Autumn is the season when we realize the year is moving rapidly to its close and the budget minded traveler wants to grab a short break without busting the travel budget. The smart budget traveler realizes this is a great time to get a bargain trip because the school term has started so the destinations are chasing smaller crowds until half term. This makes the Fall an excellent time
to head for your favorite resort and save cash on room prices, airfares, car rental and eating out.
High Season and low season times vary around the world but
budget travel is still possible in most areas as this time of year is a lull between peak times for summer and winter destinations. For instance, while
winter is the high season for ski resorts, in the higher altitude villages it is often possible to ski from late autumn, when prices for hotels, meals and rental cars are still much lower than the peak season.
In the same way, popular Summer resorts and destinations still offer lots to enjoy, and
often more so, at the end of the season. Autumn brings the bonus of lower temperatures and fewer crowds as well as lower prices. The same restaurant where reservations were impossible to come by in the busy summer
months may suddenly be available in the fall, and that pricey summer hotel room may be quite affordable once summer has ended.
When looking for the best possible deal on Fall travel, it is
important to research your destination thoroughly.
While fall is the off season for most locations, this does not apply everywhere. Be sure that there really are better value offers for Autumn before booking your trip.
It is also important to check the weather, including average
temperatures and average rainfall levels, for your fall travel
destination. After all, lower autumn prices will do you no good
if rain or uncomfortable temperatures ruin your long anticipated
vacation.
If the average temperature and rainfall levels are to your
liking, it is time to start searching for the perfect fall
travel deals. Start planning early for your fall
vacation. While the heat of summer is still around, be sure to
start shopping for the best fall deals. Airlines often start
promoting their lower fall airfares during high summer, and it is important to act fast to get the lowest
fares. The same goes for rental cars and hotel rooms, and those
fall specials are often snapped up very quickly by other budget
minded travelers.
Some Hideaway Suggestions for Your Autumn Trip FRANCE See the Gers region in Gascony: Fly to Toulouse, rent a car at $220 per week and get a room in Auch. What to do: hiking, kayaking, visit chateaux and abbeys before the wonderful meals that you must try. This is a region specializing in Foie Gras.
GREECE Visit Messenia: Fly to Kalamata, hire a car for $150 per week and find accommodation in Kardamyli or Pylos. Things to do: swimming, walking in olive groves and past waterfalls, visiting amphitheatres, ruins and archaeology museum.
ITALY Le Marche, the new Tuscany. Fly to Ancona, car rental for $200 a week and find a place to stay in Collina. Activities: do not miss the Truffle Festivals from the end of October till early November, also hill walking, mushroom hunting (of course), hiking and cave visits at Genga. All this prepares you for the fantastic food served in this region.
SPAIN Visit the Basque Country: Fly to Bilbao, rent a car for $200 per week and stay San Sebastian Old Tow. Things to do: laze on the magnificent sandy beaches, visit the mountain villages of Tolosa and Durango, and go walking in the National Park to work up an appetite for Arzak, a superb Michelin three-star restaurant in San Sebastian.
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