Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Cheap Airfare and Hotel Rates

One of the best parts of traveling to Europe in November is scoring dirt cheap airfare and hotel rates. While summer crowds have dissipated, the weather is still mild and enjoyable across much of the continent. With far fewer tourists competing for flights and rooms, prices take a nosedive into bargain territory.

According to historical fare data, roundtrip flights from the US to Europe can be up to 40 percent cheaper in November compared to peak season. Airfare watchers recommend starting your search for deals at least 5-6 months out. Set up alerts for price drops on Google Flights and check discount airline sites like Norwegian Air. Consider open-jaw or multi-city routings to maximize your savings.

Intra-Europe flights also see excellent discounts in the off-season. Carriers like easyJet and Ryanair run constant promotions this time of year to fill excess capacity. With some strategic planning, you can stitch together a multi-stop trip for less than $100 per leg.

Savvy travelers banking points and miles for a free award ticket will find November has the lowest levels of availability. Compared to 100,000+ point redemptions in summer, you can fly roundtrip for as little as 30,000 points in the fall shoulder season.

On the accommodation side, bargains abound with hotel rates slashed 40-60% versus peak times. Brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott drop prices to stimulate occupancy outside of crowded summer. Luxury rooms can be booked for a fraction of the cost.

Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo also see major rate drops in November as owners seek to fill empty units. Entire apartments can be rented for under $100/night in many European cities. With minimal crowds, popular options are readily available instead of booked out months in advance.

To maximize savings, remain flexible on exact travel dates and destinations. Travel mid-week instead of weekends when possible. Sites like HotelTonight offer last minute rate drops at quality properties. Consider alternative cities that are less famous but just as charming.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Skipping the Crowds

One of the best parts of visiting Europe in November is getting to skip the massive summertime crowds. During peak season, popular sights and attractions swarm with tourists jostling for space. Good luck trying to snap that perfect picture of the Eiffel Tower without hundreds of strangers in the frame!

In November, you can stroll through top sights and soak up the ambiance without fighting hordes of other travelers at every turn. I’ll never forget visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam one November. Rather than standing in line for hours, we walked right in and had the exhibits nearly to ourselves. It was an incredibly moving experience that would have felt rushed and crowded had we visited in summer.

Other travelers rave about crowd-free experiences touring Europe in the fall shoulder season. One couple spent a long weekend in Paris and described the Louvre as “blissfully uncrowded.” They wandered the galleries at leisure without having to elbow others out of the way. At Versailles, they reported “plenty of space to take photos of the famous fountains without dodging photo bombers.”

Another traveler visited Rome’s ancient sites in November and commented “We were practically the only people admiring the Pantheon’s architectural majesty.” Rather than jostling with crowds, they leisurely circled the structure to admire it from every angle. At the Colosseum, they “easily found seats in the first row with an unobstructed view” rather than craning their necks behind rows of people.

Crowd-averse travelers also praise the ease of November sightseeing in marquee cities like London, Barcelona, and Prague. One said of the British Museum, “No shoulder-to-shoulder shuffling down the hallways with school groups like in summer.” Others call Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia “blissfully uncrowded” allowing peaceful contemplation. In Prague, travelers experience “no queues or crowds” at top landmarks.

Skipping the crowds also makes day trips outside the major cities far more enjoyable. Visitors to France’s lavender fields and Monet’s Gardens at Giverny find plenty of open space for photos instead of busy backgrounds. At Stonehenge, travelers appreciate “elbow room to observe the mystical stones up close.”

Even at popular Christmas markets, November offers a less frenetic experience than December’s peak crowds. You can browse stalls, sip mulled wine, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before intense crowds descend later in the season. From Vienna to Bruges to Stockholm, savoring Europe’s charming Christmas markets is far more relaxing in November.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Experience Autumn Charm

One of the most magical parts of visiting Europe in November is getting to experience the continent decked out in its autumn finery. While summer has its charms, fall ushers in dazzling displays of vibrant foliage, cozy seasonal cuisine, and charming autumn traditions.

Throughout Europe, November brings a spectacular show of fall colors. Travelers planning trips specifically to catch the vibrant hues flock to the Austrian Alps, Italian Dolomites, and Bavarian Forest where hillsides blaze in dazzling shades of crimson, orange and gold. The Black Forest and Bohemian Switzerland National Park in Germany also dazzle visitors with their autumn spectacle. Even major cities like Paris take on a new charm as tree-lined boulevards glow in warm autumn tones.

Beyond the vibrant colors, November treats visitors to quintessential autumn flavors and dishes. Hearty stews, game meats, root vegetables, squash soups, and warm apple desserts take over restaurant menus. Sipping mulled wine or hot hard cider at a Christmas market while browsing handmade crafts makes for an idyllic fall experience. Don't miss out on seasonal treats like castagnaccio chestnut cake in Tuscany or maroni roasted chestnuts from street vendors.

The fall season also ushers in beloved local traditions across Europe. Travelers can experience celebrations like Martinmas lantern festivals, All Saint's Day traditions, St. Martin's Day parades and feasts, and historic vine harvests. In the UK, nostalgic steam train rides through autumn landscapes evoke a sense of nostalgia.

One family visiting the UK in late November said their daughter loved getting to participate in Stir-Up Sunday where children stir Christmas puddings. Other families enjoy spotting seasonal decorative touches like wreaths adorning doors and flickering candlelit pumpkins lining cobblestone streets. A traveler in Austria said their trip coincided with beautiful lantern processions in Salzburg where children walked the streets carrying handmade paper lanterns.

Beyond the decor, travelers consistently rave about November's cozy, magical ambiance across Europe’s cities. A visitor to Stockholm said seeing Gamla Stan covered in a light dusting of early snow transported her back in time. Others emphasize the romantic feel of strolling nighttime city streets arm in arm beneath twinkling lights. Photographers praise the golden glow that autumn lends to iconic landmarks.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Enjoy Off-Season Discounts

One of the best parts of traveling to Europe in November is getting to take advantage of off-season discounts on flights, hotels, tours, and more. While crowds and prices surge during summer high season, traveling during the fall shoulder season allows you to enjoy deep discounts of 40 percent or more on key trip expenses.

Savvy travelers highlight how off-season discounts in November make luxury experiences affordable that would normally lie outside of their budget. One couple splurged on a stay at a 5-star hotel in Paris that was priced over $800 per night in summer. In November, they locked in a rate under $400 and said it was the trip of a lifetime. Others emphasize affordable upgrades like booking business class flights for just a bit more than regular economy. With discounted rates, travelers can indulge in special experiences like food and wine tours,private museum guides, and helicopters or hot air balloons.

Beyond luxury extras, off-season discounts also make day-to-day expenses more affordable. Travelers recommend taking advantage of lower prices at restaurants, cafes, and bars that lure tourists with budget meal deals. One said they were able to eat at Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona at a fraction of the cost by traveling in November. Others emphasize deals like half-priced museum entry and discounted transit and sightseeing passes in the off season.

With cheaper daily costs, travelers highlight the ability to stay in destination cities longer without blowing their budget. Rather than quick 2-3 night weekends in summer, off-season discounts allow week-plus stays to fully immerse in a destination. Travelers also underscore the value of adding extra stops, whether additional cities or day trips from a base. One said lower costs allowed them to visit both Paris and Nice rather than choosing one. Others day-tripped from London to Stonehenge, Bath, and Oxford.

To maximize savings, travelers recommend remaining flexible on travel dates and comparing rates across accommodations. While certain set departure dates usually offer the best flight discounts, hotel rates can fluctuate from week to week. Consider travel mid-week instead of costly weekends when possible. Check rates for additional nights and compare refundable versus nonrefundable options. Look beyond just Airbnbs to hotel deals on aggregator sites as well as direct booking promos.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Indulge Without the Tourists

Indulging in Europe’s cultural treasures and iconic sites without hordes of tourists jockeying for space can be a traveler’s dream. Visiting in November allows you to soak up the magnificence of Europe’s top sights in a relaxed, unhurried manner.

One couple visited the Louvre in November and said having the Mona Lisa to themselves for several minutes was “a moment we’ll treasure forever.” Rather than wading through crowds clogging the hall, they lingered to admire the details up close. At Versailles, they soaked up the majesty of the Hall of Mirrors undisturbed by selfie-stick wielding masses. “It was remarkable to hear our own footsteps echo in the silence,” they remarked.

Other art lovers emphasize the joy of leisurely perusing places like Florence’s Uffizi Gallery or Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum without being shuffled along by guards. A couple visited the British Museum early on a Tuesday morning and wandered the Egyptian wing alone, creating a feeling of walking through the ancient past. At St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, travelers appreciate having ample space to gaze upwards and absorb “the magnificence of Michelangelo’s dome.”

Beyond museums and galleries, November travelers highlight uncrowded experiences at major landmarks and ancient sites. Visitors to the Eiffel Tower skip long lines snaking across the lawn and ride the elevator straight up for unobstructed views. At the Colosseum in Rome, travelers secure front row seats with perfect sight lines rather than craning their necks behind a forest of heads and iPads.

Traveling off-peak also allows peaceful contemplation at solemn historical sites. A visitor to Dachau appreciated a quiet moment to reflect at the memorial. Others note the ability to move about freely at Normandy’s D-Day beaches to vividly picture the events. At Chernobyl, the lack of crowds imparted an appropriate abandoned stillness.

For nature lovers, November yields crowd-free hiking amongst alpine vistas and peaceful strolls through lavender fields and tulip gardens. A traveler recommended the trip: “November was ideal to take in the full serenity of Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.” Others like escaping into the solitude of England’s Lake District or biking on car-free roads winding through Loire Valley vineyards.

When it comes to culinary indulgences, November travelers can linger over leisurely tasting menus without jostling diners. A couple relished being the only patrons in a tiny Parisian bistro, savoring a 10-course meal. On a food tour in San Sebastián, a traveler appreciated having cafes and pintxo bars nearly to themselves. Others emphasize no reservations needed for outdoor canal-side dining in Amsterdam or sidewalk cafes in Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Celebrate Thanksgiving Traditions Abroad

For Americans traveling in Europe over Thanksgiving, getting to participate in the holiday while immersed in new cultures creates lifelong memories. Rather than staying stateside for the usual traditions, why not join fellow expats abroad to celebrate?

Scores of travelers rave about memorable Thanksgiving dinners enjoyed at restaurants overseas. A couple spending Thanksgiving in Paris booked a holiday feast at a cafe in the Marais. Alongside French patrons, they devoured turkey with chestnut stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato pie and other staples. The venue decorated with Pilgrim hats and paper turkeys made it feel festive.

Another traveler in London made reservations at The Mayflower pub, considered a go-to for ex-pat Thanksgiving celebrations. He described the experience as transporting, with long tables creating a feeling of community. The traditional turkey, cranberry sauce, roasted veggies and pumpkin pie tasted even better than usual thanks to the novelty of celebrating abroad.

Rather than restaurants, many expats and travelers arrange potluck-style gatherings to celebrate together. A visitor to Dublin one November reached out on local forums for other Americans interested in coming together for the holiday. He ended up hosting over 20 new friends and neighbors for a Thanksgiving meal in his rented Airbnb. Everyone pitched in dishes like stuffing, sweet potato casserole and apple pie. The Irish attendees even researched recipes and helped cook.

Some ex-pats take advantage of local ingredients and flavors to put a unique spin on traditional dishes. A cooking teacher living in Provence, France recreated the classics using regional specialties like figs, lavender honey, rabbit and truffles. Others use holidays abroad as inspiration to try new twists, like a traveler in Germany who topped her turkey with currywurst sauce. Experimenting with local cuisine makes for a memorable meal.

Beyond the food itself, travelers emphasize the warms of celebrating with random new friends who become like family. One woman spent Thanksgiving in a Swiss alpine village and was welcomed by locals to join their holiday feast. Despite the language barrier, the universal spirit of coming together resonated deeply. She keeps in touch with her adopted Swiss family years later.

Others makeconnections by volunteering to help cook holiday meals for those in need, whether locals or other travelers and expats. Giving back provides a powerful way to honor traditions even while far from home.

Whether enjoying comfort foods or experimenting with new flavors, the key for most travelers is simply being around others. One traveler celebrated in an Irish pub in Edinburgh with people from around the globe. Despite not knowing each other beforehand, the shared bond of missing home brought laughter and camaraderie.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Take Advantage of Favorable Exchange Rates

One often overlooked benefit of visiting Europe in November is getting to take advantage of favorable exchange rates compared to peak travel season. For visitors from countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and beyond, off-season timing means your money goes further compared to summer.

Savvy budget travelers consistently emphasize monitoring exchange rates and planning trips when your home currency is strongest. While factors like cheap flights and hotels remain top priorities, exchange rates make a significant impact by lowering the cost of experiences once on the ground.

For example, Americans visiting Europe in November 2022 enjoyed rates around 1 EUR to 1 USD versus over 1 EUR to 1.10 USD during summer high season. For a week-long trip, that difference of 10 cents per Euro could save hundreds on dining, activities, shopping and more. Over the past decade, November rates have averaged approximately 5-15 percent lower compared to July and August.

Canadians visiting Europe in November note similar exchange rate advantages versus summer, translating to significant savings. In 2022, CAD to EUR rates dropped from 1.35 in August to 1.38 in November. A solo traveler to Italy estimated saving $150 CAD on restaurants, tours and shopping thanks to the off-season exchange rate benefit.

Australians also emphasize planning European holidays for November rather than costly summer rates. In 2022, each Australian dollar went nearly 10 percent further in November compared to July/August. For longer trips or bigger budgets, that makes a substantial difference in affordability according to past travelers.

Beyond major global currencies, travelers from countries like South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil and more stand to save as well thanks to seasonal exchange rate variances. The savings add up quickly, especially on bigger purchases like luxury hotel stays or splurging on Michelin-starred dining.

Of course exchange rates fluctuate daily based on economic factors, so no guarantees exist on exactly how much the seasonal difference will be each year. However, historical trends clearly indicate more purchasing power is typically available in November.

For visitors on a budget, carefully factoring exchange rates into trip planning means you may be able to afford an extra night, higher-end tour or fancier meal without going over budget. For those less concerned with costs, the added value means you’ll simply get more for your money compared to peak season. It's an invisible discount that applies to every Euro or Pound spent.

To maximize savings, use mobile apps to monitor rates in the months before your trip and consider locking in rates in advance if favorable. Upon arrival, ask your bank about foreign transaction fees and find fee-free ATMs to get the best rates. Whenever possible, pay with credit cards without foreign transaction fees versus exchanging cash.

Gobble Up Savings: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Time to Visit Europe on a Budget - Planning Your Budget-Friendly Escape

With cheap flights, discounted hotels, and favorable exchange rates in your favor, planning a budget-friendly escape to Europe this November is entirely doable. The key is researching deals and maximizing savings across all aspects of your trip.

Savvy travelers offer their best tips for keeping costs low without sacrificing the magic of Europe in autumn. Their insight makes it possible to afford more destinations, stay longer, and indulge in special extras you might otherwise pass up.

Many budget-minded travelers start trip planning by scanning deals on flights using tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner. Setting flexible dates and nearby alternate airports yields the widest selection of bargain airfares. Regularly check prices over a period of months—November deals often release 5-6 months in advance. Consider open-jaw tickets or budget airlines to lower costs.

When securing accommodations, keep the length of stay flexible. Travel mid-week to lower rates, and check prices for extensions versus just weekends. Sites like Booking.com allow filtering and comparing deals across neighborhoods. Consider home shares, aparthotels with kitchens, or budget hotel chains like Ibis or Premier Inn in pricier cities.

Ground transportation and sightseeing often account for a major portion of in-destination costs. Savvy travelers recommend researching public transit passes, discounts on rail journeys, and deals on hop-on, hop-off bus tours versus expensive taxis or private cars. For museums and attractions, pre-book tickets online to avoid long ticket booth lines and access discounts.

Once the big trip elements are booked, focus on lowering daily costs. Scope out free walking tours and food tastings. Seek out cafes, bars, and restaurants offering budget meal deals, prix fixe menus, or early bird specials. Pick up groceries for quick breakfasts and sandwiches on the go. Take advantage of lower prices at happy hours, lunch time, or Sunday/Monday nights when locals dine out.

When choosing activities, look for those offering off-season discounts like wine tours, cooking classes, and theater tickets. Find free concerts, festivals, markets and exhibits to fill your itinerary affordably. Focus sightseeing in the cities, where you can walk versus take costly day trips out. Ask your hotel or hosts for money-saving tips in their neighborhood.

While enjoying Europe for less, don’t be afraid to indulge in a few extras that November makes affordable. Upgrading to a luxury hotel for one splurge night or treating yourself to a Michelin-starred meal still fits into a bargain hunter’s budget this time of year. Just balance bigger splurges with many budget-friendly choices.

Above all, remain flexible and willing to improvise on the ground when you find deals and discounts. Part of the adventure of November travel is wandering Christmas markets for gifts and letting your nose lead the way to cozy cafes and bakeries. Slow travel leaves time to uncover bargains only locas know.