When it come to online travel aggregates — search engines that help you search for travel across a variety of brands and websites — one of the most well-known is Expedia. It’s the third most popular travel aggregate in the world, just after Booking.com and Trip.com, with a total value of just over $17 billion as of the last fiscal year. That represents a massive number of hotel and airfare searches from users across the world. And Expedia.com just released an in-depth analysis of those millions and millions of pieces of data, sharing which destinations are the most popular places to travel in the fall.
Photo: Arkadij Schell/Shutterstock
The 10 Most Popular Places to Travel This Fall, According to Expedia
If you’re looking for somewhere to travel between September 3 and November 15, expect to see quite a few fellow travelers in the following destinations (though they’re still likely to be less crowded than in the middle of summer).
Photo: Expedia.com
However, what’s maybe more interesting is what destinations are trending for travel in the fall. Many of the most popular fall destinations above are perennial travel favorites and will likely always be among the most-searched destinations year-round. The destinations below are the ones that are rising in popularity the most for where to go in fall, meaning there were way more searches for travel to these destinations between September and November of 2024 than there were during the same period in 2023.
Photo: Expedia.com
It’s safe to say that if you’re heading to any of the international destinations below, you’re definitely not ahead of the curve. In fact, you’re almost certainly behind it. But the good news is for every already overcrowded destination, there’s probably a good alternative that most tourists haven’t discovered — yet.
Instead of Tulum (#1), head to Isla Holbox
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Isla Holbox is a small, car-free island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s far less crowded than Tulum, with very little of the fist-pumping, beach club vibes that many people love (or hate) about Tulum. While it may not have the same level of international renown, its unique charm and tranquility make it a worthy destination for a more authentic and peaceful experience. It’s known for pristine beaches dotted with hammocks and flamingos, and chances to snorkel and swim with whale sharks. You’ll still find beachfront yoga classes, juice shops, and ritzy hotels, but it’s not anywhere near as crowded as Tulum on an average day. Ut’s about 80 miles north of Cancún, while Tulum is to the south.
Instead of Mallorca (#2), head to Madeira
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Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and vibrant nightlife. But it’s also ridiculously busy, and the tourism economy is causing strain on local populations. So instead, consider heading to Madeira, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic.” It’s a group of four volcanic Portuguese islands with a lush, subtropical climate and dramatic landscapes that lend themselves to hiking, cliff jumping, mountain biking, climbing, and more. Of course, the gorgeous beaches also have plenty of swimming, scuba diving, and amazing places to relax in the sun. And since it’s Portugal, you can count on fabulous food and wine, as well as pretty beachside towns that feel like you’re in mainland Europe.
Madeira is an easy flight from NYC or from many major airports in Europe.
Instead of Curaçao (#3), head to Bonaire
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Both Bonaire and Curaçao offer stunning Caribbean landscapes and a Dutch colonial influence, but Curaçao is definitely busier. However, if it’s snorkeling or scuba diving that appeals to you, Bonaire may be a better place to travel in the fall. It’s often referred to as the “Diver’s Paradise,” with a pristine marine environment and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island’s protected marine park is known for excellent ocean visibility, healthy reefs, and easy diving, making it a great place to learn to dive or try it for just a day. Curaçao has more in terms of nightlife and restaurants, shopping, and tourist activities, but if it’s ocean access you’re after, Bonaire can’t be beat.
Getting there is nearly the same as getting to Curaçao as the islands are close neighbors.
Instead of Tokyo or Kyoto (#4, #5), head to Osaka
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Tokyo and Kyoto are amazing cities, packed with historical temples, fantastic food, and many of the streetscapes and modern experiences that make Japan so unique. But if you’ve seen pictures of pedestrian crossings in Tokyo, you know how crowded it can be. So instead, set your sights on Osaka, known as the “kitchen of Japan.” The city is famous for its street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and udon noodles, and the Dotonbori district is a foodie’s paradise, with countless restaurants, bars, and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs).
Don’t miss Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a majestic fortress that has played a significant role in Japan’s history, with museums, tours, historical gardens, and stunning views of the city.
Getting to Osaka is almost as easy as Kyoto or Tokyo, since it’s very close to Osaka. The easiest way to get there is just to take the bullet train from Tokyo, though you can fly into Kansai International Airport. 