The City of Oklahoma
Fall can be the best time for you to vacation without spending a lot of money. When summer ends and the crowds thin out, a golden window opens for visitors. The temperature gets cooler, there are fewer people, and costs go down. According to Expedia’s new Fall Travel Outlook, fall is a great time to travel on a budget if you know when to book. Here’s how to plan your fall trip better this year, from flights and hotels to popular places to go.
When to Book the Cheapest Flights This Fall
According to Expedia, airfare takes a noticeable dip once peak summer demand fades. Domestic flights are particularly affordable on September 29 and October 27, while international flyers will find the lowest rates on October 26 and November 24.
If your schedule allows, plan around these days:
- Least busy days to fly domestically: November 17–18
- Least busy international flight days: November 16–17
- Best-priced domestic flights: September 29 & October 27
- Best-priced international flights: October 26 & November 24
Whether you’re planning fall road trips, a spontaneous escape, or scouting for cheap flights for September, aligning your departure with these dates could save you significantly. It’s also a great opportunity to squeeze in weekend getaways or a short trip before the holiday chaos begins.
When to Snag Hotel and Vacation Rental Deals
Flight savings are just one part of the puzzle. Lodging costs also drop during the fall season, making it easier to stretch your travel budget. Expedia’s data suggests that September 1 and November 16 are the least expensive days for hotel stays within the U.S., while October 29 and 30 are the cheapest days internationally.
Here’s a quick breakdown to guide your stay:
- Least busy U.S. hotel days: November 17–18
- Least busy international stay days: November 18 & 30
- Most expensive domestic nights: October 10 & 17
- Most expensive international nights: November 22 & 26
- Busiest U.S. stay dates: September 12 & 19
- Busiest international stay dates: September 4 & 11
If you’re looking to mix affordability with fewer crowds, mid-to-late November might be the sweet spot.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Trending Fall Travel Destinations
Expedia’s lodging search trends reveal what people are bookmarking for their fall escapes. In the U.S., urban hotspots like New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Miami, and Orlando remain in high demand. Internationally, favorites include Paris, London, Rome, Tokyo, and Cancun.
But there’s a shift happening. Best autumn destinations are expanding beyond traditional favorites:
- Domestic gems: Oklahoma City, Norfolk, Montauk, and Lancaster County
- International picks: Koh Samui (Thailand), Okinawa (Japan), Cairo (Egypt)
These emerging favorites align with broader travel trends like the search for cultural richness, serene landscapes, and sustainable tourism alternatives.
Fall foliage also drives choices this time of year. For those asking what are the best places in the US and UK to see fall foliage, think beyond Vermont and Scotland—try Whistler, Nova Scotia, or Banff in Canada for fewer crowds and sweeping views.
What’s Fueling the Fall Travel Wave?
It’s not just lower prices that are drawing people out, it’s the way fall travel fits into evolving lifestyles. The rise of travel for remote workers and those exploring digital nomad visas means more people are choosing to work from scenic locations instead of staying put.
If you fit into that group, fall is a great time to travel alone or even look for your next long-term base because there are fewer distractions, the weather is more pleasant, and the rates are better. And if you’re worried about your carbon footprint, now is the best time to practice eco-friendly travel recommendations like going during off-peak hours, staying in local hotels, and supporting small businesses in places that aren’t as popular with tourists.
Conclusion
You don’t need a lot of money or a lot of time to arrange your fall trip to make it work for you. If you plan now, you can get inexpensive tickets for September, fantastic hotel discounts, and visit some of the best places for digital nomads in 2025, all without having to worry about summer crowds or holiday prices going up.
So if you’ve been asking yourself how to find cheap flights for a spontaneous weekend getaway or dreaming of chasing fall foliage with your camera in hand, now’s the time. Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a quick family trip, or working remotely from a scenic town, fall is your season to move smart and travel well.
