Fall is one of the best times to travel both internationally and within the United States.
In many popular destinations abroad, fall is considered to be “shoulder season” which means fewer crowds and lower prices. Fall is actually the best time of year to visit Europe for this very reason.
During September and early October, you can still enjoy warm weather and the very end of summer in some European destinations, while in other places, it’s chilly but pleasant.
It’s the same story when it comes to travel in the United States. Fall is a great time to visit popular vacation hotspots after the summer rush but before it gets too cold.
According to Expedia, the following destinations will see the biggest drop in airfare prices this fall:
1. Paris, France
Flights to Paris are nearly 20% cheaper during the fall compared to the summer, which is just one of the reasons that fall is the perfect time for a trip to Paris.
Hotel prices are also considerably cheaper in the fall, making it overall a more affordable time to visit this iconic city. As an added bonus, you can enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds at tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Fall and spring are considered to be the best times of year to visit Tokyo. While March and April bring the famous cherry blossoms to Japan, from September through November you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and mild, pleasant temperatures.
Flights to Tokyo are around 20% cheaper during fall as well, making this the perfect time to plan that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan.
3. Ibiza, Spain
Just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean you can’t still hit the beach! Ibiza, Spain’s famous party island, is approximately 35% cheaper in the fall. Even during September and October, you can still enjoy warm and sunny weather and beach days galore.
Another Spanish hotspot with cheaper flights this fall is Tenerife. Located off the coast of Africa, Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands and is a popular year-round beach destination.
4. Los Angeles, California
If you prefer to travel within the United States, Los Angeles is one of the best destinations to visit this fall. Known for its year-round warm and sunny weather, flights to L.A. are over 20% cheaper during the fall.
While basing yourself in Los Angeles, you can visit many beaches along the California coast like Venice Beach, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach, spend a day at Disneyland, explore Hollywood and Beverly Hills, or venture into the desert in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is notorious for being extremely cold for six months out of the year or more, but early fall is actually a great time to visit this popular city — and flights are nearly 20% cheaper.
In September and early October, the weather is still typically mild. It’s cool enough that you’ll need a light jacket, but still great weather for exploring outdoors. Chicago was recently named the best big city in the United States, making this fall the perfect time to go experience it for yourself.
6. Seattle, Washington
Finally, another U.S. destination that’s perfect to visit during the fall is Seattle. You can score flights for up to 25% less during the fall compared to the summer months.
Seattle can be very beautiful during the fall, especially during September and early October. Before it gets too cold, it’s the perfect time to see the national parks near Seattle (Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic are all within two hours) as well as explore the city itself.
