WASHINGTON, DC (September 16, 2024) – As temperatures dip and leaves change across many parts of the U.S., travelers are seizing the opportunity for picturesque fall getaways. Autumn is also an ideal time for international travel, particularly to Europe, where destinations are less crowded compared to summer.
“This time of year is known as shoulder season in travel which means mild weather, fewer crowds, and better prices,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “AAA booking numbers show more people are flying this season both domestically and internationally, and many travelers are taking fall cruises to enjoy the foliage in Alaska and New England!”
AAA has identified top fall destinations based on booking data:
Domestic:
- Orlando
- Boston
- Seattle
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Fort Lauderdale
- Honolulu
- Atlanta
International:
- Rome
- Paris
- London
- Vancouver
- Dublin
- Athens
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Venice
- Lisbon
According to AAA booking data, flights and cruises are seeing increased demand compared to last year. Domestic flight bookings have risen by 1%, while international flight bookings have increased by 3%. The average domestic roundtrip ticket costs $660, and the average international roundtrip ticket is $1,315. Domestic cruise bookings have surged by 19% over last fall, with international cruise bookings up by 6%. The average cost for a domestic cruise remains at $2,355, while international cruises have seen a slight increase of 1% to $3,560.
Travelers embarking on fall road trips are benefiting from lower gas prices compared to last year. Gas prices have been decreasing since late July due in part to a relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season. Additionally, stations switching to winter-blend gasoline—which is cheaper to produce—are contributing to lower costs. Car rental rates have also decreased; domestic rentals are down by 5%, and international car rentals have dropped by 15%. Hertz reports that cities such as Boston, Denver, Portland (Maine and Oregon), Montreal, and Vancouver saw increased demand this summer and would make ideal fall trip destinations.
For those seeking last-minute getaways, Trip Canvas—AAA’s free travel planning site—offers inspiration and ideas for memorable fall escapes.
AAA tracks gas prices by state and provides daily national averages along with information on EV charging costs on its fuel site.