It’s shoulder season for travel and the cheaper airfare and smaller crowds make it a great time to visit just about anywhere in the United States or internationally. Check out these five popular destinations to visit and learn the best time to book holiday flights to get a good deal.

5 Great Places to Consider for Fall Travel

1. U.S. national parks: Some U.S. national parks have become so popular that they require reservations during the busy summer months. Things slow down in the fall and airfare to most major cities drop, making this a great time to visit one of these natural beauties.

2. Sante Fe, New Mexico: After booked hotels and challenging parking throughout summer, crowds thin out during autumn so you can enjoy scenic fall drives and museums.

3. Japan: The weak yen and a 33% drop in roundtrip airfare make it a great time to visit this highly sought after destination that offers several low-cost options for entertainment and meals.  

4. Repositioning cruises: There are great deals this time of year when cruise lines move their ships from one region to another. Aside from saving money, travelers may be able to enjoy unique itineraries that aren’t normally for sale.

5. Disney World: With kids back to school, theme park tickets are lower in price and parks should be less crowded. Plus, fall airfare prices to Orlando and Miami are down about $80 per ticket.

Remember to Plan Your Holiday Travel

While you’re checking flights for fall destinations, it’s also a good time to book travel for the upcoming holiday season. For Thanksgiving, flights are typically the least expensive between 26 and 59 days out, making early October the best time to start looking. For Christmas, prices tend to be lowest between 36 and 72 days prior, so it’s ideal to book flights in mid-October. Another thing to keep in mind is which day of the week you’re traveling. You may save up to 13% if you have the flexibility to fly on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Even with lower prices, traveling costs can still add up. Protect your investment with travel insurance in case something unexpected happens. Travel insurance is designed to reimburse you for pre-paid and nonrefundable expenses along with baggage loss or damage, delays, rental car protection and more. To learn more about this important coverage, contact Westwood and talk to an agent.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.