The stats are in for the trendiest destinations for U.S. travelers this fall. This latest TripAdvisor Fall Travel Index has revealed that some of the old favorites like Las Vegas and Cancun aren’t going away anytime soon and despite the rise in prices, 40% of American travelers are still opting for long-haul trips. Furthermore, some of the trendiest destinations for fall 2022 are in Europe and Italy, specifically.
With travel prices set to drop for the fall months, it might just be the perfect time to head across the Atlantic. Plus, with the Euro and U.S. dollar still pretty much at par, your money can go that much further on your trip.
Here’s a little inspo for where to go in Europe, just in time for pumpkin season. From the charming streets of Edinburgh to foodie towns in the mountains of Italy, these are the top destinations in Europe where American travelers are headed to this fall.
Edinburgh, UK
Making the top 10 in trending European destinations for fall 2022 is the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. Maybe it’s the availability of cheap flights from the East Coast or exploring the city’s historic sights after the summer rush is over, but Edinburgh has become a hot spot for travelers this fall.
Top things to do: Get to know Edinburgh’s top attractions on the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, where you’ll hit up the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and the scenic Arthur’s Seat for some of the best views of Edinburgh. For dinner, head to the popular Makars Gourmet Mash Bar for Bangers & Mash and a pint, one of Scotland’s signature dishes.
Munich, Germany
After a two-year pause the party is back, and Oktoberfest is set to be back in full swing this fall.
Making it to number 7 for international destinations on the TripAdvisor’s Fall Travel Index is Munich, home to the iconic beer festival that takes place for a few weeks in September and October. 2022 marks the 187th year of the festival, and people are coming in from around the world to celebrate.
Top things to do in Munich: When you’re not under the beer tents at Oktoberfest, some other favorites include exploring the Marienplatz in the center of the city. The site dates back to Munich’s founding almost 900 years ago. And for an unforgettable day trip, take a tour of Neuschwanstein, where you’ll get epic castle views in the Bavarian Alps.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Another of the fastest growing European destinations compared to last year is Amsterdam. A long-time travelers favorite, Amsterdam is an excellent place to explore during the fall months. From viewing the fall foliage along the canal to cultural festivals happening from September through November, there’s so much to see and do.
Top things to do in Amsterdam: See Amsterdam in style (while feasting on Dutch cheese and drinks) via the city’s Canal Cruise in a classic river boat. To experience some of Amsterdam’s finest dining, book a table at Restaurant Bougainville, the top restaurant in Amsterdam according to TripAdvisor.
Como, Italy
Another interesting thing that the Fall Travel Index pointed out is the main reasons why American travelers are choosing certain destinations. According to the study, the top components of a trip include food (at 54%), followed by activities (52%), people/scenery at 48% and others choosing weather as the main reason for picking a destination (at 40%).
The lakeside city of Como in northern Italy has a mix of all four, drawing Americans to this destination for years. It landed at number 8 on TripAdvisor’s international list of trending destinations – and after the busy summer that Italy had, things don’t seem to be slowing down come fall.
Top things to do in Como: Stay at a hotel by the lake, take a day trip to Milan to socialize with the city’s fashionistas, and sample some of the world’s best risotto and “pan de comm”, the region’s signature bread.
Monterosso al Mare, Italy
One of the 5 Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso al Mare is the largest. Travelers will find some of the country’s best white wine and olives, which you can enjoy while taking in the gorgeous cliffside views.
Things to do in Monterosso al Mare: For a meal you’ll be thinking about for months afterwards (basically until your next trip), head to Gastronomia San Martino, which serves up fresh northern Italian fare on the daily. And the top pick for cruises of the Cinque Terre is the Sunset Cinque Terre Boat Tour, where tourists can enjoy the epic scenery from a traditional Ligurian boat.
Amalfi, Italy
Head south to the Amalfi Coast where travelers can immerse themselves in history, more gorgeous views, and seaside towns to explore for days.
Top things to do in Amalfi: Travelers’ favorite place to eat in Amalfi is the Baglio Amalfi Italian Bistro Cucina, which has a mix of Mediterranean and southern Italian fare in a romantic outdoor setting. For a tour of the area, hop on a Private Boat Excursion where you’ll explore seaside cliffs, hidden coves, and beaches galore.
Sorrento, Italy
Making the list for top European destinations this fall is Sorrento, a charming coastal town in the southwest of Italy.
Top things to do in Sorrento: Located in the heart of town, Enjoy The Little Things Bistrot is currently rated the best place to eat in Sorrento. Feast on homemade gnocchi and cannelloni, and wash it down with a limoncello spritz before splurging on a dessert plate of their tiramisu. To enjoy more of the region’s best eats, book a tour of a local Sorrento Farm where you can sample olive oil, honeys, jams, wines, and more in a 100-year old olive grove.
