A view of Split, Croatia, from the Saint Domnius Clock Tower. Croatia is one of the most popular European … [+] autumn destinations.
There is already a slight chill in the air in Split, Croatia, in early September. The scent of ripening figs and pine needles permeates the old town centre. Residents seem relieved that the autumn travel season has begun in Europe.
But this year, their relief may be short-lived.
“Travel to Europe this autumn is booming,” says Mandy Pullin, travel advisor at DPP Travel. “Suppliers and travel advisors are struggling to meet people’s intense need to get away. In addition to the urgency, the euro and dollar are almost one-to-one, so travelers can more easily see the value of their dollars.”
Airfare and room rates are falling with fig leaves in Split and elsewhere, but the dynamic has changed. Demand for travel to Europe remains unusually high. And there are the wild cards, like inconsistent flight service and COVID. All of this might make you wonder if it’s still worth visiting Europe this fall.
In Split, hope for a return to “normal”
Vjeran Mlačić, a tour guide in Split, says the city’s tourism authorities are happy to have visitors back after two slower pandemic years. See the article : Saturday Sports: South Lewis prepares for another year of 8-man football. But the tourists have kept coming, and there are no signs of them stopping.
Split’s inner city, with its narrow streets and Roman ruins, is as crowded as ever. In some of the smaller corridors, bottlenecks can even bring pedestrian traffic to a complete standstill.
“When the flights to Split stop,” he says. “things are returning to normal.”
But this year, seasonal flights from European hubs will continue until October. Every year, says Mlačić, the dates are moved further back. It’s something that’s happening across Europe as interest in tourism remains at record levels.
“September is actually busier in Europe than August was for the first time in my 22-year career,” says Jack Ezon, managing partner of EMBARK Beyond.
Sales are up 34% in September and October is up 34% compared to 2019 and 37% compared to 2018 – a new record. Croatia and Montenegro are among the hottest destinations, with his clients flocking to resorts like the new One&Only Portonovi, “which is probably the best luxury value in the Mediterranean and stunning,” according to Ezon.
Fall prices to Europe are lower, but …
Demand is high for travel to Europe
Earlier this year, Allianz Partners famously predicted that travel to Europe would increase by 600% by 2022. By all accounts, that may have happened this summer – and it may also be true for autumn. On the same subject : Novak Djokovic’s vaccination status remains an obstacle to the US Open. There are no reliable predictions for autumn in Europe. The European Travel Commission has not released a forecast for the fall, leaving experts to speculate.
“While some expect travel volumes to Europe to remain down compared to pre-pandemic levels, it is still likely to be the busiest autumn season since 2019,” said Narendra Khatri, principal at Insubuy, a travel insurer. “Plus, with so many flights being canceled, it can seem busier than ever to the average traveler.”
But when you talk to people in Split, you get the idea that summer may never end. There is no Labor Day in Croatia, but the streets are still full of tourists this weekend. On a warm Friday afternoon, you can hear English, French and German spoken by visitors on the streets and in the cafe. August, the traditional vacation month, may be over — but apparently these people didn’t get the memo.
How to save money on a trip to Europe this fall
In Europe, prices can be misleading. Croatia, for example, still uses the kuna as legal tender – it will switch to the euro at the end of this year. But even with the dollar at parity with the euro, inflation in Europe has been high. On the same subject : Meet the 2021-22 Boone County Sports Awards Athletes of the Year. That means you can pay more for your hotel, restaurant meal and tour. Here is my complete guide to planning a trip.
But face it: Europe has never been a cheap destination. You will be able to save money due to the favorable exchange rate, but you will not be able to buy a castle.
Expert advice for your fall trip to Europe
Here’s some expert advice on how to plan a better trip:
Don’t wait to plan your fall trip to Europe
Plan ahead so you can secure access to all the sites on your list,” advises Sara Kramer, director of marketing at Ker & Downey. If you do, you may have more options, such as special tours, private villas, river barges, and yachts .They fill up quickly, even in autumn.
Yes, COVID is still an issue
Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach, thinks so. “COVID is still a problem because it’s still with us,” she says. But she says it is much easier to travel to Europe than it has been in recent years. The US also no longer requires a negative test to enter, making the return journey easier.
Give yourself extra time on the ground
“Plan for two extra days before and after the main tour,” advises Marino Cardelli, managing director of Experience BellaVita. “I’ve had many clients whose flights were canceled or delayed. So having extra time before and after makes for a safer journey.” It’s always sound advice, but with this summer’s airline delays expected to continue indefinitely, it’s important not to fail. Your trip to Europe could be seriously disrupted this autumn.
So should you visit Europe this fall?
With everything going on—high prices, continued airline chaos, COVID—should you still be visiting Europe this fall? Absolutely, experts say.
“Autumn is probably the best time to visit Europe,” says Kat Kalashian, special projects manager for Live and Invest Overseas. “The weather is cool and pleasant, much like spring, but without all the spring tourists. All the locals are back to their routines and the kids are in school, so museums and monuments are far less crowded overall.”
If you’re visiting Europe, expect fall conditions, but treat it like summer. Prepare for airline delays, watch for COVID and keep an eye on the bottom line. COVID has turned everything upside down, including the predictable nature of fall travel to Europe. At least that’s what they’ll tell you in Split.
