Have you ever seen Europe in the Fall? As someone who loves the Fall weather, Europe, and budget travel, there is no better time to see Paris, London, Rome, Prague, and various other cities in Europe. While airfares are up for Fall travel, there are some cheap flights and travel deals to Europe.
Why Go Europe
When you're a young kid, travel can be fascinating. Backpacking through Europe as a college kid captures the essence of youth - freedom, independence, responsibility, adventure, and understanding. As the mind begins to contemplate the world we live in from the perspective of a wide-eyed young adult, travel pierces the heart and mind to awaken what is inside, challenge, and teach us.
For Europe, there is a history unlike other parts of the world. From the great empires of Rome to the tragedies of World War II, culture, countries, and the past come alive. The exciting part is that it is still thriving today. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Europe in the Fall and my list of places you should visit.
Fall travel in Europe
1. Fewer people - Smaller crowds mean less time waiting in line, more time to spend in your favorite museums or landmarks, and even more time to see everything on your itinerary.
2. Cooler weather - For places like Italy, Greece, and Spain, the heat in the summer can be brutal. Cooler temperatures allow you to enjoy places you love or are just discovering without the distraction of summer sun.
3. Cheaper airfares - Aside from winter, Fall airfares are some of the cheapest of the year. While flying to Europe can be expensive from the US, flying within Europe or traveling by train can be a bargain.
4. Connecting with locals - During the summer, many Europeans are on vacation too. However, Fall travel means an opportunity to connect with a local, experience new things, and build memories you otherwise couldn't have during the summer.
Places to visit in Europe
Here are a list of my top destinations for Fall travel in Europe
1. Lisbon - While not a highly visited European destination, it was one of my favorite cities in Europe with its culture, diversity, and geography. I want to go back one day but easily one city I would consider making it my home.
2. Paris - A city people either love or hate, experience Paris when the crowds are gone. You will see a different side of the city with all the same sights.
3. Budapest - Another European city that doesn't get a lot of attention, Hungary has a fascinating history unlike any other country in Europe. It also has a capital city that is unique, charming, and beautiful.
4. Lake Bled - Located 45 minutes from the capital of Slovenia (Ljubljana), Lake Bled is a beautiful lake town with an island church. While there isn't a lot to do, it's a great place to relax, wander, and enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
5. Sevilla - While the heat in this Spanish city can be unbearable in the summer, Fall is just right to enjoy this Andaluscian town and its fascinating history. A great mix of old and new, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Fall travel to Europe can be an amazing experience. If you have the time, experience Europe and some of these great cities for all that they have to offer. If you've been to Europe before, there is nothing like visiting in the Fall. Hopefully, a "Europe in pictures" slideshow is all the motivation you need.
Check out my 12 part feature on Spain and Portugal
Exploring Spain and Portugal
A budget travel adventure - exploring Spain and Portugal
Part II - Barcelona (photo slideshow)
Part III - Barcelona to La Coruna (photo slideshow)
Part IV - a taste of Madrid (photo slideshow)
Part V - Toledo and more of Madrid (photo slideshow)
Part VI - From Madrid to Granada (photo slideshow)
Part VII - From Granada to Ronda (photo slideshow)
Part VIII - From Ronda to Sevilla (photo slideshow)
Part IX - From Sevilla to Salema (photo slideshow)
Part X - From Salema to Lisbon (photo slideshow)
Part XI - From Lisbon to California (photo slideshow)
Part XII - Reflections on my trip
For news on Fall and holiday travel as well as holiday and air travel tips, check out my latest article Why Fall and holiday airfares will increase.
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Comments
Thanks for the tip! I'd love to visit Sevilla (and - for that matter- everywhere else on your list)
I visited Germany once in early November. You're right. Fall is a great time to go. No crowds and a chance to gain a more authentic feel for the places you visit.
Totally agree. And add Ireland to that list. Some resort towns close down a little, but there's still lots to see and do- weather, well it's Ireland- hard to predict. But way less tourists. And there's always that fab music in the pubs.
I have never been to Ireland and would love to spend more time in Germany. For those that have the chance to go to Europe in the Fall and don't, they are missing out. I was in Paris for Thanksgiving in 2005 and it was wonderful!
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