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Need to De-Stress? These Escapes Are Affordable Now
Here’s Wendy, snorkeling in Belize—a smart choice for a quick, affordable fall getaway. Photo: Timothy Baker If you’re looking for value, now is one of the best times of the year to travel. From now until just before the Thanksgiving school break, and from just after Thanksgiving weekend until the Christmas rush, relatively few people are traveling. That means off-peak prices, during those pre-holiday windows of time, in nearby tropical locales such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico.
Europe can be a great option too, including during Thanksgiving week, since that’s low season across the Pond. November is a high-value time for cultural capitals or spots in southern Europe where it’s still warm enough for meals al fresco, among them Portugal, Sicily, Malta, Istanbul, and, in Greece, Athens and the islands of Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes.
Central Europe can get rain in November, but just before Thanksgiving, holiday markets start up, turning cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Strasbourg, and Munich so bright and cheery that the festive lights and comfort food—think hot mulled wine and raclette—tend to drown out the drizzle. The farther north you go, the earlier it gets dark, but if you’re where holiday markets are, they illuminate the night and provide plenty of evening activity.
Dig into our Insider’s Guides below for info on these getaway options and even more smart escapes in late fall. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Los Cabos Villa Vacations: Insider’s Guide to Cabo Beach Escapes
The crucial questions you need to ask before renting a villa in Los Cabos, Mexico, plus the best times to travel, must-have amenities, and insider secrets for the best vacation ever.
Insider’s Guide to Portugal: A Year-Round European Escape
Things to Do and See Most underrated The Alentejo region. The rolling hills, the cork oak trees, and the tiny little towns have almost a spiritual draw. A few top-quality hotels have recently appeared in the region, and the coastal area from Comporta south has already been discovered by the international crowd. But for now, ...
Insider’s Guide to Belize: A More Affordable Caribbean
What to See and Do Don’t miss Get in the water! The Belize Barrier Reef is the world’s second-largest living coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; three of the only four atolls in the entire Western Hemisphere are located off Belize; 28% of the country’s waters are Marine Protected Areas, with some ...
Secrets of Florence, Italy: Insider’s Guide to What Not to Miss
Where to Stay and Eat Hotel worth the splurge The Portrait Firenze is a favorite special-occasion choice, located next to the Ponte Vecchio overlooking the Arno River. Its Caffè dell’Oro has all-day dining (including aperitivo and a late-night menu) with outdoor lounges overlooking Lungarno degli Acciauoli, the pedestrian promenade that runs along the river. As ...
Insider’s Guide to Maui: This Hawaiian Island Excels in Low Season
Where to Stay and Eat Hotels worth the splurge The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has the best location on the island (you may recall that it served as the backdrop for White Lotus’ first season) and a superb staff. The adults-only Serenity Pool and main pool are both stunning and provide a great ...
Insider’s Guide to Mexico City’s World-Class Art, Design, and Cuisine
Where to Stay and Eat Best bang-for-your-buck hotel Casa Polanco. This boutique property has fewer than 20 rooms and is ideally located right in the Polanco neighborhood by Lincoln Park, a perfect little oasis in the bustling city. A renovated historic mansion, the hotel seamlessly blends luxury and a sense of place. All rooms are ...
Sicily: Insider’s Guide to the Ultimate Experience of the Island
Our travel experts share insider tips for planning the perfect trip to Sicily.
Insider’s Guide to Chile & Patagonia: When To Get the Best Value
What to See and Do Most underrated places The Aysen region. Aysen comprises the areas south of the Lakes District but north of Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Patagonia, if not the world. Its complicated access (there are flights from Santiago and Puerto Montt to Balmaceda airport) ...
Austria, Including Vienna and the Danube: Insider’s Guide
Where to Stay and Eat Best-value splurge hotels The Sacher properties in both Vienna and Salzburg, still family-owned and operated, offer the quintessential Austrian luxury hotel experience. Gwen’s travelers get bed-and-breakfast rates a bit lower than what is published, an upgrade if available, and sometimes early check-in or late checkout. In off-peak months, the Vienna ...
Bavaria, Germany: An Insider’s Guide to its Hidden Gems
Things to Do and See Most underrated experience Many pass by the shores of Lake Constance en route from Bavaria to the Black Forest, yet few bother to stick around for a few days. This is a shame because Lindau and the surrounding area are a natural playground, particularly if you’re into biking and water ...
Istanbul for Quick Trips: Insider’s Guide
Where to Stay and Eat Best-value splurge hotels The new Peninsula Istanbul is a game changer in Istanbul and a must-stay. The beautiful outside terrace right on the Bosphorus is a wonderful area to sit and enjoy the view of the historical peninsula and Istanbul’s ferry traffic. Don’t miss dinner at Gallada on the rooftop. ...
Secrets of Malta: Insider’s Guide
Things to Do and See Most underrated place The Three Cities, a six-minute ferry ride from Valletta. Before Valletta was established as the capital in the 1560s, the fortified towns of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua), and Isla (Senglea) held the spotlight. Today, their quiet streets, waterfront promenades, and spectacular tucked-away museums offer a serene vantage ...
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