Europe's 'secret' tourist season begins

According to CNN, summer is considered the most popular tourist season in Europe, but it cannot bring a quiet, cool and relaxing experience.

Monaco is a year-round destination but will be less crowded in late autumn. Photo: Olivier Djiann/iStock Editorial/Getty Images

For travelers looking to avoid summer overtourism and save money, autumn is considered Europe's "secret".

From around mid-October to mid-December is the low tourist season in Europe, with fewer people travelling and more pleasant temperatures than the scorching summer tourist months.

Solutions to avoid crowded travel in the fall

“The cheapest time to fly to Europe is typically from mid-October to mid-December. Airfares during those eight to nine weeks are typically around 40% cheaper on average than during the peak summer season in June,” says Hayley Berg, chief economist at travel platform Hopper.

Hopper data shows that airfares to Europe from the U.S. between October 20 and December 8 averaged between $560 and $630 per ticket — down 9% from the same period last year and down 5% from the same period in 2019.

The data also shows that the average overnight room rate in the top 10 tourist cities in Europe (including places like Amsterdam, Paris and Munich) fell 27% in December compared to June when tourism peaks.

People stroll between stalls at the Christmas market at Place de la Cathédrale in Strasbourg, France. The market opens on November 27 this year. Photo: Orietta Gaspari/iStock Unreleased/Getty Images

Jack Ezon, founder of travel company EMBARK Beyond, said he has seen a shift in customer demand to choose to travel during off-peak seasons like spring or fall.

He attributed the trend to unbearably hot summers in many places, price increases of around 40% to 50% in popular European destinations and overtourism that has affected local communities in many places.

Some of the most ideal destinations that Mr. Ezon often recommends to his clients when traveling in the fall are Spain, Monaco and Ireland.

“Although the beach clubs in St. Tropez are closed, Monaco is truly a year-round destination, with beautiful, mild weather lasting well into December,” said Mr. Ezon, adding that the small country on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea offers great shopping, great food and access to stunning nature at your fingertips.

Madeline Steuber, Advisor to Virtuoso and co-founder of Steuber Travel Group, asserts that being flexible by shifting trips from high season to low season can help reduce hotel costs as well as provide a more complete experience.

“We have premium guides, premium drivers and great hotels at prices that are much lower than what you would pay for similar services in the summer,” said Steuber.

"Think differently"

London, Paris and Rome remain the most sought-after destinations in Europe at any time of year — including end-of-year trips from mid-October to mid-December, Berg notes.

The Northern Lights illuminate the sky over Reine in Norway's Lofoten Islands. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Image

However, some lesser-known European destinations with increased demand (including search demand at this time of year) include Marseille in southern France, Cyprus, Denmark's Faroe Islands, Longyearbyen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago and Helsinki, according to Hopper data.

Mediterranean cities in the south of France, Greece and Cyprus offer a peaceful atmosphere in November and December while Northern European destinations including the Faroe Islands, Finland and Norway offer the chance to see the Northern Lights.

"There's definitely a trend toward younger travelers going to many of these destinations. American travelers who would have gone to Jackson Hole a few years ago are now going to the Arctic Circle," Berg said.

According to Booking.com, its survey of popular destinations in 2025 shows growing interest in unique European cities such as Trieste, Italy; Tignes, France; and Villajoyosa, Spain.

The site also found that nearly two-thirds (61%) of Americans plan to travel during the off-season next year to reduce the overall cost of their trips.

Traveling to Europe in January or February can offer cooler temperatures. However, traveling in the fall also offers similar benefits, combined with lower costs and fewer crowds.

"During this time, tourists will also have more local experiences, which is also what they are looking for," Berg emphasized./.

Hong Nhung

Source: https://toquoc.vn/mua-du-lich-bi-mat-cua-chau-au-bat-dau-20241021154005306.htm