Expedia data pinpoints cheapest autumn travel dates as fares and stays fall up to 50%

Online travel agency Expedia on Monday released data identifying the cheapest and most expensive dates to travel and book accommodation this autumn, saying some fares and stays can be up to 50% cheaper than peak summer rates.

The analysis found the lowest domestic flight prices in the UK on November 19 and November 29. For international travel, Expedia flagged September 12 and September 26 as the cheapest dates to fly. Accommodation bargains in the UK were most likely on October 26 and November 2, while the best international lodging deals appeared on November 4 and November 10.

Expedia also identified higher-cost travel dates. Domestic flights were most expensive on November 5 and November 23, and international flights rose in price on November 2 and November 11. Hotel and rental prices in the UK tended to be pricier on September 28 and November 29, with international stays showing peaks on October 18 and October 19.

"Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers," said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, noting that both airfares and lodging prices fall during the shoulder season. "As a matter of fact, some stays available on Expedia can drop by up to 50 per cent at the end of September compared to peak summer rates," she added.

Expedia said the research reflects changing demand patterns as the northern-hemisphere summer winds down. The company reported increased interest in quieter, rural destinations: searches for Tenby, a harbour town in Wales, rose 55%, and historic Oxfordshire saw a 50% increase. Overseas inquiries spiked most sharply for Haute-Corse in Corsica, up 205%, while interest in the Red Sea region — including Egypt — rose about 20%.

The data arrives as travellers and industry observers monitor how seasonal demand affects pricing for airlines, hotels and holiday rentals. Shoulder-season discounts can present opportunities for consumers seeking lower-cost options, while specific calendar dates continue to drive price volatility.

Expedia's findings were published Sept. 8, 2025, and reflect the company's booking and search data for the upcoming autumn months. The company did not disclose underlying methodology in full detail in its public summary.