saint-Michel.
7. Dublin, Ireland
Best time to fly: November weekdays
If you can fly out of Miami, you can currently snag a roundtrip flight to Dublin for just over $360.
How great of a deal is this? Hopper says it hasn’t seen a price this low for the past seven months.
Traveling to Dublin in November promises crisp, cool temperatures, making exploring the city’s museums, galleries, and pubs much more manageable than when visiting during the summer.
Eagerly awaiting the Christmas season? Dublin’s tree lighting is always on November 13th, so if you travel on or after that date, you’re sure to witness some extra cheer.
