Summer might be fading, but Gen Z travelers are just getting started on their adventures. According to Airbnb’s Fall 2025 trends report, searches from Gen Z are up roughly 26% for autumn trips, signaling a major shift in travel patterns.
Rather than winding down after summer, young globetrotters are turning the shoulder season into their peak travel time – chasing affordable international escapes, discovering off-season beach “dupes” (alternative destinations similar to popular hotspots), and soaking in the fall foliage alongside immersive local experiences.
Travel this fall is being redefined by Gen Z leaf-peepers and sunseekers eager to maximize value and avoid crowds. From longer passport-stamping journeys to cozy cabin getaways, wanderlust is reaching new heights this autumn.
Gen Z Travel Surges in Fall 2025
Gen Z is fueling a fall travel boom, embracing off-season adventures that balance luxury with affordability. Airbnb data shows that searches by Gen Z travelers have jumped 26% year-over-year for fall 2025.
Unlike Millennials who often opt for quick domestic trips, Gen Zers are packing their passports for longer international escapes during the fall. The draw? Cheaper prices and thinner crowds.
Over 80% of Gen Z respondents say affordability is a key factor in their fall travel decisions, and 42% believe traveling in autumn offers a great bargain compared to peak summer. By booking trips in the shoulder season, younger travelers can explore bucket-list destinations without the summer sticker shock or tourist swarms.
One clear sign of this trend is where Gen Z is headed. Instead of sticking to traditionally budget spots, they’re targeting iconic global cities – but timing it smartly. Paris has emerged as the No. 1 trending fall destination for Gen Z in 2025 , as savvy young travelers take advantage of off-peak pricing in the City of Love.
In fact, Gen Z isn’t shy about splurging on “affordable luxury.” They’re choosing culture-rich, wish-list cities across all continents during the off-season, from Paris to Osaka, Dubai to Porto. A top ten list of Gen Z’s trending fall destinations includes not only Paris and London, but also sun-soaked locales like Miami and Cartagena and vibrant capitals like Mexico City and Munich.
The common thread is that these places are rich in culture and experiences, yet more approachable in fall. Gen Z travelers today tend to favor sustainable, authentic experiences over party-hard vacations – think cooking classes, flea-market treasure hunts or museum days instead of pub crawls.
By jet-setting in autumn, they can enjoy such activities in world-class destinations without breaking the bank or feeling lost in a tourist crush.
Hidden Beaches and “Beach Dupes”
Many young sunseekers are extending summer right into fall – swapping crowded summer hotspots for idyllic “beach dupes” during shoulder season.
Rather than jostling for space in Santorini or Cancún at peak time, travelers are seeking out emerging coastal gems that offer the same vibe with fewer tourists. These under-the-radar beach towns let visitors savor warm weather and relaxation well into autumn, while benefiting from lower rates and a quieter atmosphere.
According to Airbnb, “travelers are extending their beach getaways into the shoulder season by choosing up-and-coming beach destination dupes” – in other words, alternative seaside spots analogous to the famous destinations everyone knows.
Some rising stars on this list of off-season beach alternatives span the globe. For example, Naha, Japan offers an island ambiance so reminiscent of Hawaii that it’s nicknamed “Japan’s Hawaii,” making it a laid-back stand-in for Honolulu.
Over in Europe, Ericeira, Portugal is a surfing haven and charming seaside town that mirrors the appeal of Biarritz, France – perfect for those craving waves and culture minus the high-season bustle.
In South America, travelers are discovering Ipojuca, Brazil, home to turquoise waters and postcard beaches akin to Rio de Janeiro’s coast but with a more serene fall setting. Meanwhile, the Caribbean vibes of San Andrés, Colombia – with its crystal-clear sea and palm-fringed shores – present a slower-paced alternative to busy Cancún.
These “beach dupes” come with similar sun, sand, and scenery as their famous counterparts, but in September–November they offer better elbow room and often friendlier prices. For Gen Z and others looking to chase the last rays of summer, discovering these hidden beaches during shoulder season is a smart way to enjoy paradise without the crowds.
Autumn Foliage and Local Experiences
Beach scenes aside, Fall 2025 is also about heading inland to enjoy cooler weather, colorful landscapes, and cultural immersion. Leaf-peeping has long been a beloved fall activity, and Gen Z is no exception – in fact, 83% of travelers surveyed said that vibrant fall foliage is important when choosing an autumn destination.
Airbnb’s data even crowned Vermont as the top-rated US state for fall foliage, based on guest reviews, with New Hampshire and New York close behind. From the mountains of New England to the forests of the Midwest, travelers are flocking to see nature’s dazzling display of reds, oranges, and golds.
Many are booking cozy cabins, lakeside lodges, and even glass-walled tiny homes that let them wake up surrounded by autumn splendor. Whether it’s a secluded A-frame in the Ohio woods or a stylish inn in the Hudson Valley, these stays capture the quintessential fall vibe – often complete with hot tubs, saunas, or fire pits for that extra cozy touch.
Equally notable is how Gen Z wants to experience these destinations. This generation craves immersive local experiences that let them connect with a place’s culture, cuisine and community.
Rather than just checking off tourist sites, young travelers are seeking out activities like cooking classes with local chefs, guided market tours, and even unique adventures (for example, samurai training sessions in Tokyo or mural painting workshops in Milan) to dive deeper into local life.
In Paris – their favorite fall destination – Gen Z visitors are booking picnic experiences by the Eiffel Tower, learning to bake pastries from French chefs, and scouring flea markets for vintage treasures.
Travel companies are taking note: platforms like Airbnb now offer a plethora of experiences (many under $100) hosted by locals, as well as new features like Airbnb Originals and services that bring personal chefs or guides right to your rental.
The result is that a fall getaway isn’t just about where you go, but how deeply you can engage with the local flavor – from admiring nature’s beauty to participating in the community’s traditions.
Why It Matters For Travelers
These Fall 2025 travel trends are more than just a passing fad – they highlight a significant shift in how and when people travel, with ripple effects for both the industry and everyday explorers.
For one, Gen Z’s enthusiasm is effectively turning autumn into the new peak season for travel in some places. Destinations that used to see a dip in tourist numbers after Labor Day are now buzzing with activity well into October and November.
This extended season can provide a valuable economic boost to local communities and businesses, while also helping to spread out tourism pressure that normally peaks in summer.
In other words, when travelers opt for shoulder-season trips – whether it’s a Vermont inn during leaf-peeping week or a seaside cottage in Okinawa in October – it eases the strain on overtouristed hotspots and gives lesser-known locales a chance to shine.
For travel planners, marketers, and hosts, understanding these Gen Z–driven patterns is key. This data signals where demand will be hottest and when.
Destination marketers can capitalize by highlighting off-season charms (think fall festivals, harvest events, or surf conditions) and promoting those “hidden gem” spots as worthy alternatives to the usual tourist trail.
Travel companies and airlines might tailor promotions or packages around shoulder season value – for example, offering flight deals to emerging fall destinations or curating itineraries that bundle local experiences with accommodation.
Meanwhile, the industry’s push towards more immersive offerings (like Airbnb’s local experiences or “Reserve Now, Pay Later” flexibility ) shows an adaptation to what young travelers want: authenticity, convenience, and affordability.
Finally, for readers and travelers themselves, these trends offer a roadmap to smarter, more enriching travel. Following Gen Z’s lead can mean scoring better value and more memorable moments.
Instead of paying top dollar to squeeze into a packed summer resort, you could find yourself on a quiet beach dupe that’s just as beautiful, or enjoying a guided nature hike through peak foliage without the bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s a win-win: you discover emerging destinations before they get overrun and enjoy popular places at their most peaceful.
As Fall 2025 unfolds, one thing is clear – travel lovers of all ages are learning that a well-timed fall trip can deliver the best of both worlds: adventure and relaxation, global excitement and local charm, all at a fraction of the usual cost. The autumn travel season has officially arrived, and Gen Z is leading the charge toward new horizons.