Travel to Europe can be incredibly magical, though if you’re not careful it can also be incredibly expensive, especially in the summer months. So why not avoid the crowds and experience Europe in autumn; the following are seven reasons why this could be the best time of year for your trip.
Fewer Tourists & Crowds
As summer draws to a close, so too do the masses of tourists that rain down upon our beloved European cities. Kids are heading back to school which means lines to iconic landmarks begin to thin out considerably. You will actually be able to move around and enjoy the castles of England, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, or the charming towns of Iceland without spending half of your day in lines.
Be advised though that some European countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia can still see large numbers of people as this is considered peak season for these regions. So if you’re looking to avoid the crowds perhaps push your trip towards the end of Autumn and travel once tourism has thinned out.
Better on Your Wallet
You will find that airfares and hotel costs will drop down from their insanely inflated summer prices once autumn comes along. This will allow you to extend your holiday longer or stay in that 5-star hotel you’ve always dreamed of.
For the shopper, travelling to Europe in autumn can allow for bargains to be snagged along with not paying maximum tourist fees for activities. Be aware that as fall progresses certain attractions or accommodation options 05/begin to shut down, so early fall is recommended to get the most out of your holiday.
Weather
Europe in the summer can be sweltering, and with each year that passes it seems to be becoming hotter and hotter. Avoid the heat and feel mild temperatures, especially in 09/ and October. The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to plan a trip to the Mediterranean if you don’t mind sharing the beaches with others.
Great Festivals & Events
Across Europe you will find autumn brings with it incredible festivals and events. We can start with Oktoberfest in Munich. The tradition has of course spread throughout the world but nowhere is it best experienced than here where it originated.
Chocolate lovers can take part in Perugia, Italy’s Eurochocolate Festival, while wine connoisseurs can indulge in Lviv, Ukraine’s Festival of Cheese and Wine.
As the air begins to cool the beats heat up in Iceland with Iceland Airwaves, an incredible music festival showcasing not only local Icelandic sensations but also international stars and up and coming artists.
And what better way to experience Halloween than in the voted “best Halloween destination in the world” city of Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Colors
From the forests of Northern Europe to popular cities like Paris, Europe is set on fire each autumn, but no firefighters are needed for this blaze. Fall foliage beckons travelers to snap and post its beauty across their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Places like Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Slovenia are just some of the many attractive options when it comes to incredible landscape viewing. Wine regions such as those in Portugal also begin to look like something out of a storybook.
And it’s not just the trees that are showing off their best colors. The skies across countries like Norway, Finland, and Iceland are beginning to come into Northern Lights season where almost unreal vibrant colors paint the pitch black dark canvas of the night sky.
Authentic Culture
One of the main draw cards to traveling, especially in Europe, is to experience culture. With so many countries and incredible cultures so close to each other, a traveler can experience a wealth of differing customs and traditions. Unfortunately summer seems to tarnish the real cultures of many European countries as they cater to tourists, where the main goal is to capitalize on their dollars while it lasts.
Cities start to become more like large amusement parks as the summer months arrive but as the tourists go home, the places we love begin to return to their true selves. They reveal the character and authentic day to day life of locals and therefore makes for a much more rewarding experience.
Relaxation Before the Holidays
Oh autumn, the gateway to the busy and hectic holidays. Why not take a relaxing vacation before the chaos of holiday gift buying, slaving in the kitchen, and planning for get-togethers begins.
You will be the hit of holiday gatherings as you relive your fresh European holiday memories. It also offers the opportunity to pick up the perfect holiday gifts in the form of international souvenirs that will have all of your family and friends voting you the best gift-giver.