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Autumn Travel Deals

Posted by Camille Dubois on 16-09-2026

Holiday Topics

Autumn is becoming one of the smartest seasons for European travel, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices than the busy summer months. However, choosing the wrong dates or destinations can still make an autumn getaway unexpectedly expensive.

With a little planning, travellers can discover beautiful places, save money on flights and accommodation, and enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience

Choose The Right Autumn Travel Dates

Travelling during the shoulder season has long been considered a budget-friendly strategy, but as more people discover the advantages of autumn holidays, prices are no longer automatically low. The key is choosing the right period.

According to travel search data from KAYAK, flight prices can change significantly depending on the week of travel. For September trips, travellers looking to save should consider returning home before the middle of the month, as flight costs often rise afterwards.

Late October can also be a particularly attractive period for a European escape. Average flight prices are often lower compared with late September and early October, while many destinations still offer mild weather, cultural events and fewer visitors.

For accommodation, early October appears to offer some of the best value. Hotel prices tend to increase later in the month, although cheaper flights at certain times can sometimes balance out higher accommodation costs.

Look For Destinations With Double Savings

Some destinations offer better value because they are cheaper not only compared with the summer season but also compared with previous years.

Spain’s Bilbao is among the strongest options for an affordable autumn break. Flight prices have decreased significantly compared with peak summer levels, making the Basque city an attractive choice for travellers looking for culture, food and coastal scenery without high-season prices.

For those wanting warmer weather, Dubrovnik, Croatia, remains a popular autumn option. The historic coastal city is usually crowded during summer, but autumn brings a calmer atmosphere, lower travel costs and comfortable temperatures for exploring its medieval streets.

Other destinations offering good autumn value include Portugal, Italy and Cyprus, where visitors can still enjoy sunshine, local cuisine and outdoor activities after the peak holiday season.

Affordable Non-Schengen Escapes

Travellers looking for lower prices and simpler border procedures can also consider destinations outside the Schengen Area.

Albania stands out as one of the most affordable autumn choices, with flight prices significantly lower compared with summer. The country offers Mediterranean beaches, mountain landscapes and historic towns at a fraction of the cost of many traditional European destinations.

Other budget-friendly options include Tunisia, Türkiye and Montenegro. These destinations combine warm autumn weather with reduced travel costs, making them attractive alternatives to more expensive Mediterranean locations.

Montenegro, for example, allows visitors to explore dramatic coastal scenery, historic towns such as Kotor and mountain landscapes while avoiding the highest summer prices.

Plan Your Budget Beyond Flights

Saving money on flights is only part of the equation. Accommodation, food and activities can have an even greater impact on the total cost of an autumn holiday.

In affordable European destinations, travellers can often enjoy a comfortable trip with a daily budget of around €70–120 per person, covering mid-range accommodation, local transport, meals and sightseeing. More expensive cities may require €150–200 per day, especially when staying in central areas.

Choosing locally owned guesthouses, travelling by public transport and eating in traditional restaurants are simple ways to reduce expenses while experiencing a destination more authentically.

For example, in Bilbao visitors can enjoy pintxos for around €3–6 per serving, while in Albania a traditional meal can often cost less than €10. In Croatia or Montenegro, seafood restaurants near the coast may be more expensive, but smaller local cafés usually offer better value.

Travel Smart During Autumn

Autumn travel offers more than just lower prices. Cooler temperatures make city sightseeing, hiking and cultural visits more comfortable, while popular attractions are usually much quieter than in July and August.

Travellers should book flights and hotels early enough to secure good prices, but remain flexible with dates whenever possible. Even moving a trip by a few days can significantly change the final cost.

For those planning a European escape, autumn remains one of the best opportunities to combine affordability, pleasant weather and authentic experiences. By choosing the right destinations and avoiding peak travel periods, visitors can enjoy memorable holidays without the summer price tag.