When is the best time to go on holiday?

As Taylor Swift famously put it, August slipped away into a moment in time – and just like that, we are ushered into autumn, away from the warm sunshine and closer to a chilly winter.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Savvy holidaymakers may find autumn brings various perks – fewer crowds, cheaper flights and vibrant landscapes.

Whether you’re planning to enjoy a Mediterranean cruise, escape to an island or ditch your passport for a staycation, we look at ways to secure the best deals this autumn.

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The best time to go on holiday

Autumn is often termed ‘shoulder season’, as it falls between the peak summer months and a busy winter, so you can get more value for money without compromising on quality.

Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, says: “Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers. Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and holiday rental prices are as well.”

According to Expedia’s Autumn Travel Outlook, the best time to travel internationally is 12 and 26 September. For domestic travellers, this falls on 26 October and 2 November.

We take a more in-depth look at the best travel times this autumn.

Source: Expedia, Autumn Travel Outlook report

The most popular places to go on holiday

While places like London, Edinburgh and Cornwall are popular with tourists and Brits alike, many underrated towns are attracting holidaymakers.

Tenby in southwest Wales has experienced a 55% increase in retreats thanks to its colourful harbour and coastal walks, according to Expedia, while Oxfordshire is also becoming a hotspot due to its historic villages and countryside pubs.

The data, compiled from April to July 2025, covers travel between September to November 2025, and is compared with the same period last year.

We look at the most popular UK destinations this autumn.

A similar trend is taking over as Brits choose to holiday abroad in lesser-known destinations, including Jamaica, Hong Kong and Vietnam – as well as emerging value hotspots like Lithuania for a slice of Baltic history and charm.

How to find the best value travel deals

Planning a holiday doesn’t always have to be stressful – as long as you’re well prepared. We look at a few ways to find the best travel deals and save on holiday.

1. Sort out your travel insurance

Let’s face it: travel insurance is the most boring part of booking a holiday. But it’s also one of the most important insurance policies to hold – it can be very helpful in the event you get struck by travel delays or face hefty medical fees. The last thing you want is your dream holiday turning into a nightmare.

We explore whether travel insurance is worth it in a separate guide, and how to get travel cover for over 70s.

2. Book refundable accommodation

Likewise, it’s always a good idea to reserve hotels that have flexible policies like ‘free cancellation’ or ‘reserve now, pay later’. That way, you can have peace of mind in case you need to change the dates of your trip or cancel at the last minute due to an unexpected emergency.

3. Bundle up

All-inclusive packages can be a good option if you want to travel with ease and lounge at a luxury hotel. You can customise your packages in one place, whether it’s flights, car hire, hotels or any activities you’re planning to partake in.

4. Don’t forget about travel money

It’s highly recommended you don’t get your travel money for the airport, where exchange rates are poor. You will also want to make sure that you have the right cards for travel abroad, so you don’t get stung by high fees.