By Emma Patch
Published 4 July 2023
The number of people traveling this summer is the highest since before the pandemic, and airlines and hotels are raising prices to match the demand. However, you can find deals on flights and lodging toward the end of August and heading into the fall, especially if you travel domestically. Domestic airfares are expected to drop 6% from July to August and continue to decrease throughout the shoulder season, according to travel insights from Hopper.
Nevertheless, due to high demand and fewer seats on international routes, international airfares are currently at their highest levels in at least five years, as indicated by Hopper. Airfares to Europe average 24% higher than before the pandemic, while flights to Asia are 60% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic.
Nantucket
Flights to Nantucket, an enchanting island off Cape Cod, drop by 60% on average beginning in August, according to Kayak. While lodging prices can be steep during the summer, fall months offer more affordable accommodations. For instance, Nantucket’s iconic harborside hotel, White Elephant Hotel, reduces its rates from $2,200 for a five-day summer stay to around $1,395 in early October.
September and October are prime months to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the picturesque surroundings. High temperatures range from about 60 to 68 degrees, and an October visit often reveals the early colors of fall along the wooded coastline.
Despite being a slower season, October remains vibrant with events such as the Nantucket Arts Festival, featuring diverse visual, musical, theatrical, and literary presentations, and the Artists Association of Nantucket Wet Paint Weekend, which includes gallery events, auctions, and art shows.
Nantucket also offers a fantastic culinary scene, particularly during Nantucket Restaurant Week in September, where participating restaurants feature three- to five-course dinners ranging from $25 to $50. For an organic dining experience, visit Lemon Press, or indulge in classic Nantucket seafood at Toppers at the Wauwinet, a casual waterfront establishment overlooking the bay.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island, located just off Florida’s northeastern coast, boasts 13 miles of stunning beach. While summer is peak season as inland travelers escape to the coast, visiting during the shoulder season provides a calm and uncrowded environment with average high temperatures around 80 degrees in October. Round-trip airfare to Jacksonville International Airport from major U.S. cities hovers around $250, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
The island is known for its live music venues and delightful southern cuisine, highlighted at the Beech Street Grill, located within the historic William Bell house in downtown Fernandina Beach. Guests can enjoy upscale southern dining with fresh local seafood, farm-to-table produce, and craft cocktails.
Adventurers can also explore the area by horseback riding on the beach at sunrise or sunset, or play a round of golf on one of the 99 picturesque courses present on the island.
For those seeking a luxurious experience with access to award-winning golf courses, consider staying at the Omni Amelia Island Resort (starting around $357 per night) or the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which offers an unparalleled dining experience at its AAA 5-Diamond restaurant, Salt.
Antigua
With increased air routes from the U.S. to the Antilles, fares to Antigua are more reasonable compared to other international destinations. The rainy season may linger beyond summer; therefore, visiting in late October or early November could offer more agreeable weather as you arrive before the holiday rush.
Antigua is celebrated for its all-inclusive resorts. The Royalton Antigua features romantic over-water bungalows equipped with infinity plunge pools. If you book via Marriott Bonvoy, you can earn or redeem points for your stay. The resort also offers a variety of activities, including tennis, cooking classes, and water sports.
Mediterranean Cruise
Royal Caribbean International has announced a seven-night Mediterranean cruise departing mid-October from Ravenna, Italy, with stops in Naples, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Marseille, and finally Barcelona, Spain, all for just $577 per person. Affordable flights from U.S. cities to Italy are currently available for around $458 round-trip this October.
Extend your stay in Barcelona, where the cost of lodging drops significantly in autumn compared to summer. The Catalonia Parc Guell hotel in Gracia offers rates of roughly $120 per night in October, providing visitors with rich Catalan culture, especially during the National Day of Catalonia celebrations on September 11.
The city is also renowned for its gastronomy; savor the exquisite patatas bravas at Bar Tomás or explore the historic Gothic Quarter for seafood delicacies at the Mercer Restaurant.
Travel Tips
For anyone planning international travel, it is crucial to ensure that your passport is current, with an expiration date at least 30 days or, in some cases, six months beyond your return date. Currently, standard processing times for passport renewals can take 10 to 13 weeks, though expedited processing can reduce this timeframe to at least seven to nine weeks. Traveling within 14 days? You may request expedited processing with proof of travel.
Visit travel.state.gov for more information regarding passport services and requirements.
Note: This item first appeared in iBestTravel’s Personal Finance Magazine, a reliable source of advice and guidance.
