September 29 and October 27 offer the lowest domestic fares for flights; October 26 and November 24 are best for international deals.

September 1 and November 16 are the cheapest nights for domestic stays, with vacation rentals offering added comfort and flexibility.

Travelers are flocking to foliage escapes like Mystic and Norfolk, Canadian gems like Whistler, and international hotspots including Taormina, Italy and Cairo, Egypt.

Expedia^®’s Fall Travel Outlook, released today, reveals key dates for budget-friendly travel this season. For domestic flights, the lowest fares can be found on September 29 and October 27. International travelers will find the best deals on October 26 and November 24. Overall, airfare is significantly cheaper this fall, thanks to the shoulder season—when travel demand dips between the busy summer and winter holidays, leading to lower prices on both flights and accommodations.

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“Fall is the sweet spot for savvy travelers,” said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands. “Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and vacation rental prices are as well. As a matter of fact, some Cancun vacation rentals available on Expedia can drop by 45 percent at the end of September compared to August.”¹

When is the Best Time to Travel in the Fall?²

• The Least Busy Days to Fly Domestically: November 17 - 18
• The Least Busy Days to Fly Internationally: November 16-17
• The Busiest Days to Fly Domestically and Internationally: September 1 and 4
• Cheapest Days to Fly Domestically: September 29 and October 27
• Cheapest Days to Fly Internationally: October 26 and November 24
• Most Expensive Days to Fly Domestically: November 22 and 30
• Most Expensive Days to Fly Internationally: November 21 and 22

When Are the Best Dates to Stay at a Hotel or a Vacation Rental in the Fall?³

• Least Busy Days to Stay Domestically: November 17 and 18
• Least Busy Days to Stay Internationally: November 18 and 30
• Busiest Days to Stay Domestically: September 12 and 19
• Busiest Days to Stay Internationally: September 4 and 11
• Cheapest Days to Stay Domestically: September 1 and November 16
• Cheapest Days to Stay Internationally: October 29 and 30
• Most Expensive Days to Stay Domestically: October 10 and 17
• Most Expensive Days to Stay Internationally: November 22 and 26

What Trends are Driving Travel Demand This Fall?⁴

• Fall Foliage Escapes: It’s no surprise that destinations like Mystic, Connecticut (+50%), with its charming village and cider mill harbor views, and Norfolk, Virginia (+65%), known for its tree-lined streets and waterfront parks, offer peaceful escapes perfect for leaf peeping. Frankenmuth (+55%), dubbed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” also draws interest with its festive Oktoberfest and fiery foliage.
• Canadian Escapes: Interest in Whistler, British Columbia, is up 40% year-over-year, driven by its breathtaking mountain scenery and endless outdoor adventures—from hiking and biking to early-season skiing. Banff (+20%) continues to captivate with its dramatic alpine landscapes and turquoise lakes, while Nova Scotia (+15%) is gaining attention for its rugged coastline, colorful foliage, and charming maritime towns. These destinations offer a refreshing alternative to crowded cities, making Canada a top pick for fall escapes.
• Basketball Buzz: Oklahoma City (+70%) is drawing attention this fall as the home of the basketball champions. With the new season tipping off in October, fans are planning trips to catch the Thunder in action, bringing championship energy to the court and the city. From thrilling games to downtown adventures, Oklahoma City offers a winning combination of sports culture, autumn events, and vibrant city life.
• Cultural & Historical Adventures: Destinations rich in heritage are seeing a rise in interest. Guatemala (+55%) draws visitors with its mix of volcanoes, lakes, and ancient Mayan ruins, while Cairo, Egypt (+45%) is trending thanks to its iconic pyramids and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Egypt’s unmatched diversity of historical sites and cultural experiences continues to drive demand.
• Asia Rising: International demand is booming for destinations across Asia. Koh Samui, Thailand (+95%) and Okinawa, Japan (+85%) top the list, offering warm weather, rich culture, and fewer crowds. Shenzhen, China (+70%) is also trending, appealing to travelers interested in modern cityscapes, shopping, and culinary exploration.
• European Getaways: Destinations like Ortisei (+85%) and Taormina (+75%) in Italy are seeing strong growth, offering cooler temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and a more relaxed pace during the shoulder season. Chania, Crete (+45%) is also trending for its blend of historic sites, including the Palace of Knossos and coastal beauty, featuring pink sandy beaches. With fewer tourists, better hotel availability, and mild weather, these destinations offer the perfect mix of culture and coastlines for an off-season escape.

What are the Best Fall Travel Deals? Tips to Save

Expedia recommends the following tips to make the most of your fall getaway:

• Search for flight deals: Take advantage of tools that help you identify deals from your home airport, such as Expedia’s Flight Deals, which will show fares that are at least 20% cheaper than the typical estimated price.⁵
• Save with price alerts: Expedia members can receive notifications when airline prices drop by using tools such as Price Tracking on the app.
• Bundle and Save: Travelers can save hundreds, on average, when reserving their hotel and flight at the same time.
• Price Drop Protection: Use Expedia’s Price Drop Protection, which provides a refund if the flight fare decreases on Expedia after booking. Available for purchase.⁶

About Expedia

Expedia^® is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way.

Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travelers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey.

Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.com to plan your journey with us.

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