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9 Cheap European Destinations to Visit This Fall

By U.S. News & World Report

Discover striking fall colors, few crowds and affordable prices in these top spots.

As the days of summertime beach-lazing and boardwalk-strolling shift to autumn leaf-peeping and festival-going, Europe beckons. With a dip in crowds and reduced flight and hotel prices, fall is an enticing time to jet off to an exotic locale, complete with inspiring coastal scenery, seasonal events and food that will delight your taste buds. Whether you want to take advantage of shorter lines at must-see attractions, admire fall colors or simply slip away to an urban oasis or seaside escape before the crisp, sunny days come to a close, we’ve pinpointed 10 can’t-miss European destinations to experience this autumn.

Amsterdam

With shrinking crowds and enticing bargains following the popular summer travel season and prime tulip-viewing in April and May, Amsterdam is an appealing autumn vacation choice for penny-wise travelers. In September and October, you can still enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, yielding ideal conditions for whizzing around canals lined by buildings on bike and exploring world-class art at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Even better for bargain-hunters, Google Flights currently shows round-trip routes from District of Columbia area hubs for $510 in October. You can score significant discounts on flights during the early shoulder season, which is “the sweet spot between the crowds of the high season and the unappealing weather of the low season,” explains Christie Hudson, Expedia’s U.S. communications manager.

Seville, Spain

With pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s, fall is the perfect time to escape to Seville, says Geena Marcelia, associate manager of brand marketing and travel editor at Hotwire. Explore storied neighborhoods and ornate Gothic architecture, while breaking for a leisurely afternoon siesta. Maximize your visit by roaming along the city’s cobblestone streets and checking out the Museum of Flamenco Dance and the Real Alcázar Moorish-influenced palace and gardens, where you’ll find a melding of baroque, Gothic and other cultural influences. Happily, with Google Flights currently listing round-trip flights for under $800 in September and hotel deal site goSeek.com showing four-star hotels available for $100 per night from Sept. 15-18, it’s easy to stay on budget.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is an off-the-beaten-path European vacation destination, but it’s worth the trip, particularly in fall, when you can seize upon wallet-friendly hotel rates, seasonal events and world-class art and architecture without needing a heavy coat. In September and October, the crowds have dissipated and daytime temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s, making the conditions comfortable for exploring attractions around Castle Hill, such as Fisherman’s Bastion and the Hungarian National Gallery. Google Flights shows round-trip flights from District of Columbia area hubs for around $600 in September and round-trip flights for under $640 from Chicago hubs for the same period. Even better, on Sept. 7, you can join grape-seekers at the Budapest International Wine Festival, Marcelia adds.

Paris

The City of Light offers a certain je ne sais quoi year-round, but in autumn you can explore the Arc de Triomphe and the Musée d’Orsay without swarms of tourists at your side and admire crimson and yellow hues at Luxembourg Gardens. Rather than touristy crowds and long wait times, expect regular cafes to be open and lines at top landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to dwindle, Marcelia says. Even better, goSeek.com shows four-star hotels starting at around $130 per night from Sept. 15-18. Plus, affordable round-trip routes with low-cost carriers abound. Google Flights lists round-trip itineraries from New York City hubs starting at $380 in September and $440 from Los Angeles International Airport.

Munich

If you’re a beer lover hoping to sample legendary brews and attend bona fide festivals like Oktoberfest, Munich is an affordable and festive vacation choice. During the two-week festival, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 3, you can celebrate Bavarian culture and cuisine and delight in amusement park rides, Marcelia says. And when you’re not celebrating the country’s brewing history, you can explore can’t-miss attractions such as Residenz Royal Palace and the English Garden without bursting your budget. What’s more, Google Flights shows round-trip flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport for under $700 in September and round-trip routes for under $900 from Chicago hubs.

Prague

Prague, with its statue-flanked bridges, fairy-tale-like castle and iconic architectural gems, from the Dancing House to the Astronomical Clock, is even more irresistible in autumn, when intense crimson and orange hues drape the city streets. While temperatures can dip into the 40s and 50s in September and October, you’ll be rewarded with fewer tourists, brilliant foliage and plenty of seasonal festivals. Plus, you can snag hotels for under $100 a night this time of year, Marcelia says. She also highlights fun fall events like the Strings of Autumn Festival, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 9, which features live music, including classical and jazz genres. When you need a break from sightseeing, head to Petrin Hill for spectacular city views.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh‘s charming cobblestone streets, storybook castle and spectacular views from Arthur’s Seat draws visitors during all seasons, but if you don’t mind brisk temperatures in the 40s and 50s, September and October offer an enticing time to take in striking colors. And with goSeek.com showing four-star accommodations starting at under $100 per night from Sept. 15-18 and under $115 from Oct. 6-9, planning an autumn trip is easy on the pocketbook. What’s more, Google Flights shows round-trip October itineraries to Edinburgh starting at $400 from Miami International Airport and $480 round-trip routes from Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Santorini, Greece

With whitewashed villas and charming seaside villages no longer crowded with tourists, September and October are ideal months to experience Santorini‘s sun, splendor and spectacular sunsets. Temperatures fall in the 70- and 80-degree range, creating perfect conditions for sunbathing, swimming and exploring. Plus, as crowds start to drop, so do hotel and flight prices. GoSeek.com shows four-star accommodations starting at $140 per night from Sept. 29-Oct. 2. What’s more, Google Flights lists round-trip routes from New York City hubs for $900 in September and round-trip routes from LAX for under $750 in October.

Florence, Italy

Arrive in Florence in early October and you can enjoy thinner tourist crowds, daily highs in the 70s and must-sees such as the iconic Duomo and the Uffizi, without exceeding your budget or jockeying for your spot with fellow spectators. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, admire Michelangelo’s “David” and splurge on a few memorable meals when you want a break from museum-hopping and church strolling. Best of all, you won’t have to fret about pinching pennies: Google Flights shows round-trip itineraries from New York City hubs starting at $815 in October and under $900 from Miami International Airport for the same time frame. Plus, goSeek.com currently lists nightly rates at three-star hotels for under $100 from Oct. 6-9.

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9 Cheap European Destinations to Visit This Fall originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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