As we head into the final stretch of summer, now is a great time to start planning and preparing for travel in the fall. Although in recent months, we've seen an uptick in travel due to travel restrictions being lifted, airline delays and cancellations continue to frustrate travelers and ruin vacation plans. Will these issues carryover into fall? How can you ensure you make it to your fall travel destination? Let’s take a look.

What Are Experts Saying About Fall Travel

There are mixed feelings about the expectations for fall travel this year. While the mainstream market may slow due to price increases, a volatile economy, and lack of flight availability, the luxury market is expected to hold steady—though availability could be an issue for it as well. Though the trend for luxury travelers has been to buy tickets closer to departure date, many travel advisors are encouraging their clients to book early to ensure they get the dates and times they want.

With the travel industry still facing an employee shortage, those planning to travel this fall should know that travel is not the same as it was three years ago. Travelers need to be ready for potential flight delays, missed connections, and lost baggage. Patience will be a virtue for your fall vacation.

Tips For Fall Travel

With the pandemic still lingering, travel isn’t expected to return to pre-pandemic normalcy until 2023. That being said, travelers should prepare for the current reality of travel, especially if you’re planning an international fall vacation.

• Book In Advance

Keep an eye out for deals as we enter travel shoulder season, and book as soon in advance as you can. Flight availability is expected to be limited, so you’ll want to ensure you get a seat before flights fill up. Traveling internationally during the shoulder season (typically September to November for European travel) means you’ll get to take advantage of the favorable fall weather at some of the best international travel destinations, as well as the extra hospitality offered during the off-season travel months.

• Stay Updated On Guidelines And Restrictions

While many countries have dropped travel restrictions entirely, not all have. Before booking your trip, check with local government websites, or with CIBT, to see what, if any, restrictions are in place for foreign travelers so your trip doesn’t end before it can even begin.

• Invest In Travel Insurance

Between canceled flights, missed connections, and potential surges that could limit cross border travel, investing in travel insurance for your trip can be a wise option. While it might not save you the headache a canceled flight or positive COVID test might bring, it will at least allow you to recoup the money you spent on flights, hotels, etc.

• Ensure Your Documents Are Valid

Make sure all of the documents you’ll need for your international getaway are in order and are still valid to travel with. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than an expired passport or not having the required visa. Keep in mind, often airlines, cruise companies, and some countries may require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your projected travel date.

But with CIBTvisas, you can put your worries aside. Our team of expert immigration and visa professionals are here to assist you with anything related to international travel documentation - from passport renewals to visa applications, and anything in between. Are you getting ready to plan your next international trip? Take a look at our Visa Quick Check to find out if you’ll need a visa for your trip.