Why September is the New Favorite Month for Travel, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on November 27, 2025

Over the past few years, September has increasingly emerged as a favored month for vacations. This trend has gained significant traction, with 24% of holidaymakers now choosing to travel during this period, marking a notable rise from just 17% three years ago. This shift represents a change in the way people approach their vacations, with a growing preference for traveling during the more tranquil and budget-friendly fall months, as opposed to the traditional summer months of June, July, and August.

The surge in popularity of September travel can be attributed to several factors, including the cooler weather, which is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Additionally, this time of year offers lower prices, making it a more affordable option for travelers across all age groups. The increasing number of people opting for vacations during this off-peak period signifies a shift in travel behavior, reflecting broader changes in the way people plan their holidays.

Why September is Becoming the Preferred Travel Month

The key reasons behind the rising popularity of September travel lie in the combination of milder weather and cost-effectiveness. With summer heat tapering off, September offers more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Those looking to explore the outdoors or engage in physical activities such as hiking and cycling benefit from the cooler temperatures, which make these activities far more enjoyable compared to the hot summer months.

Moreover, September presents a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to escape the crowds and the high costs of peak season travel. The prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are significantly lower during this time, making it an appealing choice for a broad spectrum of travelers, including families, retirees, and younger tourists. This shift highlights the growing demand for more affordable and relaxed vacation options, allowing travelers to enjoy a fulfilling experience without the financial burden that typically comes with peak season travel.

The Rise of September Travel Across Demographics

While older travelers, particularly those aged 55 to 64 (29%) and 65 and above (35%), continue to make up a significant portion of those traveling in September, younger demographics have also shown increased interest in traveling during this time. For instance, 18 to 24-year-olds saw an increase in travel plans from 11% to 17%, while 35 to 44-year-olds saw their travel intentions rise from 12% to 20%. Notably, the 65+ age group experienced the largest increase, with travel plans increasing from 22% to 35%.

This rise across various age groups suggests that the appeal of September travel is broadening beyond older generations and is now becoming more popular among younger individuals as well. The data points to a significant shift in how people of all ages are approaching their travel plans, with a growing recognition of the benefits of traveling during the quieter months of the year. This expanding interest across age groups signals a shift toward more flexible travel choices, as people look for vacations that offer better weather and more favorable pricing without the hassle of peak season crowds.

The Continued Growth of International Travel

Looking ahead to 2026, the demand for international travel is expected to continue growing, particularly among travelers aged 25 to 34. This demographic is projected to remain the most active in terms of overseas trips, with 84% of individuals in this age group planning to travel internationally in the coming year, a significant increase over the overall 70% average across all age groups. This shift highlights the increasing willingness of younger travelers to explore destinations beyond their home countries, marking a growing trend toward more global travel.

In addition to the increase in travel frequency, young travelers are also planning to spend more on their vacations. Nearly 49% of people in this age group intend to increase their holiday budgets in the upcoming year, demonstrating a strong desire to invest in more high-quality travel experiences. These changes reflect a broader shift in attitudes toward vacationing, where young people are prioritizing experiences that offer more enrichment and lasting memories.

Among this younger demographic, 83% of 18 to 34-year-olds consider holidays the most important time of the year, compared to just 65% in other age groups. Furthermore, 90% of these young travelers believe that vacations have a positive effect on their mental health, a sentiment echoed by 80% of older generations. This growing emphasis on the emotional and psychological benefits of travel points to a deeper connection between holidays and personal well-being, especially among younger people.

The Increasing Popularity of Cruises Among Younger Travelers

Cruise vacations, traditionally associated with older demographics, are becoming increasingly popular among younger generations, particularly those aged 25 to 34. Around 19% of travelers in this age group took a cruise in the past year, surpassing the 16% of those aged 65 and above. This change signals a transformation in the cruise industry, which is adapting to cater to younger travelers by offering more diverse itineraries, activities, and onboard experiences.

The cruise industry is responding to this shift by expanding its offerings to meet the demands of younger audiences. Companies are diversifying their routes, offering more adventurous and family-friendly activities, and focusing on wellness and relaxation to appeal to a broader range of customers. This adaptation to younger consumers’ preferences reflects the growing importance of offering tailored experiences that cater to a more dynamic and varied traveler base.

Impact on the Travel Industry: Adjusting to Changing Trends

As travel preferences evolve, the travel industry faces both opportunities and challenges in adjusting to these changing trends. The rise of September travel suggests a departure from the traditional high-season months of June, July, and August, with more people opting for vacations during the cooler and more affordable fall months. This shift in traveler behavior creates both an opportunity for the industry to offer new types of experiences and a challenge for companies to adjust their offerings to meet this growing demand.

The demand for more affordable travel options during the off-peak months will require companies to rethink their pricing models and offerings. Travel companies must develop new strategies to cater to the growing interest in September travel, offering more flexible packages and experiences that appeal to a wider range of consumers. The increased interest in international destinations, particularly among younger generations, will also create heightened competition between destinations, airlines, and travel service providers, who will need to compete for the attention of this lucrative demographic.

Adapting to the Shift: Meeting the Needs of Modern Travelers

The growing demand for September travel, along with the increasing desire for international vacations, presents a wealth of opportunities for the travel industry to innovate and expand. Flexible, affordable, and diverse travel options are becoming increasingly important for consumers, especially those looking to escape during the off-peak months.

As younger travelers place a growing emphasis on holidays as a key aspect of their lives, the industry must adapt to their preferences. Companies could consider expanding their offerings for more eco-tourism, wellness travel, and customized cruise options to cater to this younger audience, which increasingly demands personalized and meaningful travel experiences.

The Evolution of the Travel Industry

The travel industry is undergoing a profound shift, as September becomes a preferred time for travel and younger generations continue to invest more in international vacations. This growing demand for affordable, adventurous, and personalized travel experiences is creating new opportunities for the industry to diversify its offerings and meet the needs of modern travelers.

The rising popularity of cruise travel among younger generations further underscores the need for the industry to remain adaptable, offering flexible and diverse travel experiences. To stay competitive, travel companies must cater to the changing preferences of today’s travelers, providing tailored vacation packages that align with their evolving needs. By embracing these new trends, the industry can continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global travel market.