Airbnb released its latest insights at the end of August 2024, highlighting key trends for the upcoming fall season. The data shows that the period between September and November typically offers the lowest prices for bookings on the platform.
This makes fall the most affordable time to travel for those looking to save on accommodations while still enjoying their vacations. And the feedback they received from their guests proves price is a contributing factor for 85% of the respondents.
Bnbfinder, a vacation rental booking site without service fees, also conducted a survey among its guests and report that the top two most popular months for planned travel are in the fall: October (35%) and September (32%) surpassing previous year’s winners June (33%) and July (33%).
Eric Goldreyer, CEO and owner of bnbfinder says, based on his 25+ years of online travel and hospitality experience, “The challenges of recent years have shifted priorities, with many placing greater value on experiences and memories, even if it means cutting back elsewhere in their budget. Savvy travelers recognize the benefits of exploring during shoulder seasons — like the fall.”
The Growing Popularity of Fall Road Trips
While most respondents (58%) say they’re heading to the beach, Goldreyer reports, “Road trips are a key trend this fall, with 52% of survey respondents planning to hit the road.”
Tripadvisor ’s survey also shows increased interest in fall road trips, explains Associate Director of Research & Insights Ryan Gillis. “It’s no surprise that people want to take advantage of the smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and some of the best travel deals available all year long, but we’re also seeing travelers be more ambitious this season, planning to hit up at least three cities in a single trip.”
Their data shows that 66% of U.S. travelers plan trips within six hours of home. 29% intend to visit three or more cities during one jaunt.
Google Trends also show road trips are on the rise. For example, “ Utah road trip ” searches jumped 23% in the past month, while “ road trip to Montana ” and “ road trip to Colorado ” rose 162% and 91%, respectively. People also increasingly search for “ cheap places to travel in October.
Unlikely Experiences Lead the Way, Also During the Fall
Unique and memorable experiences drive tourism growth. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Trends 2024 report finds that spending on experiences has increased 65% since 2019. With inflated travel costs, consumers increasingly invest in meaningful excursions — glamping in yurts, solar eclipse viewings, lengthy cruises, Taylor Swift shows, or the Cricket World Cup.
Dan Yates, founder of global campsite booking platform Pitchup.com, notes a remarkable 250% year-over-year increase for tipi bookings. Other unique lodging options — cottages, chalets, bungalows, wigwams, and treehouses — also trend upwards.
Pitchup.com reports the Southern U.S. as the most popular region for bookings, while the Northeast boasts the highest year-over-year increase, with a 19% jump in reservations.
Alaska Emerges as One of the Top Fall Destinations in the United States
Erin Stender, CMO of campsite reservation software company Campspot, says demand for Alaskan autumn travel surged 150% year-over-year. Vacation rental brand HomeToGo also notes a surge in interest. Travelers’ desire to visit Alaska during fall is up 95%, says Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Travel Expert & Spokesperson.
Additionally, Google Trends shows searches for “ cruises to Alaska 2024 ” are up a staggering 900%.
Gigi Mack, travel advisor for Travelmation, says most of her clients travel in the fall and are booking Alaska cruises to avoid crowds. She says almost all of her clients travel from mid-August through October.
What is drawing visitors to Alaska? One major attraction is whale watching, with September being one of the prime months to spot humpback whales. Visitors may also be eager to chase the Northern Lights, as the Aurora season begins in September. Additionally, the end of the peak salmon run falls between September and October, coinciding with the moose rut, when bulls are sparring in open spaces.
Fall Travel Overtakes Summer in Tennessee as Foliage Season Starts
Travel expert Justin Sidell from TeachMe.To reports an almost 10% increase in fall bookings this year, particularly among destinations showcasing their fall foliage. Tennessee, in particular, has seen a significant rise in fall travel bookings — up 138%, according to Stender.
Moody notes that growing interest is also evident in smaller towns within the state, like Townsend, Tennessee, reporting a 65% rise in traveler interest for this fall.
Tom Gigliotti, Co-Founder of Outrageous Cabins in Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, says the demand for fall travel has not only materialized in actual bookings but outpaced this year’s summer reservations. She believes, “The desire to experience the Smokies in all their autumn glory, coupled with the need for a peaceful retreat, is driving this increase.”
Unexpectedly or not, Tennessee is joining the ranks of New England fall foliage destinations. Fall has always been one of the busiest seasons in New Hampshire, says Michelle Cruz, Executive Director at Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. She attributes its popularity to its stunning foliage and local businesses continually investing in new attractions and events like Cranmore’s Half Day Festival or the Kula Yoga Fest.
Spooky Season in Full Swing: Booking Surges as Halloween Approaches
Halloween celebrations are an undeniable part of the fall season. According to Mars Tricks, Treats, and Trends, 85% of Americans plan to celebrate it this year, 10% more than last year.
Susan Dosier, media contact for Haunted America, notes, “Halloween is coming early this year for most of these attractions as they are already opening on 13 September 2024.” She mentions ticket sales for one attraction increased 209% compared to last year.
Around Halloween, New Orleans hosts large, vibrant celebrations, particularly in the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street. Visitors planning to go there can already see the program on the city’s website, from street parties to details of the Krewe of BOO! Parade.
Christopher Falvey, co-founder of Unique NOLA Tours, a New Orleans ghost and history tour company, says locals often consider Halloween night a bigger deal than Mardi Gras.
As the fall season unfolds, it’s clear Americans are increasingly embracing local destinations and unique experiences, driving a notable shift in travel trends. This fall promises to be an exciting and dynamic travel season.
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Emese Maczko | Wealth of Geeks
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
