As summer memories quickly fade, travellers are already focusing on where to head off this autumn. Newly released data from Expedia has revealed that some lesser-known locations are rocketing in popularity.
The digital travel and accommodation platform has unearthed its fastest-growing autumn destinations, which are well worth considering if affordability is the name of the game.
Lesser-known gems are capturing travellers' attention this season. Surprisingly, Luxembourg has emerged as Expedia's fastest-growing autumn destination, with interest surging by up to 470% as Britons seek sophisticated city breaks away from the crowds.
The list also includes other off-the-beaten-path places such as Sarandë in Albania (+110%), Budva in Montenegro (+85%) and Ljubljana in Slovenia (+80%), suggesting that many travellers are prioritising discovery over familiarity when choosing where to go.
Expedia's top ten international trending destinations for autumn 2026:
Luxembourg +470%
Curaçao +210%
Strasbourg, France +170%
Annecy, France +165%
San Juan, Puerto Rico +160%
Beijing, China +150%
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy +115%
Sarandë, Albania +110%
Budva, Montenegro +85%
Ljubljana, Slovenia +80%
Which destinations are trending is based on Expedia's analysis of searches made on Expedia.co.uk between April 13, 2026 and July 12, 2026 for travel between September 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026, and comparing them to the same period in 2025.
Searches for the pretty cities of Strasbourg and Annecy are up by 170% and 165% respectively, while Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy, best known as a ski resort, has seen a rise of 115%.
"For British travellers chasing the best value this autumn, the biggest savings are waiting overseas. Classic favourites such as the Algarve and the Greek islands become far more affordable after summer, delivering all the appeal with a fraction of the price tag," said Melanie Fish, Travel Expert and Spokesperson for Expedia.
"At the same time, the rise of Luxembourg and destinations across the Adriatic and Balkans suggests travellers are increasingly swapping the familiar for places that feel undiscovered, authentic and exciting.
"International stays on Expedia are, on average, 10% cheaper in November than in summer, making it the sweet spot for savvy travellers looking to unlock the best deals."
Autumn's reputation as the cheaper season to travel may be over. Expedia's latest Autumn Travel Outlook revealed that hotel stays across UK destinations are now, on average, more expensive than in summer.
However, the travel marketplace identified popular international places where accommodation prices fall significantly after the peak season, including Albufeira and Faro in the Algarve, and Mykonos and Kos in the Greek Islands, where rates are up to 30% lower.
International getaways deliver autumn savings for those chasing value, with hotel rates falling by around 7%. Besides the Algarve and the Greek islands, Benidorm, Alicante and Istanbul are among the most affordable destinations.
The most popular autumn destinations by search included Paris, New York, Mallorca, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Rome, Orlando, Barcelona, Tenerife and Dublin.
Andy Probert is a British-born, Cyprus-based journalist who covers aviation, hotels, travel, and various topics for publications worldwide.
