These Are the Fall Travel Trends Everyone’s Talking About Right Now

As the heat waves make way for crisp fall air, travel enthusiasts turn their attention to planning epic autumnal trips. Thankfully, harvest season not only makes for excellent leaf peeping, but it’s actually one of the most financially savvy times of the year to travel. According to Airbnb data, fall has been the most affordable season to hit the road with price-per-night at its lowest compared to the rest of the year. For those looking for a little inspiration, we’ve gathered the fall travel trends that everyone is talking about right now. From sports tourism to indulging in bucket-list getaways, here’s what to keep an eye out for.

Thomas J. Story

Leaf Peeping

The technicolor landscapes that occur when leaves change color in the fall are an absolute heaven for all lovers of autumn, especially photographers. And while the East Coast gets a lot of love when it comes to leaf peeping, there are plenty of places here in the West that really deliver. Varieties of native oak, maple, aspen, and alder put on a spectacle this time of year, particularly in our parklands. The natural instinct is to turn to National Parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, but thankfully there are slightly less-touristed areas worth exploring, too, particularly in the North and Eastern regions of the Sierra. You can check out some of our favorites here.

Samantha Sheppard/Unsplash

Shoulder Season

Shoulder season in 2024 is shaping up to be the ideal time to travel, offering a sweet spot between the peak summer crowds and winter chill. During these transitional months, destinations are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate travel experience. Accommodations and flights are often more affordable, as demand dips, and you can enjoy the benefits of mild weather without the extreme temperatures of peak seasons. Plus, local events and attractions are often less congested, providing a more authentic glimpse into the culture and daily life of your destination. Some of our favorite places to explore during these months are spots that can get a bit overwhelmed during peak season like Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, Aspen, and Casper.

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Gig-Tripping

Gig-tripping, or traveling specifically for concerts, is the ultimate way to merge your love for music with a scenic getaway this fall. The Western U.S. is brimming with spectacular venues that shine during this season. Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, renowned for its breathtaking natural acoustics and stunning autumn views, is a must-visit for any music lover. Similarly, the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles offers a vibrant array of performances against a backdrop of cooler fall evenings. In San Francisco, the historic Fillmore hosts an eclectic mix of artists in an intimate setting. Each venue promises not only great music, but also the chance to experience the unique charm of fall in these iconic locations.

Thomas J. Story

Sports Tourism

According to American Express’ recent data, 67% of Millennial and Gen-Z respondents (compared to 58% of all respondents) are interested in traveling for sporting events in 2024. Pair that with all the fanfare and social media hype that surrounded the recent Olympic Games, and it’s sure to be a busy season for travelers looking to catch live football, soccer, and post-season baseball. The West is home to some really exciting new stadiums worth visiting, too. SoFi and Intuit in Los Angeles, Montana’s Western Sports Complex, and Allegiant in Las Vegas are just a few arenas sports fans will be hitting the road for during the 2024-2025 season.

Courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

Wine Country Road Trips

Fall is the perfect time for a wine country road trip through some of the West’s best AVAs like Sonoma, Santa Ynez, Walla Walla, or the Willamette Valley, as the season’s cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage enhance the wine-tasting experience. And in Santa Ynez, the harvest season brings a lively buzz to the wineries, with events and festivals like Sunset’s Taste of the SYV, celebrating the year’s bounty against a backdrop of golden vineyards.

Photo by John Moore/Getty Images

Planning Big

According to American Express data, 72% of respondents would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends. The highest booked international destination is Japan because of its killer exchange rate, but other bucket list trips we’re eyeing are kayaking to glaciers or seeing the fat bears in Katmai National Park in Alaska, or checking out the orcas in the San Juan Islands.

Thomas J. Story

Using Agents and Travel Pros

Though we are in the internet era where travel has never been easier to book, more and more travelers are turning to travel advisors and experts to get the most out of their trips. In fact, 58% of Millennial and Gen-Z respondents want a travel agent or trusted advisor to help them book a major trip this year (compared to 52% of all respondents,) according to American Express. Some of our personal favorites in the region include Salt & Wind and the new Few & Far, a boutique travel company from the woman who founded Under Canvas.