Autumn holidays break popularity records: Poles fall in love with 5 new destinations

Autumn travel is experiencing a surge in popularity among Poles, as they increasingly opt for trips outside the traditional July and August holiday season. This shift is attributed to several factors, including reduced costs, a less crowded tourist landscape, and more comfortable weather conditions, according to flight search engine Kiwi.com.

The data reveals a substantial year-over-year increase in Polish passengers traveling between September and November, with a 43.1% rise in travelers and a 51.5% increase in bookings. Notably, autumn vacations are no longer limited to solo travelers or couples; families are also embracing this trend. Traditional hotspots like Italy, Spain, and Greece remain at the top of the popularity rankings, followed by Malta, Portugal, and Croatia.

Beyond the established destinations, a significant rise in interest is observed for less conventional locales. Hungary leads this category with an impressive 190% surge in Polish passengers, followed closely by Iceland (+147%), Georgia (+141%), Switzerland (+133%), and Romania (+130%). Many other popular holiday spots also saw increased Polish visitation in the autumn, including Albania (+128%), Malta (+59%), Portugal (+46%), Turkey (+49%), and Morocco (+88%). Even distant destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are attracting more Polish tourists, with Japan seeing a 75% increase.

Daniela Chovancová, a spokesperson for Kiwi.com, highlighted that autumn offers an attractive balance for travelers seeking to avoid intense summer heat. "September and October offer a great compromise: milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to explore popular places more peacefully," she stated. This trend aligns with the growing concept of 'coolcationing,' where travelers seek cooler climates for their holidays.

Furthermore, autumn travel is proving to be more budget-friendly. Despite the increased number of Polish travelers, the median ticket price for autumn trips has fallen by 9.4%, from 133.2 euros to 120.7 euros. The typical duration of these autumn trips remains short, with a median stay of five days, reinforcing the popularity of shorter getaways. The time between booking and departure averages 85 days.

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Autumn is becoming an increasingly attractive time to travel, especially for those who can afford to travel outside the traditional holiday season. September and October offer a great compromise: milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to explore popular places more peacefully. For travelers who want to avoid intense summer heat, traveling in autumn can be a great alternative to the growing trend of 'coolcationing'.