I spent last weekend flying from Europe to the United States and was extraordinarily lucky to have on-time flights. (I know. I should probably buy a lotto ticket). Still, the crowds combined with airport staffing shortages – from airlines to security to restaurants – made for a noticeably more stressful journey. | Even without the unique challenges of this year, summer travel is always hectic. Which is why this is normally the time of year when I encourage people to consider booking my favorite time to travel: the fall "swing" season. | With families restricted by school schedules and other travelers waiting for Christmas and New Years holidays, there's less demand, leading to a drop in the cost of airfare and lodging from mid-September to mid-December (minus the Thanksgiving holiday in the US). | In September and October, the weather is temperate in much of the world. The chill of winter hasn't yet blanketed the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern has just awakened from it. | I expect issues like staff shortages and strikes will continue – British Airways has already announced fall schedule cuts – but with fewer travelers overall, perhaps the industry will be in a better position to navigate those issues. | | | | | After two years of longing, Tasmin Waby returns to Australia. | If you've been longing to return to some place you've missed during the pandemic, read Tasmin's heartfelt story about what it was like to finally go back to Australia. | Her piece reads like a love letter. Everything she missed about the country over the past two years may inspire you to book a trip down under. And after the floods that have impacted the region, Sydney's going to need the love. | | | If you need inspiration for a fall trip to Europe, consider this beachfront Spanish city. | Editor Sasha Brady also just returned to a destination she loves: Barcelona. | She offers some great recommendations in the story below, from neighborhoods to leisurely pass an afternoon to restaurants where you can enjoy the city's culinary delights. | | | | Fight for your travel rights | Speaking of delays and cancellations: I had at least two friends send me US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's tweet about how to make sure you get a refund if your flight is canceled. | It's a great reminder to familiarize yourself with the consumer protections many countries offer travelers. For instance, Europe has much stronger protections for consumers experiencing cancellations or delays. | Also, this is a great reminder to double check what your travel insurance or credit card policy covers if you face any interruptions. Be sure to look for exclusions for things like COVID-19 and strikes that might render the policy useless given today's travel challenges. | | | More travel news you can use | | | | | How to raft the Grand Canyon | If you've dreamed of seeing the majesty of the Grand Canyon from the Colorado River, you might still have time to book a fall trip to raft trip. Amy Balfour writes about her experience on an 8-day rafting trip through one of America's best-known natural wonders. | | | | | Entering the EU may soon cost you | Americans and Brits are some of the travelers who will be required to pay a fee to enter the European Union starting in 2023. | | | How would you rate this newsletter? | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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