United States travelers are looking for an adventure this fall. According to Airbnb, September, October and November are the most affordable months to travel, with price-per-night at its lowest compared to the rest of the year.
The latest data from Ahrefs conducted by travel experts at The Facts Institute reveals valuable insights into the most popular Google searches for accommodation in key travel hotspots. The data shows where people look to stay over the next few months.
Europe Tops the Charts
London leads the list of most-searched destinations this season with 3,600 monthly U.S. inquiries for “best places to stay in London.” Destination Insights with Google reveals London is the top international choice for U.S. travelers and the most popular destination globally.
Airbnb also mentions Munich, Germany, for fall demand, likely due to the much anticipated Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival that draws around 6 million visitors annually.
Brussels, Belgium, is another 2024 fall destination trend, per the Airbnb data. It hosts many food and wine festivals, including the much-anticipated Winter Wonders and Christmas Market, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine and ice skating from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5.
The latest edition of the European Tourism Trends & Prospects quarterly report, released by the European Travel Commission (ETC), highlights largely positive traveler reviews for accommodation and attractions across Europe. Overall, visitors rate the industry highly for both value and sustainability, scoring 8.45 and 7.52 out of 10, respectively.
“It is encouraging to see that Europe is currently perceived so positively by travelers and that they will continue to support European countries’ economies through their travel expenditure in 2024,” says Eduardo Santander, CEO and Executive Director of the European Travel Commission (ETC). “Though as we navigate a busy year ahead, it will be necessary to manage tourism flows and ensure that this value is spread across regions and reaches the lesser-known places of Europe as well.”
The Americas Remain a Popular Choice
Puerto Rico follows closely behind in Ahrefs data. 3,200 monthly searches for “places to stay,” reflects the continued allure of its beaches and tropical charm.
Puerto Rico is certainly a convenient option for U.S. tourists, as it is a domestic destination that doesn’t require a passport. As previous year’s figures reflect, Dec. 21 through Jan. 5 is a prime time for North Americans to flock to the island to escape the cold winter months.
Similarly, Key West and Costa Rica both see strong demand, each with approximately 2,500 monthly searches. Key West, an island in the Straits of Florida, is home to North America’s only coral barrier reef. It offers a quick escape, just hours from the chaos of Miami.
Costa Rica continues to draw eco-conscious travelers eager to explore its rainforests, beaches, and wildlife.
“Even though it’s a small country, the weather patterns differ between the two coasts,” Cat Xu, travel expert and founder of Nomadicated, shares. “And it’s not all gloomy; the Pacific has much more consistent surf, and September is usually a month with great swells. I also went to Tortuguero to see turtles lay eggs for nesting season.”
Destination Points in the Mainland
Interestingly, destinations such as Yosemite National Park in California, Salem in Massachusetts, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are also trending, highlighting the variety of preferences among travelers.
This data shows Salem, Massachusetts, saw the most searches for accommodations at 25.9% over the last three months, undoubtedly due to its association with Halloween and the spooky season.
The so-called “Witch City” is home to a population of 44,480 people, but every October, its population swells to about 1 million, as tourists seek a witching good time.
“Anyone who is planning to visit Salem, do yourself a favor. Come by train, come by ferry, come by bike, come by broom, but leave the car at home,” Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo told WBUR’s Morning Edition host Rupa Shenoy last October.
Conversely, some destinations, such as Myrtle Beach, declined 32% in search growth volume over the same period, suggesting this year’s high season is coming to a close as travelers seek alternative beach destinations or city escapes.
Travel experts at The Facts Institute suggest these trends reflect the broader preferences of travelers seeking unique, experience-driven stays. Popular beach destinations remain strong, but rising searches for places like Salem and Yosemite show increasing interest in nature, history, and cultural experiences.
A Worthy Consideration
Airbnb notes Japan remains the top international destination for U.S. travelers for the second year in a row. Fall is a perfect time to visit Tokyo and Osaka, Japan’s leading hotspots.
According to Japan’s National Tourism Organization, humidity and temperatures begin to settle in autumn. The landscape transforms into hues of vivid orange, yellow and red. Regardless of location, they assure U.S. travelers they will encounter numerous traditional festivals and events this time of year.
As the fall season kicks off, these insights provide a glimpse into where travelers are heading and how the changing season influences their accommodation choices.
