With summer behind us and cooler days ahead, travelers are setting their sights on fall adventures.
According to Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook, international destinations are heating up while summer airfare prices are finally cooling down. If you’ve been itching for a getaway but couldn’t stomach the high prices of summer travel, fall might be your best opportunity to explore at a fraction of the cost.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Travel Window
The beauty of fall travel is all about the balance. Crowds have thinned, prices have dropped, and the weather is still agreeable in many places around the world. Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook reports that airfares are down by 20%, compared to the summer peak, making it a prime time to jet off to Europe, Asia, or beyond. If you’ve been holding off on a trip because of sky-high prices, fall offers a window to snag those coveted international deals.
Trending International Destinations for Fall 2024
According to Expedia, the following destinations are seeing a surge in fall travel bookings:
- Paris, France: The City of Light never disappoints, and fall offers mild weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for strolling through museums or picnicking by the Seine.
- Tokyo, Japan: As Japan fully reopens for global travelers, it has become a hot destination. Visitors can enjoy the colorful fall foliage alongside the vibrant urban landscape.
- Rome, Italy: With the summer heat subsiding, Rome’s historic streets become even more appealing, whether you’re touring the Colosseum or indulging in authentic pasta dishes.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon’s charming streets and coastal views are perfect for fall, as the city shines with fewer crowds but retains its iconic beauty.
Fall Foliage and Nature Escapes
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, fall foliage remains a huge draw for travel in the U.S. and Canada. Popular regions for leaf-peeping include:
- Vermont, USA: A classic for leaf-peepers, offering scenic drives and cozy small towns.
- Quebec, Canada: The province’s stunning fall colors attract nature lovers from all over, with its mix of urban and natural beauty.
- The Hudson Valley, USA: Just a short drive from New York City, this area offers breathtaking views of fall leaves along the river.
These regions offer not just spectacular views but also rich cultural experiences, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor activities that align perfectly with the fall season.
Airfare Prices Finally Cooling Down
One of the most significant takeaways from Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook is the noticeable drop in airfare prices. After the busy (and often pricey) summer travel season, fall sees a dip in flight costs—good news for budget travelers. Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or an international jaunt, now’s the time to book before prices rise again for the holiday season.
Expedia’s data shows that international flight prices have dropped by an average of 20%, with many destinations offering deals that make long-haul travel more accessible. For example, flights to Asia and Europe have become significantly cheaper, particularly if you’re flexible with your dates and can travel mid-week.
Travel Tips for Fall 2024
If you’re planning a trip, here are some tips to help you make the most of fall travel:
- Book Early: While fall fares are lower than summer, prices can rise as the holidays approach. Secure your flights and accommodations as early as possible for the best deals.
- Flexible Dates Matter: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use search tools like Expedia’s flexible date feature to find the cheapest days to fly.
- Bundle for More Savings: Many travelers can save even more by bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals together. Expedia’s data shows that booking packages can save up to 10% more than booking each component separately.
- Avoid Peak Holidays: Steer clear of peak travel dates around Thanksgiving and Christmas, as airfare tends to spike during those weeks.
Sustainable Travel on the Rise
Another interesting finding in Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook is the growing trend of sustainable travel. More travelers are looking for eco-friendly travel options, such as hotels with green certifications and airlines with carbon offset programs. The fall season offers a great opportunity to embrace this trend, with many destinations promoting sustainability through local tours, green accommodations, and eco-conscious activities.
Who Should Travel This Fall?
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family looking for a fall escape, this is the time to take advantage of the cooling airfare and exciting destination options. If you’ve been putting off that dream trip to Europe or Asia due to high summer prices, now is your chance.
With the combination of lower prices and incredible destinations heating up, it’s clear that fall travel 2024 is shaping up to be a season full of unforgettable adventures.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Sahil Raut.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
