With fall arriving, there are only a precious few months left before winter weather comes knocking and the holidays start calling. The time to get away is now — before your schedule is loaded with festive soirees and holiday obligations.
To get you started, Cheapflights.com has done our homework (it’s back-to-school season, after all) – looking at average flight prices, rising popularity and even weather forecasts – to bring you the best destinations for travelers looking to save money, explore a new city, or get a little sun in before winter hits. So, read on and start planning — consider it an early holiday present to yourself.
For budget travelers: Rome, Italy
Flights to Rome are 22% lower in November than the monthly average. This affordable window is ideal for savvy travelers who are hoping to cross Italy off their bucket list without breaking the bank. While November weather isn’t perfect (the first week is typically the warmest of the month and it usually drops off from there), you can also take advantage of lower hotel prices, which tend to fall with the temps as well. Weather during the day may still be in the low 60s, but pack layers and an umbrella just in case. As a bonus, you’ll also benefit from shorter lines and wait times for museums and restaurants — and, trust us, warming up with a glass of wine and savory local cuisine works every time.
For weather watchers: Bangkok, Thailand
While it’s hot year round, temperatures in Bangkok start to dip a bit in November taking the edge off the humidity felt in previous months. Highs may still reach 90 but lows will be in the mid-70s, making it one of the most pleasant months to explore the city on foot. And, with the rainy season wrapping up in October, November is one of the drier months, making the weather ideal for sightseeing. Explore the area’s many gorgeous wats (temples), dine on street food staples like pad thai and papaya salad and people watch along Khao San Road.
For the best of both: Sydney, Australia
While Australia isn’t the cheapest destination for American travelers, it’s a dream destination for many. And what better opportunity to head Down Under than a drop in airfare during one of the most pleasant seasons in Sydney? Our data shows that November is the month with the lowest average airfare — 17% lower than the monthly average, in fact. And with November being the tail end of spring in Sydney with summer following close behind, it’s a great time to hit the beach. Try your hand at surfing or simply enjoy the sun and sand at world-famous Bondi Beach.
For trendsetters: Knoxville, Tennessee
Searches for flights to Knoxville are on the rise for November travel, and it’s no wonder. This Southern gem has a lot to offer. Visit Market Square for trendy restaurants, eclectic shopping and live music. For art galleries and live music venues, head to the Old City, once the area’s red-light district and now a thriving creative hub. A day trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, less than 40 minutes away, should be on any Knoxville traveler’s agenda. Rent a car and enjoy the picturesque route. If you time your trip right (on the earlier side of the month), you may be lucky enough to enjoy peak fall foliage — a stunning sight in the Smokies.
For advanced planners: Orlando, Florida
The cheapest time to book an Orlando vacation is, on average, the last week in November (right after Thanksgiving) for travel the first week in December. But you can also book a January trip in early-to-mid-November for average airfares that are virtually as affordable. Winter is a great time to visit Florida, especially if you’re traveling to Orlando for a trip to Disney World. With mild but pleasant temperatures that usually range from the 50s to 70s, travelers can comfortably walk around the theme parks without worrying about the heat or humidity holding them back. December and January are also some of the driest months in Florida, which can also be of great value to park goers.
Where are you hoping to travel this November? Share with us in the comments.
*Just so you know, the data for this story was compiled on Aug. 23, 2017, and compares the monthly average airfares found a month or more in advance on Cheapflights for travel dates between Dec. 1, 2016, and Nov. 30, 2017, as well as total volume of flight searches done 90-120 in advance for travel dates between April 1, 2016, and November 30, 2017, from departure points across the U.S. to the destinations above and is intended as a guideline only. Check the latest up-to-date prices and search for flights at Cheapflights.com
