2025 fall travel trends: Gen Z travel on the rise this shoulder season

This fall, travel is being redefined by Gen Z globetrotters, passionate leaf-peepers, and sunseekers eager to make the most of shoulder season at emerging beach destinations. Whether it's exploring luxurious destinations on a budget, chasing peak autumn foliage, unwinding at newly discovered coastal hotspots, or diving into immersive Airbnb experiences, wanderlust is reaching new heights this fall.

Gen Z travelers seek affordable luxury and longer international escapes this fall

Gen Z traveler searches are up 26 percent for this fall, with young travelers taking out their passports for longer international escapes compared to millennials.¹ This surge is likely fueled by more affordable travel during the shoulder season, making international travel more approachable for younger travelers. A recent Focaldata survey found that over 80 percent of Gen Z respondents say affordability plays a role in their fall travel decisions and 42 percent believe that traveling during fall is a great deal.²

Paris has emerged as the top trending fall destination for Gen Z travelers, with many eager to take bucket list trips without breaking the bank by traveling during the shoulder season.³ For those looking to craft a memorable itinerary, there are numerous Airbnb experiences under $100 per person, making it easy to enjoy the best of Paris while staying within budget:

• Bake a Showstopping Paris-Brest with a Pastry Chef: Discover the art of French pastry with Matthieu, chef and owner of Maison Fleuret. Guests will join him in a private kitchen in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to learn the secrets behind crafting an iconic praline-filled pastry from scratch.
• Move Like a Crazy Horse Paris Dancer: Step into the world of iconic cabaret with a Crazy Horse Paris dancer. Guests will learn the art of movement, gaining elegance, confidence, and the signature attitude that define this legendary performance.
• Hunt for Vintage Treasure at the Saint-Ouen Market: Experience Paris's vibrant flea market culture with Kate Van De Boogert, author of the Makers Paris book series. Guests will explore the winding alleys of Saint-Ouen Market, discovering vintage treasures, artisan workshops, and unique French curiosities along the way.
• Tastiest Pastries and a Secret Chocolate Factory: Explore Paris with Sam, a local expert who has called the city home for nearly a decade. Guests will discover iconic landmarks, while sampling surprise treats from renowned pastry shops and uncovering the secrets of a hidden chocolate factory.
• From Market to Glass with Culinary Pioneer De Vie: Guests join Alex Francis-founder of acclaimed bar De Vie and Farm to Glass leader-for a visit to the farmers' market, learning his approach to ingredient selection. At the restaurant, they'll watch Alex create a seasonal dish and cocktail while hearing the story behind each detail.

The full list of top trending destinations for Gen Z travelers this fall highlights a clear trend: affordable luxury. These adventurers are taking advantage of shoulder season and seeking out vibrant cities worldwide, from sun-soaked beaches, to iconic European capitals:⁴

• Paris, France
• Osaka, Japan
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Miami, FL, United States
• Porto, Portugal
• Cartagena, Colombia
• London, United Kingdom
• Munich, Germany
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Santiago, Chile

Vermont named as top-rated fall foliage state by guests

According to guest reviews, Vermont is the top-rated fall destination in the US for fall foliage,⁵ followed by New Hampshire, New York, Ohio and Minnesota.⁶ When it comes to fall travel, a whopping 83 percent of Focaldata survey respondents say fall foliage is important when choosing a destination.⁷ To make planning easier for guests visiting these fall hot spots, US travelers booking eligible domestic stays can now reserve a listing with no upfront payment and pay before their trip with the new Reserve Now, Pay Later feature.

We're revealing some of the most wishlisted listings in these destinations that capture the spirit of fall-including a gorgeous A-frame cabin secluded in the Ohio woodlands, a stylish storybook country inn in Hudson Valley, a luxury glass tiny house with scenic views in Vermont, a peaceful home built with boulders in New Hampshire, and a cozy tiny home complete with a cedar wood sauna in Minnesota:⁸

Under the radar coastal towns on the rise this shoulder season

This fall, sunseekers are taking advantage of the shoulder season to dodge crowds and enjoy longer beach trips. Instead of busy tourist spots, they're opting for hidden gem destinations with similar coastal vibes. These emerging tranquil shores and charming communities offer sun, relaxation, and seaside adventures:⁹

• Naha, Japan: Sometimes referred to as "Japan's Hawaii," Naha combines island charm with city vibes, mirroring Honolulu's dynamic atmosphere with its bustling streets, restaurants, and shops.
• Ipojuca, Brazil: Known for its stunning beaches like Porto de Galinhas, Ipojuca has stunning beaches with turquoise waters, much like Rio de Janeiro, and natural pools that make it easy to spot marine life-offering a serene alternative to Brazil's iconic beach city.
• Ericeira, Portugal: Ericeira stands out as a surf haven and charming seaside town with a relaxed ambiance similar to Biarritz, France-the "surfing capital of Europe."
• San Andrés, Colombia: San Andrés boasts turquoise waters reminiscent of Cancún, Mexico's tropical paradise, but offers a slower pace, a vibrant atmosphere, and endless opportunities for water sports.
• Praia Grande, Brazil: Easier to reach than Ilhabela, but with the same beach vibe, Praia Grande is known for its long sandy shoreline and lively beach culture-perfect for those looking for sun and fun without traveling far from São Paulo.

Airbnb Services and the newest Airbnb Originals to elevate fall getaways

Earlier this summer, we introduced Airbnb Services-incredible services in a variety of categories to make your stay more special. From private chefs to personal trainers, Airbnb Services unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing guests traveling this fall to enjoy exceptional amenities right at their Airbnb or even in the comfort of their own home.

For those craving new adventures this fall, Airbnb's completely reimagined experiences, including Airbnb Originals-extraordinary experiences hosted by the world's most interesting people, designed exclusively for Airbnb-offer countless ways to explore the world. From learning the art of the samurai in Tokyo with Kill Bill's sword master, to taking center stage with a principal ballerina in New York City, guests get to discover a new side of local culture with hosts who know it best:

• Collaborate On a Musical Painting with Gemello (Milan, Italy): Guests will have the unique opportunity to create a large-scale painting alongside renowned rapper and artist Gemello, delving into the vibrant intersection of music and visual art. Throughout the experience, participants will discover how rhythm, emotion, and musical elements can inspire and influence artistic expression.
• Explore Korean Mother Sauces with Onjium's Chefs (Seoul, South Korea): Guests are invited to an immersive cooking class led by Cho Eun-hee and Park Sung-bae, the acclaimed head chefs of Michelin-starred Onjium. The experience begins with hands-on culinary instruction in the restaurant's esteemed kitchen, followed by a memorable lunch to savor the creations.
• Wheelchair Tennis with Alfie Hewett (London, United Kingdom): Tennis takes on a new meaning with 33 Grand Slam winner Alfie Hewett. Over the course of two hours, guests learn to move, hit, and rally from a wheelchair using Alfie's racket. To conclude, guests are invited to see, touch and try on some of Alfie's medals.
• Run Along the Coast with Olympian Colleen Quigley (Santa Monica, CA, United States): A coastal 5K in Malibu, led by Olympian Colleen Quigley, offers more than just a run-it's a mindset shift. With professional warm-ups, real-time form tips, and intentional recovery, guests of all levels build a joyful, lasting relationship with movement.
• Attend a Mr. A Drawing Session with André Saraiva (Paris, France): At Hotel L'Amore, an intimate drawing workshop awaits, led by renowned street artist André Saraiva. Guests savor classic French bites and organic wines while learning to create in André's signature style, surrounded by the creative spirit of the hotel he helped shape.