“Autumn is my favorite.”

Can you hear it? It’s the collective sigh of relief from autumn lovers now that the fall equinox has arrived. With pumpkin-spice candles already lit for weeks, let’s dive into what’s happening with holiday travel – keep reading for the details.

The overview

This week’s latest travel stories and updates.

• Join the celebration. Travelers from across the globe are returning to Munich for Germany’s Oktoberfest, which has resumed after a two-year break.
• Stronger than before. The Federal Reserve might increase interest rates, potentially making the US dollar stronger – great news if you’re traveling internationally.
• Paradise interrupted. Several Caribbean islands have suspended incoming flights due to Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall this week – here’s how you can help.
• No longer affiliated. Starting 10/3, Newark Airport will no longer be linked to the city code NYC airports (this change will also be reflected in our searches).

Current travel trends

When to secure your holiday travel for 2022. After a summer filled with flight disruptions, we recommend not waiting to book your holiday flights. Based on our recent data, we suggest you book as soon as possible if you plan to travel from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. If you’re feeling lucky, there’s a small chance you could save on flights by booking 2.5 weeks in advance*. However, most airlines are focusing on quality over quantity this holiday season, which might limit their flight availability. Our advice? Set those Price Alerts now and finalize your travel plans soon.

Insider tips

Excited for a Thanksgiving getaway. Speaking of the holidays, traveling for Thanksgiving can be costly – so if you’re thinking about skipping home, we have another reason to explore somewhere new. Meet the F*cket List: Our guide to alternative Thanksgiving destinations that are the same price (or cheaper) than heading home for turkey day**. Let’s be honest, you won’t miss that high school reunion at your local bar… here are some suggestions for where you could go instead:

Community highlights

There’s nothing quite like a vibrant collage to immerse you in the autumn vibes. Coming up next: the thrills of spooky season.