Lighthouse at Cape Formentor, Mallorca, at sunset. Mallorca is a popular autumn destination… (+) 2024.
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Wondering which are the best countries to travel to this fall? Expedia's new Fall Travel Outlook has revealed the top international destinations for fall 2024. To gauge interest, the travel site looked at hotel searches to see which destinations are seeing increased demand.
According to Expedia, hotel searches in both Tulum, Mexico and Mallorca, Spain have increased by a whopping 70%.
Though it's still too early to make an official announcement, travel experts and travel agencies (including the Transportation Security Administration) are predicting that summer 2024 will be the busiest summer travel season on record. So if you've been waiting until fall to take a vacation, you're right: If you travel during the off-season, the beaches will be less crowded, restaurant reservations will be easier to get, and the weather will still be great in many places.
And there's more good news: Airfares historically drop 10% in the fall compared to the busy summer travel season, according to Expedia's fall report.
While many travelers seek out the beaches in the fall, many are also interested in a trip to Japan, with Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka all making the top 10. Spring in Japan is popular for its cherry blossoms, but autumn is just as spectacular as the maple and ginkgo trees turn a beautiful maroon color. The autumn foliage season comes later than in North America, usually lasting from mid-October to mid-December.
Top 10 recommended spots for overseas travel in autumn 2024
According to Expedia research, this fall travelers are more interested in beach vacations than cooler weather and leaf-peeping. Here are 10 destinations that are seeing a notable increase in travel demand.
1. Tulum, Mexico (+70%)
Trips to Tulum, Mexico, have become popular this fall thanks to a new airport offering direct flights between the U.S. and Canadian cities.
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Weather-wise, October and November are ideal times to visit Tulum as it's still warm and not as humid as summer. Adding to interest in Tulum in the fall is the new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), which opened last spring and provides direct flights between the Riviera Maya hotspot and 15 other destinations, mostly in the US and Canada.
2nd place: Mallorca, Spain (+70%)
An aerial view of Sa Calobra Beach in Mallorca. According to Expedia, the number of people searching for hotels in Mallorca this fall is up 70%.
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Four Seasons chose the picturesque Spanish island as the site for its newest property, Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, which opened in August. The luxury seaside resort is set on 100 acres and has its own vineyards.
Can't decide which Balearic Island to visit this fall? Here's how to choose between Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza.
3rd place: Curacao (+55%)
Colorful buildings in downtown Willemstad, Curaçao, a Caribbean island that becomes a popular scuba diving spot in early fall.
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Autumn is a popular season in Curacao, with scuba divers flocking to the Caribbean island from late August through October to watch coral spawn.
4th: Tokyo, Japan (+50%)
In Japan, autumn leaves last from mid-October to mid-December.
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While Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, Tokyo's ginkgo and maple trees make for a spectacular autumn sight. See the colorful autumn scenery at spots like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a picturesque park with islands and bridges.
No. 5: Kyoto (Japan) (+50%)
Tourists stand on the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple at dusk in autumn.
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Kyoto turns beautiful red and orange in autumn, usually reaching its peak in late November. The 1,200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a famous place to see cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
6th: Osaka (Japan) (+45%)
Minoh Falls in autumn, Japan.
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From the suspension bridge at Hoshida Park to Minoo Falls and Katsuo-ji Temple, Osaka has many beautiful spots to view autumn leaves from mid-November to mid-December.
7th: Nice, France (+40%)
Landscape of Cap d'Antibes, southern France
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Autumn temperatures range from the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, so days on the beach in the south of France are still pleasant and visitors can enjoy seeing ruins, touring the Matisse Museum, and strolling the Promenade des Anglais.
8. Mexico City, Mexico (+40%)
Aerial view of the Independence Monument in Mexico City, Mexico.
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Plan your trip to coincide with Mexican Independence Day on September 16, when Mexico City is filled with fireworks, festivals, and mariachi concerts. While you're there, make a reservation at Quintonil, which was named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants this year.
9th: Copenhagen (+40%)
Christianshavn Canal in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Every autumn in Copenhagen, the leaves change color, hygge season begins, the weather becomes crisper and new exhibitions begin at several museums.
No. 10: Cancun, Mexico (+35%)
Aerial view of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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Cancun is a popular year-round destination, but especially popular this fall. One of the newest openings is AVA Resort Cancun, a stylish all-inclusive resort in the Hotel Zone with rooms featuring balcony bathtubs or plunge pools and 27 upcoming restaurants.
