It’s been a jam-packed summer with record-breaking numbers of American travelers taking to the skies.
But fall is actually a much better time to travel if you’re not constrained to summer travel.
Crowd levels are lower, prices are lower, and the weather is superior in many destinations, too.
Travel app Hopper reports that 93% of their users plan to travel in the next 6 months.
If you’re planning a fall getaway, you might be asking where should you go?
Hopper has compiled their Fall Consumer Travel Index and found that these are the top 6 trending fall destinations for American travelers:
Shanghai, China
Beijing may be the capital and the most well-known city in China, but Shanghai is the country’s largest city and a destination that’s really trending right now.
Shanghai is a beautiful city thanks to its innovative architecture and rich history. I recommend you visit the Bund to explore the city’s colonial past.
Here you’ll find colonial-era buildings lined neatly along a beautiful waterfront and it has a great atmosphere.
My favorite thing about visiting China is the food and you’ll be spoilt for choice in Shanghai. There are a whopping 47 Michelin starred restaurants here, but if you don’t have Michelin-money then the street food options are epic too.
Head to the Wujiang Road Food Street where the shengjianbao and congyoubing are two of the best delicacies on the menu! Shengjianbao are pan-fried buns stuffed with pork and my personal favorite!
Osaka, Japan
Japan is having a real moment, having already been named one of the fastest-growing destinations for American travelers.
And if you’re visiting Japan and you want to let your hair down, then there’s no better place to be than Osaka.
Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen and is a great place to eat and party.
But it also has its own rich culture that doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves.
Visit Osaka castle which is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and surrounded by plenty of beautiful green space.
And it’s also worth noting that you’re only a quick 24-minute train ride to Kyoto from Osaka.
This is Japan’s cultural heart, and it’s easy (I would say essential) to explore both cities in the same trip.
My kids would never forgive me if I didn’t mention Universal Studios Japan (USJ) which is home to the largest and original Super Nintendo World.
It boasts 2 rides, character restaurants, and an abundance of play features. It was the highlight of their trip (and attracted kids and big kids alike!)
On the subject of Nintendo, the new Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto this week, meaning that gamers will be spoilt for choice of things to do on their Osaka vacation! Tickets cost 3,300 yen ($23) per adult.
Nice, France
Nice sits in the heart of the French Riviera and may come to mind as an ideal summer vacation destination. But it’s also a great place to visit in the fall.
The tourist levels drop considerably (Nice can feel overwhelmingly crowded in the summer) and in October you’ll find the weather is still warm enough for beach days.
As an added bonus, room rates are lower at this time of the year too!
Art lovers should explore the Musée Matisse, which is dedicated to the work of Henry Matisse, a former resident of the city. Entry costs 12 euros ($13) per person.
Fall is also a great time of year to wander around the city’s picturesque Old Town or even take a boat trip from the harbor.
Munich, Germany
Munich in the fall means only one thing: Oktoberfest!
The Oktoberfest in Munich attracts a whopping 6 million people each year, making it the world’s largest beer festival and a pretty exciting event to be a part of.
If you love beer or partying with your friends, then visiting the original Oktoberfest should be on your bucket list.
But this isn’t the right fall vacation for you if you’re looking for lower prices and lower crowd levels.
Both soar in Munich in October, with demand for rooms driving hotel prices up.
Munich is also a great place to enjoy crisp walks and fall colors, and the city also boasts an abundance of fascinating museums if you want to take a break from the beer halls!
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a spectacularly beautiful city, no matter what the season is, but it really comes alive in the fall.
Hiking about the fall foliage, enjoying wine tastings, and exploring the medieval Old Town with a slight chill in the air are some of the highlights of a fall vacation to Zurich.
Zurich is an excellent spot for natural lovers thanks to its diverse and beautiful landscape.
You’ll find the city on the shore of Lake Zurich but the Alps are also nearby and provide a backdrop to the city.
Why not visit the Swiss National Museum which is located in the heart of Zurich?
This is a great way to learn more about this fascinating and culturally rich city. Tickets cost CHF13 ($15.30) each.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and a vibrant, bustling, sometimes chaotic city.
It boasts a riot of color, incredible temples, and some of the world’s best street food options.
Fall is an affordable time to be in the city, as it is the tail end of the rainy season.
By mean average, Bangkok is one of the world’s hottest cities so the benefits of visiting outside of the hottest months really can’t be underestimated.
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit majestic temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, so if you’re interested in cultural explorations, this is a great choice for fall travel.
It’s also worth noting that (if we put the price of airfare to one side) Bangkok is an affordable destination to visit, making it a great fall travel choice for budget travelers.
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