With Europe’s summer crowds, high prices, and intense heat fading, an ideal time to explore the continent has arrived. Welcome to Europe’s “secret season”—from mid-October to mid-December—when fewer tourists, mild temperatures, and significant travel deals create a uniquely calm experience.

This off-peak period is a refreshing alternative to Europe’s busy summer. After a season marked by overcrowded tourist hotspots, record heat waves, and even selfie stoplights in Rome and Florence, fall offers a more relaxed and budget-friendly European escape.

Lower Airfare and Accommodation Costs

Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel platform Hopper, shares that airfare to Europe from mid-October through early December is often 40% lower than in peak summer. Round-trip flights from the United States currently average between $560 and $630. During this period, average accommodation rates in popular European destinations, like Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich, are about 27% lower than summer rates.

Thanksgiving week,    when many Americans are focused on domestic travel is also prime for affordable European trips. According to Katy Nastro from the travel site Going, “International flights to Europe become particularly affordable, as airlines lower fares to fill seats.” The last week of November through mid-December is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, just before the holiday rush drives prices back up.

Autumn Travel Destinations to Consider

As summer travel becomes more expensive and crowded, destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Ireland are particularly appealing in the fall. For Jack Ezon, founder of EMBARK Beyond travel agency, “Many clients now prefer to travel to Europe during the spring or fall, avoiding the summer’s heat and crowds.”

For travellers seeking temperate climates with a touch of luxury, Monaco, on the French Riviera, is a great fall destination. Although beach clubs in nearby St. Tropez may be closed, Monaco’s mild weather and year-round attractions—shopping, dining, and nature excursions—make it worth the trip.

Autumn also offers the opportunity to experience Europe’s famous river cruises, which come with great deals in late November and early December. These cruises along the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers often coincide with seasonal Christmas markets, providing travellers with a unique way to enjoy Europe’s holiday spirit.

Christmas Markets and European Charm

For those interested in Europe’s famous Christmas markets, this season’s timing is perfect. France’s Strasbourg Christmas market opens on November 27, and Germany’s Nuremberg market starts on November 29. Nastro from Going points out that “you could be sipping mulled wine and enjoying gingerbread while friends back home are busy with Thanksgiving dinners.”

Exploring beyond classic destinations like London, Paris, and Rome, other unique European cities have seen a rise in interest. Hopper’s data highlights Marseille, Cyprus, Denmark’s Faroe Islands, Norway’s Svalbard, and Finland’s Helsinki as offbeat locations gaining popularity. Mediterranean regions, like Greece and Cyprus, stay warm into November, while Northern European areas offer breathtaking views of the Northern Lights.

Luxury Travel at Affordable Prices

Fall also provides the chance to experience luxury accommodations at discounted rates. Madeline Steuber, Virtuoso adviser and co-founder of Steuber Travel Group notes that “flexible travel dates in late November and early December allow for deals on premium hotels, guides, and drivers.” Properties like Adare Manor in Ireland, J.K. Place Roma in Italy, and Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca offer rates significantly lower than during summer.

For instance, a night at Adare Manor on Thanksgiving this year is $814, while the same room costs nearly double in June 2025. Similarly, at Mallorca’s Grand Hotel Son Net, a room on Thanksgiving night is 515 euros, compared to 1,075 euros in peak summer.

Additional Savings: Travel Deal Tuesday

For those who can’t travel this fall, there’s another chance to save on trips. Travel Deal Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—is considered the best day to book international trips, with discounts on airfare and hotel rates. This year, Travel Deal Tuesday falls on December 3.

While summer may remain Europe’s high season, fall offers a quieter, more affordable experience. As Berg from Hopper says, “Traveling in the shoulder season lets you experience a more local side of Europe, something travellers are craving now more than ever.”