Autumn's a fine time to travel and save money

Travelers might consider a trip to Lisbon in the fall. European vacations are discounted, and Portugal is the cheapest place to go in western Europe

From Jim Morelli
CNN Travel Now

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Wouldn't you know it? You've just gotten the kids off to school and settled back into the office grind, and suddenly travel bargains are popping up all over.

"Fall typically is a less expensive time to travel," said Rhona Albright of Carson Wagonlit Travel. "Kind of in between the seasons there." The reason is simple: Supply exceeds demand, because fewer people have time for a vacation in the fall. But travel experts say those who do can really clean up.

QUICKVOTE What would be your ideal vacation this fall? Taking a cruise Going to the beach Sightseeing in Europe Looking at fall foliage View Results     MESSAGE BOARD Where in the world would you like to travel?     SENIOR TRAVEL The time is right for seniors to visit Europe

A trip to the beach will probably cost you less, for example, but those savings do come with a risk. "This is the hurricane season," said Terry Trippler of OneTravel.com. "But if you get down to the Caribbean and there's no hurricane, you can get a really good price on a hotel, a decent airfare, et cetera."

Don't disregard cruises, either. Prices are at their lowest this time of year, and experts say the ships have no problem steering away from storms.

If you prefer not to take that chance, consider finally taking that trip to Europe. Flights to London, Paris and Rome, among others, are all on sale.

Travelers can also look forward to bargains in Lisbon. "Portugal is the cheapest place to go in western Europe, and a lot of people are going over there," said Heidi Sherman of Travel & Leisure. "Especially if you live in the East, you can fly over there for a four-day weekend and you can spend your time at the beach or at old castles."

Cruise prices are at their lowest this time of year

Prices in Germany also drop this time of year, just as the Oktoberfest beer gets flowing, and the crowds generally thin in Corsica.

If you're looking for something really different, how about a vacation in the Balkans - - specifically Croatia. "You can basically get an Italian-style holiday in Croatia at about one-fifth the price," said Wendy Perrin of Conde Nast.

Amid all the bargains, travel experts say the most familiar fall vacation is the one you might want to avoid.

Stunning as that colorful autumn foliage may be, trips to prime leaf-peeping locales like New England and the Blue Ridge Mountains can mean high lodging prices and big crowds -- even the kind of bumper-to-bumper traffic you thought you had left behind.

Don't let fall pass you by
October 8, 1997

Travel & Leisure
OneTravel.com

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