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While we still might have a bit of summer left ahead of us, there is no denying that fall is approaching quickly.
Though it seems that the majority of Americans visited Europe this summer, there is still time for some travel inspiration for those who are looking to take a trip this fall.
One great idea for American travelers looking for a fall getaway is to head to the UK, a popular choice for many reasons.
Why Fall?
The good news is that for many popular destinations, fall starts the shoulder season, meaning great deals to be had and fewer people to contend with as you enjoy your holiday. Shoulder seasons are during the end of the busy summer rush and before any holiday or winter travel starts to pick up, leaving a few blissful months where the weather is cool, the prices are a bit lower, and the crowds are sparse.
A shoulder season is often a great deal for many as most people are back to work, and getting some vacation time in the fall might not be easy for some, not to mention the kids who are just back in school after their summer break.
However, for those who can carve out some time, taking a fall trip offers many benefits. The United Kingdom is one example of a trending place that is perfect for visiting in the fall, especially for those coming from America.
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6 Reasons Why The UK Makes An Ideal Fall Getaway For American Travelers
Just Across The Pond
For American travelers looking to go abroad, oftentimes traveling there and back can eat up half of your vacation time. This is one reason the UK is ideal for American travelers.
For those flying from the east coast, you can go to sleep as your flight departs at six pm and wake up in Heathrow at six am. Sure, you might be a little jet-lagged, but it’s nothing a nice coffee and stroll around London won’t sort out.
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Perfect Weather
You might have heard that there is nothing like an English summer, and yes it’s true that the sunny summer months are perfect for sitting in a UK beer garden.
However, a case must be made for the fall weather in the UK as well, when the sunny skies linger until October and the moody rain starts to set in. As long as you pack an umbrella and some cute rain boots (brolly and wellies), it’s nothing that will damper a holiday.
In fact, the ambiance of a rainy October visit in the UK really can’t be beaten as you explore the ancient cobblestone streets.
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Cheaper Flights
As with many destinations in the shoulder season, flight prices drop significantly in the fall months from the U.S. to the UK.
For example, a quick search on any site will show you that a one-way ticket from JFK to Heathrow is easily one hundred dollars cheaper in mid-September than it is in August.
While the prices drop on the major airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and Virgin, even the low-cost Norse Airlines can get you to London for under $200 one way at the start of September, which is a fraction of what their tickets were going for at the end of July.
Fewer Crowds
If you have read anything about travel this year, then you know that most of Europe was packed with crowds of tourists, and the UK is no exception.
When the visitors go home and the kids are back in school, exploring the sights around the UK is much more enjoyable, with trains and roads less crowded and accommodations not booked full.
Visiting popular attractions such as the London Eye or Edinburgh Castle will be a much more peaceful experience in the fall, and you are likely to have more of this beautiful country to yourself to explore.
Remember to visit some places other than the most popular cities, even if they are only a short distance making them a perfect day trip.
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Foliage
While we might be a bit spoiled in America for fall foliage, it never hurts to do some international leaf peeping as well. The English countryside is always beautiful, but especially so in fall when the leaves change.
With numerous national parks including the stunning Lake District to visit, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to watching the fall season roll in. Even a stroll around central London will reward you with an explosion of fiery fall colors at every turn.
@myloveletterfrom Ambleside in autumn 🤎🍁 #thelakedistrict #autumn #fyp ♬ original sound – Kyle Rothwell
Cheaper Prices
One thing to mention regarding prices is that big cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh will always be pricey, no matter the month. Meaning that waiting until the fall doesn’t mean you are likely to get a London hotel at a rock-bottom price, however, you are likely to see some money, so it’s worth checking around for good deals.
One area that is cheaper in the fall months would be the caroming and cozy smaller village pubs and bnb rooms across the country, where the landlords lower the room rates to attract visitors now that the summer surge has slowed down.
Attractions and tours are often a bit cheaper in the fall as well, meaning you can stretch your money much more than you would be able to in a summer visit.
Insider Tip: If possible, avoid traveling in the UK during their school half-term break, which for 2023 is around October 22nd – November 1st. This is when all the families will go on holiday and if not going abroad, will visit the top sites around the country.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com