Hotwire Unveils Fall 2012 Where To Go Now & How Guide: Top Five Destinations For An Awesome Autumn

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct, 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The travel experts at Hotwire.com, a leading discount travel site, today announced their fall 2012 Where To Go Now & How Guide. Each season, Hotwire will leverage its research, data and industry insight to provide folks with five destinations that offer the best overall experience and value. To form the list, Hotwire analyzes local trends like weather and tourist traffic, as well as entertainment options, cultural experiences and the available deals in each locale. This fall, the deals lead us to far away cities like Amsterdam and London, as well as more easily reached places like Albuquerque, Quebec and San Diego.

"Fall is a fantastic time to travel because it's a season when temperatures ease, crowds lessen and many popular destinations go on sale. This time of year, it's not a question of getting a deal, so much as getting the best deal possible," said Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group. "So if folks are looking to stretch their travel dollars farther this year, I recommend squeezing in a trip to one of these destinations before the holiday rush brings prices and foot traffic back up."

From a European metropolis to California's surf central, Hotwire's fall 2012 Where To Go Now & How Guide features five destinations that fit an array of travel budgets and trip types:

Amsterdam – an international sweet spot with even sweeter deals

Why Now: Amsterdam is a fantastic year-round destination, but it's particularly beautiful in the fall when the weather is crisp and prices are low. July and August mark peak-season, but come October the crowds begin to thin, making it the perfect time to visit attractions like the Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum.  Travelers can also blend in with the locals by biking along Amsterdam's famous canals, or engulf themselves in one of the many cultural events and festivals including the Amsterdam Dance Event and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. And of course, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing the round-the-clock party scene or strolling through some of the city's more infamous neighborhoods.

Value: Amsterdam is generally more affordable in the fall, but this year it is seeing a steep 14 percent drop over last fall. Travelers can save big on a 4-star hotel in Amsterdam West and roundtrip airfare for as low as $1,102 per night – savings of 35 percent of over peak season.

How: Sample Air/Hotel Package Deal: 4-star Hotel in Amsterdam West & RT Airfare from SFO for $1,102 (rate reflects searches on 10/10/12 for travel dates of 11/9 – 11/13/12).

London – the end of the Summer Games marks the beginning of great deals

Why Now: October is the end of London's shoulder season, and is quickly followed by its off-season beginning in November. This year, the crowds will be thinner than they've been in months since the city just hosted the 2012 Summer Games in August. Hotels are offering steep discounts to try to fill the many new rooms they built during the past couple years, and although fall brings London's rainy weather, it's also time for many of the city's finest activities, including London Cocktail Week and the World Shakespeare Festival. Just remember to pack an umbrella.

Value: London is seeing a 10 percent dip in prices over last fall. Travelers who don't mind a little rain to go with their arts, culture, history and nightlife can book a 4-star hotel in Chelsea – Knightsbridge and roundtrip airfare for as low as $1,212 – savings of 28 percent over peak-season.  

How: Sample Air/Hotel Package Deal: 4-star Hotel in Chelsea – Knightsbridge Area & RT Airfare from SFO for $1,212 (rate reflects searches on 10/10/12 for travel dates of 11/9 – 11/13/12).

Albuquerque – Land of Enchantment brings hot deals and warm weather

Why Now: Albuquerque is quite popular during the summer months as people love the quirky nature of this desert oasis, but fall is when the town really becomes a treat. Pleasant temperatures and low prices give visitors a great reason to enjoy the city's culture and outdoor activities. Prices generally stay low throughout the season, except for the first two weeks in October when the city hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, one of the most photographed events in the world. Besides the Fiesta, tourists can visit local attractions like Old Town or one of the world's longest ski trams, Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. As a bonus, folks should consider making the short trip to Santa Fe. The oldest city in the U.S. is less than an hour drive from Albuquerque and offers equally good deals and activities this time of year.  

Value: Overall rates are down eight percent compared to last year. In the fall months you can score a 4-star hotel in Downtown Albuquerque and roundtrip airfare for as low as $614, but during the summer months (its peak time) this package in the same area is nearly 11% more.

How: Sample Air/Hotel Package Deal: 4-star Hotel in Downtown Albuquerque & RT Airfare from SFO for $614 (rate reflects searches on 10/10/12 for travel dates of 11/9 – 11/13/12).

Quebec – the leaves, and the prices, are falling

Why Now: For a mix of old-world French style and great New England charm, minus the fall foliage prices, head further north to Quebec. Quebec's shoulder season begins in September and continues into October, when travelers can find mild weather and great deals. Come November, both the price and the temperature dip, so if you don't mind bundling up a little, the savings are even greater. The province is home to two major cities, Montreal and Quebec City, and it's easy for travelers to visit both by venturing down the historic Kings Road, which follows along the St. Lawrence River and connects the two cities.

Value: Canada has been a deal market all year and it continues through the fall. Folks can score a 4-star hotel in Upper Town area and roundtrip airfare for as low as $940 during shoulder season, a seven percent savings from summer prices.

How: Sample Air/Hotel Package Deal: 4-star Hotel in Upper Town area & RT Airfare from SFO for $940 (rate reflects searches on 10/10/12 for travel dates of 11/9 – 11/13/12).

San Diego – while the summer is endless, the deals won't be

Why Now: If you feel like you just haven't had enough summer, then San Diego should be your deal destination this fall. Southern California is seasonable year-round, but traveling in the fall means you'll still have some hot days, plus beaches and attractions tend to be less crowded and prices are much lower.  Draws like the San Diego Zoo and Sea World are tons of fun for families.  Meanwhile November's San Diego Beer Week, when brewers, restaurants and bars convene to celebrate craft-brews from around the country, and the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival, Southern California's biggest wine event, are perfect for adults. Temecula, one of Southern California's biggest wine-producing regions and a more affordable alternative to Napa Valley, is also just a short and scenic drive from downtown.

Value: During peak- season (May – September) you can expect to pay at least 43 percent more on a 4-star hotel and roundtrip airfare. In the fall, the weather is nearly as good and folks can score a hotel in San Diego's Downtown area with roundtrip airfare for as low as $362 per night.

How: Sample Air/Hotel Package Deal: 4-star Hotel in Downtown area & RT Airfare from SFO for $362 (rate reflects bookings on 10/10/12 for travel 11/9 – 11/13/12).

Above savings are calculated by comparing Hotwire Hot Rates for select destinations during peak season (varies by location) against Hotwire Hot Rates this fall season (September-December 2012). Hotel and airfare sample rates are based on Hotwire searches made on 10/9/12 for travel dates of 11/12/12 – 11/16/12. All hotel sample rates are Hotwire Hot Rates.

About Hotwire 
Hotwire.com is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages.  Launched in 2000, Hotwire, Inc. obtains deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars.  Hotwire is an award-winning website and Hotwire, Inc. is an operating company of Expedia, Inc. CST # 2029030-50.  NST: 20003-0209.  For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com. Hotwire operates sites in 8 countries worldwide:  www.hotwire.com, www.hotwire.com/uk, www.hotwire.com/ie, www.hotwire.com/au, www.hotwire.com/nz, www.hotwire.com/se, www.hotwire.com/no and www.hotwire.com/dk. In addition to Hotwire, The Hotwire Group of websites includes: www.hotwire.com and www.carrentals.com.  

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