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Airfares Are at Record Highs. Here's How to Find Affordable Flights
The gist: Airfares are nearly 26% higher than last year, but flexible travelers can still find savings by adjusting airports, dates, destinations, and payment methods.
Big pictureFall usually brings cheaper flights, but strong travel demand has pushed 2026 autumn fares above summer prices instead. That makes flexibility more important, especially for travelers willing to use alternate airports or travel on less popular days.
Explain like I'm 5Plane tickets are like seats at a busy concert: when more people want them, the prices go up. You may pay less by choosing a different day, airport, or even using travel points instead of cash.
Why it matters nowJuly 2026 airfares were nearly 26% higher than in July 2025, and fall fares are trending about 2% above summer prices. Travelers planning autumn trips should watch October, early November, and Thanksgiving booking deadlines.
Three things to know01Some airports find more deals
Going found Denver, New Orleans, and Orlando among the strongest US airports for domestic deals, while Boston, New York, and Newark led its international list.
02Thanksgiving timing still matters
International fares average about $1,096 around Thanksgiving versus $1,695 in December, and flying on Thanksgiving Day can save up to 25%.
03Small date shifts can help
Searching several days at once may reveal cheaper options, with Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays generally among the lower-cost days to fly.
Trusted source
Condé Nast Traveler ↗

02
The 10 best places to travel in October 2026
The gist: October travel offers fewer crowds, lower hotel rates and comfortable weather, with standout options including Zürich, Asheville and Saga, Japan.
Big pictureThe month works well for different kinds of trips, from fall foliage and mountain walks to wine events, cultural festivals and hot-air balloons. The recommendations also mix major destinations with less crowded alternatives, such as Saga instead of Japan’s busiest tourist areas.
Explain like I'm 5October is like a quieter middle ground between busy summer and colder winter. You can see colorful leaves in the north, spring flowers in the south, and enjoy special festivals without as many visitors.
Why it matters nowSeveral featured events have fixed October 2026 dates, including Zürich’s film festival, the Tour de Kyushu and Saga’s balloon fiesta, so travelers can plan around them now.
Three things to know01Events shape the itinerary
Zürich offers a film festival from Sept. 24 to Oct. 4, a pumpkin exhibition through Oct. 25 and a floating wine fair from Oct. 29 to Nov. 12.
02Asheville blends fun and recovery
Visiting Asheville supports a city still recovering from Hurricane Helene while giving travelers access to festivals, fall scenery and attractions such as Biltmore.
03Saga offers mild autumn weather
Saga’s October daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s, and its balloon fiesta runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
Trusted source
The Points Guy ↗

03
The Last-Chance Tourism of Iceland's Glacier Raves
The gist: A $600, 11-hour rave inside Langjökull glacier turned a rare natural wonder into an exclusive luxury travel experience for just 100 people.
Big pictureThe event shows how travelers are paying premium prices to experience unusual natural places, not just hotels or sightseeing. It also blends music, spirituality, spectacle, and adventure in a way that resembles Burning Man-style festivals.
Explain like I'm 5Imagine going to a dance party inside a giant freezer made of ancient ice. The music, colorful lights, and echoing walls made the glacier feel like a magical club.
Why it matters nowThe glacier rave took place just after a total solar eclipse, as part of the Iceland Eclipse festival. Organizers were also dealing with three days of strong storms that damaged festival tents and disrupted preparations.
Three things to know01The tunnel shapes the sound
The 1,640-foot ice tunnel’s curved, frozen walls made the bass echo and soften, giving the party a sound unlike a normal club.
02Getting there required special gear
Vehicles used spiked tires and sometimes released air from them to spread their weight when driving over the glacier’s rough, unstable surface.
03The wider festival was much larger
While only 100 people joined the glacier excursion, Iceland Eclipse drew 3,333 attendees to events including raves, cacao ceremonies, and lectures on whale communication.
Trusted source
Condé Nast Traveler ↗