Fall travel: 5 destinations at a more affordable price

Who ever said that travelling was restricted to the summer? Savour the pleasures of the quiet season and take advantage of an abundance of off-peak discounts.

There are a number of ways to travel more cheaply. The following short list, for example, was put together based on criteria such as the exchange rate, cost of living and visitor traffic statistics.

The low season often signals lower travel costs. After the blitz of summer tourists rushing to explore each corner of the planet, the crowds start to wane. Supply and demand play in your favour and you can often find quite substantial deals.

But traveller beware: low season might also mean less cooperative weather where you want to travel, compared to the high season.

It’s all a question of what you are prepared to compromise in return for cutting travel costs.

1. The Caribbean

The Caribbean might not be an obvious destination in the height of the rainy and hurricane season, but fall is the time to find the best all-inclusive deals.

For a fraction of the price, you can discover those paradise beaches or cruises you thought were the privilege of only the rich and famous.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the risk, take out trip cancellation and travel insurance before you leave. That way you’ll be protected from the whims of Mother Nature and can beat a retreat in the event of emergency repatriation or cancellation.

2. Greece

Greece teems with tourists during peak season, often making visiting sites and attractions quite a struggle.

So, snub the crowds, particularly at popular places such as Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Instead, visit the country famed for its mythology in September or October, but not too late in the season when some of the islands practically close.

The climate is near perfect for walking around and outdoor activities. Swimming is even ideal with day-time sea temperatures of between 16°C and 25°C.

It’s hard to come up with a reason for not visiting Greece in September and October.

3. Morocco

The sweltering summer heat dissipates in the fall, ushering in more comfortable temperatures.

November is when the best accommodation rates can be found. Take advantage of them and stay in a hotel right out of the tales of one thousand and one nights.

Browse the public markets (souks) then watch the bustle from the terrace of a café while sipping mint tea.

4. Nepal

With the monsoon season over, the best months for adventuring into Nepal are October and November. After the downpours, a luxurious vegetation flourishes and the peaks of the Himalayas cut a jaw-dropping skyline.

This period is perfect for mountain treks, when the climate is dry and at its sunniest.

Don’t forget to visit the Buddhist temples or head south for a foray into the jungle.

5. San Francisco and the Napa Valley

Legend has it that the famous writer Mark Twain once declared that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.

To avoid the fog banks and fickle temperatures, delay your visit to this part of California for a few months. On a clear, blue-sky day, you’ll also stand a better chance of seeing the Golden Gate bridge in all its glory.