As fun as planning a European getaway might sound right about now, the process isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
Most of us only get a couple of chances (if that, even) to fly to the Old Continent, so when the opportunity arises, figuring out which places are actually worth a spot on your bucket list is a must – after all, who knows when else you’ll get the chance to holiday across the Atlantic?
I know that choosing between dozens of gorgeous countries in search of one or two that’ll offer the best value can feel overwhelming, to say the least, so today we’ll be taking a shortcut and checking out where everyone else is heading off to this fall.
That way, you get all the inspiration you need with little to no actual work or research.
The European Travel Commission just released a report on the latest seasonal trends, and among some of the classic hubs we already know and love, there was one surprising country that nabbed the no. 5 spot, so make sure to stick around until the end.
1. France
To no one’s surprise, France was once again named Europe’s most coveted destination.
People are taking full advantage of the post-Olympics calm and all the newly-announced routes that help connect more Americans than ever with the most visited country on Earth – it’s a foolproof recipe for a new tourism high!
And while a stop in Paris is, of course, unnegotiable, I want to take this opportunity to urge you to explore France beyond its (admittedly) gorgeous capital this fall.
Go on a wine-tasting tour in Provence, walk through the winding paths of Alsace, and take in the vibrant city scene of Lyon – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
2. Italy
Having just gotten back from an incredible trip to Milan, I know that I can’t wait to plan my next Italian getaway – the architecture, the food, the culture – it’s truly a feast for the senses.
If it’s your first time in the country, though, prioritizing world-class hubs like Rome, Florence, and Venice (I’d say in that exact order) would be a good idea – sure the better-known hubs might be more crowded than you’d like, but they’re still unmissable gems that radiate that oh-so-coveted Italian charm.
I, however, am currently eyeing a Tuscan holiday.
Between the wine, the truffles, and all the stunning views it seems like the perfect place for the fall holiday of a lifetime!
3. Spain
If you’ve been keeping up to date with travel-related news this past year, you know that Spain has been shattering all tourism records.
If you’ve ever actually been to the Iberian country, you know full well why.
And between the otherworldly vibe of Barcelona, the big city charm of Madrid, and all the flamenco festivals about to take place in Seville these upcoming months, autumn is hands-down the perfect time to make that dream Spain getaway of yours a reality – but if you want to find a great place to stay you’ll have to hurry, hotels are booking up fast.
4. Greece
My love for Greece has been well-documented, and really, can you blame me?
How many places on Earth promise the same old world charm, paradisic islands, and sunny Mediterranean weather?
Sure, the temperatures might have cooled down to the point where a beach session is out of the question once you actually make it here, but with places like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Chania, the city scene around the country is more than enough to keep you entertained all fall long.
5. Czechia
Outperforming the likes of Germany, Portugal, Austria, and even the UK, Czechia (or the Czech Republic, as known by many) took travelers around the world by surprise when it secured the prestigious No. 5 spot in ETC’s seasonal trends report.
It seems like people are looking beyond the well-known landmarks and the famous names and seeking overall value instead – and that’s exactly what the Central European country promises.
Prague easily offers one of the best price-experience ratios among all similar capitals, and right now, the city has turned into a mosaic of stunning Gothic buildings bathed under the amber autumn light.
So get a koláče to go and make your way through Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square – you’ll feel like you’ve been transported right into your very own movie set.
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