Many families take the week off from school in the fall as an opportunity to travel to warmer climes before winter takes hold. The numerous long weekends also call for a short romantic fall getaway for two. We reveal what travelers, whether solo, as a couple or in a group, should consider in the weeks ahead.

Related: Where to Go in October

Airport rush?

Airports are gearing up for the expected increase in travelers during the fall breaks ahead. Cologne Bonn Airport – one of Europe's most important hubs – for example, expects around 560,000 passengers in October. By comparison, that's 25 percent more than in 2021, and 80 percent of the numbers from before the pandemic. Zurich estimates up to 90,000 passengers per day to fly in and out of ZRH.

Expect longer waiting times at airports during the fall break. © Anete Lusina

Traveling with checked baggage? Best to arrive at the airport two and a half to three hours before departure.

Be prepared for longer waiting times, especially at check-in and on arrival. The overall lack of staff is a major contributor here – this past summer, Cologne Bonn experienced an increase in cancelations, lost baggage and longer waiting times as a result. Other airports, such as Vienna, were able to handle the increased travel volume somewhat better in comparison. Nevertheless, be sure to plan in some buffer time.

Bonn Cologne Airport advises travelers to observe the opening hours of the check-in counters. This also applies to the airlines' recommendations for check-in – even if it means arriving at the airport two and a half to three hours before departure. The rule here is: better safe than sorry. Not only Cologne, but also VIE and ZRH advise arriving two to three (for intercontinental flights) hours in advance for check-in.

Tip for air travelers:

If you want to save time, travel with a carry-on only, if at all possible. That way, you bypass the check-in counter and don't have to worry about lost luggage! In that case, it's fine to arrive at the airport one and a half to two hours before departure.

Helpful: Traveling With a Carry-On and Six Tips On How to Get Your Luggage Faster at the Airport

If you have the chance, you should limit yourself to hand luggage only. © Sergey Zolkin

Does it make sense to arrive even earlier?

In short, no – airports advise against unnecessary waiting in order to avoid crowded halls. Three hours before departure will suffice. Those checking in their baggage must wait until check-in counters open anyway. You can find the exact check-in times online and on your ticket. 

Good to know:

Travelers who have already checked themselves in should make sure to line up directly at the baggage drop-off counter to save time. The procedure is even faster at self-baggage drop-off counters: Here you can drop off your suitcase on your own and proceed directly to security check without having to wait in long lines. Make sure to use this option wherever it's available.

Highway rush?

Not every destination requires you to fly – places like South Tyrol, which beckon with great hiking and wellness options, are still very much in demand this fall. That also means that highways will be busy with an increase in traffic.

Highways can get pretty crowded, especially at the beginning and end of each fall holiday season. © Alexander Popov

Tip for car travelers during fall breaks:

Even if you've probably heard it umpteen times before: Early departure – meaning before seven a.m. – is key. Because most travelers still don't leave until after breakfast. Once you're on the road, make sure to follow traffic jam reports so you can plan your route proactively. Those traveling with children should provide entertainment – games or radio plays are always a good idea – and plan for stopovers and possible activities on longer trips.

Wellness and hiking recommendation: 13 Fabulous Spa Hotels for Your Next Wellness Weekend

Detours via country roads and scenic routes can also save time. However, if you get into a "short" traffic jam (i.e. one that's less than ten kilometers long) you should stay on the highway. Studies have shown that it costs more time to leave the highway in such cases.