Fall is the new summer—when it comes to taking a vacation, that is. The 2026 summer travel season was marked by record-breaking heat, drought, and wildfires in the northern hemisphere, as well as heavy rainfall in the south.¹

Is it any wonder travelers are longing for an autumn break? The popularity of coolcations and shoulder-season travel continues—and we’re seeing a few new travel trends as well.

Fall has become the hot season for luxury travel.

Luxury travel isn’t all about private butler service or ultra-exclusive resorts. It’s about having the best possible experience at a destination. That’s why affluent travelers are choosing to travel in fall, extend their vacations, and spend more money—so they can avoid crowds and enjoy perfect weather.²

Fall 2026 travel bookings are up by 59% from 2025, reports Virtuoso, the global network of luxury and experiential travel advisors. Europe is especially popular. Some of the top fall destinations for luxury travelers: the French Riviera, the Greek Isles, and Puglia, Italy.³

What this means for your travel plans: If you’re thinking about a luxury getaway for fall, be aware that demand is high and so are prices: luxury international hotels average $1,653 per night, while luxury U.S. hotels aren’t far behind at $1,445. Make sure you get travel insurance that can fully protect your trip investment, such as the OneTrip Premier plan from Allianz Partners.

Fall travelers want to go where everybody isn’t.

The single biggest travel trend in 2026 is the backlash against overtourism. Locals in hotspots like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Japan are loudly protesting the hordes of tourists who are ruining their quality of life. They’re fighting back by adding new rules, restrictions, and fees for popular attractions.⁴

Travelers, too, are tired of paying high prices and battling crowds to visit a destination that influencers have declared a must-see. Instead, they’re seeking out places that are less crowded in the fall shoulder season, such as:

• The Caribbean (including cruises)
• Iceland
• South Korea
• Turkey, Croatia, and other Mediterranean nations
• The Dolomites in Italy

What this means for your travel plans: It’s important to know that shoulder season travel is a lot different than it used to be. Because of climate change and increased travel demand worldwide, the summer high season now extends into late spring and early fall. To save money and avoid crowds, you may wish to nudge your fall 2026 vacation into late October or early November (depending on where you’re going.) Read more: The Insider’s Guide to Shoulder Season Travel

Fall road trips are getting more focused.

There’s nothing like a scenic drive when the air is crisp and the trees are dressed in reds and golds. However, high fuel prices and overall travel costs are making many American travelers rethink their fall 2026 road trip. About a third say gas prices are causing them to change travel plans, often by choosing a destination closer to home or reducing the number of trips overall.⁵

Keep in mind that New England isn’t the only possible destination for a fall road trip. The top trending U.S. destinations for autumn travel in 2026 are New York’s Adirondacks; Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge; Aspen, Colorado; and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.⁶ Here’s our list of the best scenic routes for a fall road trip in the U.S.

What this means for your travel plans: It’s not just where to go, but when. To plan the best fall road trip, use the Fall Foliage Prediction Map to see when the trees will be at their peak. Campgrounds and hotels fill up fast, so make reservations as early as you can. And remember: the best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip! Get a quote.

The hottest fall travel destination? The grocery store.

What is the “grocery store tourism” trend? Exactly what it sounds like: Visiting other countries with a plan to scour the grocery stores for unique and delicious treats. Think unusual flavors of potato chips, condiments you can’t get at home, gourmet delights like tinned fish and fine chocolate, and foods that have gone viral, like Maison Bordier butter from La Grande Épicerie de Paris.

Some special treats to look for on your fall trip overseas:

• Crème de marrons (chestnut spread) in France
• Yakgwa, deep-fried honey pastries dusted with sesame, in South Korea
• Bonfire toffee, a dark and sticky treacle toffee, in England
• Pan de muerto, a round sweet bread topped with bone-like strips and flavored with orange zest or anise that’s eaten during Día de los Muertos in Mexico.

What this means for your travel plans: Travel with the proper containers and enough luggage space to transport your treasures. And make sure you understand what you’re allowed to bring through U.S. Customs. Some prohibited items include soft cheeses, fresh produce, live plants, meats, and other animal products.

Travelers don’t just want to escape—instead, they’re seeking connection.

Have you heard the term “the IRL economy”? It refers to a growing sector of companies built to provide authentic, offline gatherings and community experiences, including travel. One major travel trend for fall 2026 is planning a trip with the intention of connecting with others. 

For example: a craft retreat with a group of friends. Book a house (like Windmill Lane Farm in Ohio) with a dedicated crafting studio and spend the weekend scrapbooking, quilting, building book nooks, etc.  For a more intensive experience, consider a  skillcation. This is a trip dedicated to the serious study of something that interests you, whether that’s cheesemaking, kitesurfing, or blacksmithing.

Another travel driver is cultural connection. This could mean taking a  cultural immersion trip, where you experience the daily life and traditions of a community that’s not your own. Or, it might mean going on a themed cruise with hundreds of other passengers who share a passion for a specific band, hobby, or fandom.

What this means for your travel plans: Fill in these blanks:

• “I’ve always wanted to try ____________.”
• “I really enjoy being around people who ______________.”
• “I wish I could spend a whole weekend doing nothing but _____________.”

Then, let the answers guide your fall trip planning.

Related Articles

• Taking the Trip Less Traveled: Off-Season Travel Destinations
• Visit These Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, and Petting Zoos This Fall
• Low-Cost Getaways for Families This Fall