US, Canada, Italy, Japan, Thailand and China Offer Best Fall Travel Deals Quiet Days and Budget-Friendly Stays Uncovered: You Need to Know

Now the first wave of rustling maples is sowing reds, golds, and saffrons planet-wide, adventurers are scanning the planet for the dual reward of unforgettable scenery and the size of the credit-card bill. During the coming months, the U.S., Canada, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and China keep rising to the top for anyone chasing pint-sized budgets, bottomless culture, and the temporary luxury of outsmarting the masses. In the States, shoulder-season airfare and airport lines taper off, while up north Canada rolls out mountains, mirror lakes, and coastal nooks miles nearer open cabin doors. Italy tempts with coastal towns and hilltop villages that shed summer scarcity—rooms for every taste at lemon rates. Meanwhile Japan wows with flaming maples and mountains of sashimi, all minus the summer gridlock in Kyoto and Kyoto’s yakitori stalls. Thailand and China are positioning themselves nicely, too, dripping with palaces, sky-scraping skylines, and beaches stitched closer than any postcard edges—yet prices are still lapping at off-peak tides. Find the slow days, book the surprise flash-sale tickets, thread travel tricks with a morning latte, and you are humming toward the memories you’ll flicker through come next summer while your wallet hardly whispers.

Expedia has unveiled its highly anticipated Fall Travel Outlook, highlighting the most cost-effective and least crowded travel dates this season for both domestic and international journeys. With the arrival of autumn, travelers can take advantage of shoulder-season pricing—a period between the bustling summer months and the busy winter holidays—when airfares and accommodations often dip to their most affordable levels.

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Optimal Travel Dates for Flights This Fall

For those planning domestic flights, the data points to September 29 and October 27 as the most budget-friendly dates to fly. International travelers, on the other hand, can secure the lowest fares on October 26 and November 24. Conversely, the busiest days for air travel domestically are September 1 and 4, while international flights see peak traffic on the same dates. Travelers looking to avoid crowds will find November 17-18 ideal for domestic travel and November 16-17 for international journeys.

Fall also brings fluctuations in airfare pricing. The most expensive domestic flights fall on November 22 and 30, while international fares peak on November 21 and 22. By planning ahead and targeting these shoulder-season windows, travelers can enjoy significant savings on tickets while avoiding congested airports.

Best Dates for Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Accommodation trends mirror flight patterns. The least busy days to stay domestically are November 17 and 18, while internationally, November 18 and 30 are quieter. Those seeking the lowest lodging rates will find September 1 and November 16 optimal for domestic stays and October 29-30 for international bookings. On the flip side, the most expensive nights to stay domestically occur on October 10 and 17, with international properties peaking in price on November 22 and 26.

Key Trends Driving Fall Travel

Several distinctive trends are shaping travel this season, offering a range of experiences from outdoor adventures to cultural immersion.

Fall Foliage Destinations: Autumn is ideal for scenic escapes. Destinations with vibrant foliage such as Mystic, Connecticut, Norfolk, Virginia, and Frankenmuth, Michigan are seeing significant growth in interest. These locations offer charming landscapes, small-town charm, and seasonal festivities that make leaf-peeping a highlight of fall travel.

Canadian Escapes: Canada’s natural beauty continues to draw travelers. Whistler, British Columbia, is up 40% year-over-year, thanks to mountain landscapes and outdoor recreation, while Banff (+20%) and Nova Scotia (+15%) provide stunning alpine vistas, turquoise lakes, and dramatic coastlines. These destinations offer a peaceful alternative to crowded urban centers.

Sports Travel: Basketball enthusiasts are flocking to Oklahoma City (+70%), home of the Thunder, as the new season begins in October. Visitors can enjoy live games while exploring the city’s dynamic cultural and dining scene.

Cultural and Historical Adventures: Guatemala (+55%) and Cairo, Egypt (+45%) are gaining popularity among travelers seeking heritage experiences. Guatemala offers volcanic landscapes and Mayan ruins, while Egypt’s pyramids and newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum provide an unmatched blend of history and culture.

Asian Getaways: Demand for destinations in Asia is surging. Koh Samui, Thailand (+95%) and Okinawa, Japan (+85%) are attracting travelers with warm weather, rich cultural experiences, and lower tourist density. Shenzhen, China (+70%) draws visitors interested in modern city life and culinary exploration.

European Retreats: Off-season travel to Europe is gaining traction. Italy’s Ortisei (+85%) and Taormina (+75%) offer scenic landscapes and mild weather, while Chania, Crete (+45%) combines historic sites with stunning coastlines. These destinations provide a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty for autumn visitors.

Tips for Maximizing Fall Travel Savings

Expedia recommends several strategies for travelers looking to stretch their budget this fall:

Flight Deal Searches: Use Expedia’s Flight Deals tool to discover fares at least 20% below the typical price.

Price Alerts: Enable Price Tracking in the Expedia app to receive notifications when airfares drop.

Bundle Bookings: Combining hotel and flight bookings often yields substantial savings, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars.

Price Drop Protection: Consider Expedia’s Price Drop Protection, which offers refunds if airfare decreases after booking.

With carefully chosen dates, strategic planning, and knowledge of seasonal trends, fall 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for travelers to explore new destinations affordably, avoid peak crowds, and enjoy the rich experiences of the season.

Fall 2025 invites wanderers to experience the world at just the right time, when the vibrant burnished colors fall for American small towns and the subtle golds and reds paint Ontario cottage countrysides at exceptionally low prices. Across the globe, the same palette appears in Kyoto gardens, the ancient ruins of Rome, Koh Samui beachfronts, and the courtyards of Beijing palaces. Each stop boasts shoulder-season savings and smaller crowds. Choosing dates smartly—early in the week, toward the shoulder of the season, and avoiding peak national holidays—opens windows to bonuses like room upgrades hardly offered in peak months and discounted airfares that stretch budgets further. You can depart the city, discounted ticket in hand, and arrive to experience outdoor hikes, pop-up vineyards, tram museums, and night street markets illuminated by festival paper lanterns. Whether your goal is tackling mountain paths, sampling street cart fare, or curling up at the riverside with the season’s warm blend, this autumn is ready to deliver.

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Fall Travel Trends: How to Score the Best Hotel and Flight Deals This Season – Image Credit Expedia

Key Dates for Savings: September 29 and October 27 offer the lowest domestic flight fares, while October 26 and November 24 are best for international deals. For hotel stays, September 1 and November 16 are the cheapest nights domestically.

Trending Destinations: Travelers are flocking to fall foliage spots like Mystic, Connecticut, and international gems such as Taormina, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt.

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint landscapes across the globe, savvy travelers are gearing up to take advantage of the shoulder season’s travel deals. According to Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook, this period between the bustling summer and winter holidays is prime time for budget-friendly travel, offering significantly lower prices on flights and accommodations.

Key Dates for Budget Travel

For those planning domestic flights, September 29 and October 27 are the days to mark on your calendar for the best deals. International travelers can snag the lowest fares on October 26 and November 24. The shoulder season’s reduced demand leads to cheaper airfares and accommodations, making it an ideal time for cost-conscious travelers to explore new destinations.

Hotel and Vacation Rental Savings

The best nights for affordable domestic hotel stays are September 1 and November 16. Vacation rentals, offering added comfort and flexibility, also see significant price drops, with some Cancun rentals on Expedia dropping by 45% at the end of September compared to August.

Trending Fall Destinations

This fall, travelers are gravitating towards picturesque foliage escapes like Mystic, Connecticut, and Norfolk, Virginia. Canadian destinations such as Whistler and Banff are also gaining popularity, thanks to their breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Internationally, Taormina, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt, are trending for their cultural and historical allure. Meanwhile, Asian destinations like Koh Samui, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan, are seeing a surge in interest due to their warm weather and rich cultural experiences.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

To make the most of fall travel deals, Expedia suggests using tools like Flight Deals and Price Tracking to find and monitor airfare discounts. Bundling hotel and flight bookings can lead to significant savings, and Expedia’s Price Drop Protection offers refunds if flight fares decrease after booking.

Greece, Turkey, and Other Destinations Came Forward as Off-Peak Travel Trend, Offering Quieter, Affordable Getaways During the Fall and Winter Months

Off-peak travel has become a growing trend in the tourism industry, offering a shift away from the traditional summer and holiday rush that often brings overcrowded destinations and higher prices. As travelers increasingly seek to avoid the sweltering heat, packed streets, and soaring accommodation costs, a rising demand for fall trips and winter city breaks has emerged. In response to these shifting preferences, many tourism companies are adjusting their strategies to cater to travelers who favor a quieter, more relaxed vacation experience.

This new approach to travel is not just about the change in the seasons, but a larger shift in consumer habits. Travelers are looking for affordable, stress-free getaways without compromising on the quality of their experiences. With this change in demand, many destinations, once considered summer-only hotspots, are now adjusting to stay open longer, capitalizing on the allure of off-peak seasons.

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The Shift Towards Quieter, More Peaceful Destinations

In the past, tourists often flocked to destinations at the height of their popularity, especially during the summer months. These locations were at their peak in terms of vibrant activity and local culture, but the benefits of these bustling destinations often came with the cost of long lines, packed attractions, and elevated prices. As air travel became more accessible, the influx of tourists to well-known destinations surged, leading to a rise in overcrowded conditions. This pattern caused travelers to reconsider whether traditional peak season visits were the best way to experience a destination.

The new trend in off-peak travel is about seeking out quieter, more tranquil destinations that are not as overrun with tourists. During the fall and winter months, many popular summer destinations offer a more peaceful experience, with fewer crowds, lower prices, and more opportunities to connect with local culture. As travelers begin to embrace these off-peak travel periods, they are looking for destinations that provide the same level of beauty and culture without the overwhelming congestion.

This shift is particularly noticeable in destinations like Greece and Turkey, which are known for their summer vacation allure. Historically, these countries were limited to the peak travel seasons of June through August, but now they are being re-envisioned as off-peak destinations. Greece, in particular, is attracting a growing number of travelers in the spring and fall, thanks to its milder temperatures and more serene atmosphere. Turkey, with its attractive prices and rich history, is also becoming a viable off-peak destination, offering an affordable alternative to its neighboring European counterparts.

The Benefits of Off-Peak Travel

One of the main driving factors behind this trend is the desire for less crowded travel experiences. Off-peak travel allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of popular destinations without the usual hustle and bustle that comes with peak season tourism. The serene atmosphere during the off-season offers more opportunities to explore at a leisurely pace, discover hidden gems, and truly experience the destination’s local culture. This creates a more personalized, intimate travel experience that cannot always be achieved during the peak travel months.

Additionally, off-peak travel tends to come with substantial financial benefits. Airfares and accommodations are typically more affordable in the off-season, with many hotels and airlines offering reduced prices to attract travelers during these quieter months. Lower demand for these services also allows for more flexibility in terms of booking last-minute travel. As a result, off-peak travel offers an opportunity for cost-conscious travelers to explore new destinations without the hefty price tag associated with peak season visits.

Another significant advantage of off-peak travel is the opportunity to avoid the extreme heat that often defines summer travel. Popular destinations like the Mediterranean can become uncomfortably hot during the peak season, deterring many travelers from enjoying their time to the fullest. Visiting these destinations in the fall or spring allows visitors to enjoy mild weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is especially appealing to travelers who may find summer temperatures too stifling or who want to explore cities and landmarks without the discomfort of oppressive heat.

Shifting Trends in Travel Packages and Customization

As demand for off-peak travel grows, travel companies are adjusting their offerings to meet the changing needs of their customers. Many are now developing more flexible and customizable travel packages that allow clients to mix and match flights, accommodations, and activities to create a personalized experience. Dynamic packaging—where customers select their own travel elements—has become a key offering for travel companies catering to the off-peak market.

This customization allows travelers to design their ideal vacation without being confined to static, pre-determined packages. By providing more flexibility and control over their travel experience, companies are better positioned to serve the growing demand for unique, off-peak travel experiences. This approach also helps travelers avoid the crowded, overpriced experiences often found in standard travel packages. As more people opt for off-peak vacations, travel companies are embracing dynamic packaging to offer tailored solutions that reflect their customers’ preferences for quieter destinations and more affordable trips.

The Impact of Off-Peak Travel on Destination Marketing

As off-peak travel continues to rise in popularity, destinations around the world are rethinking their marketing strategies to promote themselves during the quieter months. Traditional tourism marketing has long focused on promoting peak season travel, but with the growth of off-peak tourism, there is a clear shift towards encouraging visitors to explore during shoulder seasons or winter months.

For instance, the Greek islands, which have historically only attracted large numbers of visitors during the summer, are now marketing themselves as year-round destinations. Hotels that traditionally close during the off-season are now staying open longer, offering special promotions and packages designed to attract fall and winter travelers. Similarly, Turkish destinations are positioning themselves as affordable alternatives to more expensive European destinations, targeting those looking for a budget-friendly vacation with fewer tourists.

This shift in marketing strategies is also evident in the rise of city breaks. While city breaks were once reserved for spring and summer, destinations are now highlighting the charm and allure of urban experiences during the cooler months. Major cities, such as Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, are capitalizing on the quieter winter months, offering visitors a chance to explore their rich culture and history without the crowds. The lower cost of travel during this time also makes city breaks more accessible to a broader audience, helping to boost tourism in these destinations year-round.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Off-Peak Travel

Technology has played a pivotal role in facilitating the rise of off-peak travel. Online platforms, travel apps, and dynamic packaging tools allow travelers to plan their trips more effectively, providing access to real-time information on flight availability, accommodation prices, and local events. This has empowered travelers to make more informed decisions about when and where to travel, giving them the flexibility to choose off-peak periods for the best experience and value.

Additionally, social media and travel blogs have become valuable resources for showcasing the advantages of off-peak travel. Influencers and travelers alike are sharing their experiences of visiting popular destinations during the quieter months, encouraging others to consider these options. As the trend grows, more platforms are likely to emerge that focus on promoting off-season travel, making it easier for tourists to access the best deals and experiences.

The Economic Impact of Off-Peak Travel

Off-peak travel has the potential to balance out the economic fluctuations that come with seasonal tourism. By spreading tourism demand throughout the year, destinations can ensure a steady stream of revenue, reducing the peaks and valleys that often characterize traditional tourism markets. This helps local economies maintain stability, as businesses in tourist-heavy areas no longer have to rely solely on a short, intense summer season.

For the tourism industry at large, off-peak travel creates opportunities to grow customer bases beyond the high season. As more travelers opt for quieter, less expensive travel options, the sector can tap into new markets and diversify its offerings. Local businesses, particularly in smaller or less-traveled destinations, benefit from a year-round influx of visitors, leading to sustainable growth in the long term.

Conclusion: The Future of Off-Peak Travel

Off-peak travel is more than just a passing trend; it reflects a broader shift in the way people approach vacations. As travelers increasingly prioritize peace, affordability, and authentic experiences over crowded tourist traps, off-peak destinations are emerging as the new travel norm. With more flexible, customizable travel options and a growing desire for more relaxed getaways, the off-peak travel trend is reshaping the tourism landscape.

As the world continues to embrace this new travel mentality, off-peak tourism is set to become an integral part of the global travel experience, offering a more sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible way to explore the world. Whether it’s a fall escape to Greece, a winter city break, or an off-season adventure in Turkey, the allure of quieter, more affordable travel is changing the way we think about vacations.

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The longer Lily Collins plays Emily Cooper, the wider the gap between their style identities becomes.

Unlike the effervescent Emily in Paris protagonist, Lily tends to gravitate towards rock-inspired accents or classic staples in cosy textures. Her latest look – which she wore to travel between filming locations in Europe – includes both. While Emily would never pair a massive Balenciaga city bag with brown suede sneakers, Lily had no such qualms.

As noted by Vogue, Lily made her way to Venice in a utilitarian layered look, pairing black sweatpants with a structured beige button-up layered under a grey Uniqlo drawstring jacket, keeping both collars popped nonchalantly. She finished off the look with the tan Adidas Handball Spezials she’s favoured well before the brown suede sneaker trend took off this summer.

Lily Collins on October 29, 2024. Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer Lily Collins on November 21, 2024. Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer

However, Lily is right on time with the bag she carried in lieu of a traditional duffle, toughening up her otherwise preppy ensemble with a ludicrously capacious Balenciaga city bag. You can see the entire look for yourself here.

Introduced in 2001, the Balenciaga city bag made a massive comeback this summer, as seen on the arms of influential celebs like Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Tate McRae, as well as a host of street style stars. For her part, Lily lugged around the most capacious version of the Y2K it-bag, similar to the ones carried by Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Richie in the early aughts.

Kate Moss in 2003. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Lindsay Lohan in 2006. Mark Mainz/Getty Images

Of course, once she was back on set, any semblance of Lily Collins’ personal style was left behind. Unless you think she’d wear this all-red mesh ensemble from August 16th.

The longer Lily Collins plays Emily Cooper, the wider the gap between their style identities becomes.

Unlike the effervescent Emily in Paris protagonist, Collins tends to gravitate toward rock-inspired accents or classic staples in cozy textures. Her latest look—which she wore to travel between filming locations in Europe—includes both. While Emily would never pair a massive Balenciaga City bag with brown suede sneakers, Collins had no such qualms.

As noted by Vogue, Collins made her way to Venice in a utilitarian layered look, pairing black sweatpants with a structured beige button-up layered under a gray Uniqlo drawstring jacket, keeping both collars popped nonchalantly. She finished off the outfit with the tan Adidas Handball Spezials she’s favored well before the brown-suede-sneaker trend took off this summer.

Lily Collins on October 29, 2024 Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer Lily Collins on November 21, 2024 Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer

However, Collins is right on time with the bag she carried in lieu of a traditional duffle, toughening up her otherwise preppy ensemble with a ludicrously capacious Balenciaga City bag. You can see the entire look for yourself here.

Courtesy of brand Balenciaga Medium Le City Handbag $2,850 Nordstrom Adidas Handball Spezial Sneakers $110 Adidas

Introduced in 2001, the Balenciaga City bag made a massive comeback this summer, as seen on the arms of influential celebs like Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Tate McRae, as well as a host of street-style stars. For her part, Collins lugged around the most capacious version of the Y2K It bag, similar to the ones carried by Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Richie in the early aughts.

Kate Moss in 2003 Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Lindsay Lohan in 2006 Mark Mainz/Getty Images

Of course, once she was back on set, any semblance of Lily Collins’s personal style were left behind. Unless you think she’d wear this all-red mesh ensemble from August 16.