Seven Surprising Fall Travel Trends to Watch

In the summer of 2022, travel and tourism industries saw a surge in demand equal to or greater than pre-pandemic levels. As we head into fall, you might think the vacations are over. After all, the kids go back to school, and summer Fridays come to an end. However the fall travel trend outlook is pretty bright for the travel industry and travelers alike. Here are seven fall travel trends to watch. 

Revenge travel 2.0

Amid the border closings and travel restrictions that marked the pandemic, many of us would-be travelers were left with only their dreams of overseas adventures and island get-aways. As the dust settled on our suitcases, despair settled in our wanderlustful hearts. But now it’s 2022 and many of us are out for revenge. 

Yes, more and more travelers are taking the pretend itineraries and bucket-list travel lists they made during ‘stay home’ orders and putting them on the calendar. This trend of revenge travel will continue well into the fall.   

Budget-friendly Travel

Between inflation worries, gas prices, and airfare hikes, many travelers will channel their pent-up wanderlust into budget travel ideas. Consequently, this fall, more Americans will take local or interstate trips as opposed to international getaways. Between a family trip to Disney World, a BFF weekend in Vegas, or one last camping trip in a national park, fall might just be the perfect time to keep things on the cheap and explore everything your country has to offer.  

Snowbirds Fly South

For many, fall means it’s time to pack up and journey south to warmer climates. Many of these travelers, often called snowbirds, come from Canada and the northern part of the U.S. Every year around this time, they travel to their vacation homes and wait out the winter weather back home as they lounge on the beach and bask in the sunlight.  

Viva Las Vegas

If you’re wondering where to travel in the fall, it might be time to head to Nevada. According to a recent survey by TripAdvisor, it’s a good bet that Las Vegas will be fall’s most sought-after destination. Vegas not your thing? If you need other trip ideas, the next most popular destinations in the U.S. for fall travel are New York City and Orlando. So if you plan on joining your besties in Las Vegas, devouring the Big Apple on your own, or taking your family to Disney World, you certainly won’t be alone. Book your flights, stays, and events sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.  

More immersive Experiences

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Travelers all over the world are now finding just how true that saying is. After being denied the ability to travel freely for so long, we’ve all realized just how much the privilege of travel means to us. Consequently, more of us are planning culturally-immersive travel experiences that may include mindful travel and ecotourism. 

Fall Leaf Peeping Travel

Rounding out the list is arguably the most autumnal of autumn travel trends: leaf peeping travel. Leaf peeping is an activity in which people travel the country to view and photograph fall foliage as the leaves change color. Leaf peeping takes people to places like Vermont and other parts of Northern New England, through Appalachia, up to the Midwest and into Ontario and Quebec. If you want to take advantage of one of nature’s best photo-ops, book your trip soon.   

Demand for Flexibility & Customization

So far the air travel chaos and luggage issues that plagued summer travel, hasn’t deterred people from traveling in the fall. It has, however, increased the demand for more flexibility and customization when it comes to both their itineraries and their travel safety options. Not only will more Americans buy trip insurance, but also they’ll likely look for add-on coverage like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR). These options allow them to tailor their insurance needs to their trip plans. 

Traveling Safely is Always On Trend

If you’re headed overseas or just taking an interstate road trip, travel medical insurance and trip insurance can help keep you and your travel buddies safe. If you need help deciding on what travel insurance plan is right for you and your crew, or you just have a question about travel insurance in general, VisitorsCoverage’s customer success team of Licensed Travel Insurance Experts is happy to help.