End of vacation – start of a new holiday season. Poles are increasingly traveling in the fall

The traditional summer vacation is losing its grip on Polish travelers, with autumn emerging as a surprisingly popular alternative. Data from flight search engine Kiwi.com reveals a significant shift, with a 43.1% year-on-year increase in Polish passengers traveling between September and November, and a 51.5% rise in bookings.

This trend is not limited to solo travelers or couples; families are increasingly opting for autumn getaways. Classic European destinations like Italy, Spain, and Greece remain top choices, followed by Malta, Portugal, and Croatia. However, less conventional destinations are experiencing explosive growth. Hungary leads the pack with a 190% surge in Polish visitors, followed by Iceland (+147%), Georgia (+141%), Switzerland (+133%), and Romania (+130%). Even established routes like Albania (+128%), Portugal (+46%), Turkey (+49%), and Morocco (+88%) are seeing substantial increases.

Daniela Chovancová, a spokesperson for Kiwi.com, highlights the appeal of autumn travel. "Autumn is becoming an increasingly attractive time to travel, especially for those who can afford to travel outside the traditional holiday season," she stated. "September and October offer a great compromise – milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to explore popular places more peacefully." This aligns with the growing trend of "coolcationing," seeking cooler climates for travel.

The financial aspect also plays a crucial role. Despite the surge in travelers, the median ticket price for autumn journeys has actually decreased by 9.4%, from 133.2 euros to 120.7 euros. This affordability, combined with a median trip length of five days, makes autumn travel a practical and appealing option. The average booking window remains around 85 days, indicating that travelers are planning their autumn escapes well in advance.

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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.