The term “shoulder season” has been whispered among savvy travelers for years like a secret handshake—a quiet acknowledgement that the sweetest time to travel sits somewhere between the frantic rush of summer and the quiet slump of winter. It’s that magical window when the crowds thin out, the sun is still warm, and prices take a welcome dip. But here’s the honest truth: this “secret” isn’t so secret anymore. As more people catch on, prices during these in-between months have started to creep upward, slowly but surely eating away at the savings that once made shoulder season such a no-brainer. That doesn’t mean the deal is gone entirely, though. Far from it. Traveling outside the peak summer months can still save you a significant amount of money—provided you plan with a little more intention than you might have a decade ago. The key is knowing exactly when to go, where to look, and how to spot the hidden pockets of value that still exist within this increasingly popular travel window.
That’s where fresh research from the online travel search engine KAYAK comes in, offering a practical roadmap for autumn travelers who want to get the most bang for their buck. By digging through flight and hotel search data for the year 2026, KAYAK has pinpointed the destinations, weeks, and strategies that give travelers the best savings during the fall season. While the data is based on searches from the UK, the trends it reveals are broadly applicable to travelers across Europe and beyond—so wherever you’re flying from, the insights are likely to point you in the right direction. For British readers specifically, the research also includes clever workarounds for the chaos currently unfolding at European borders thanks to the new Entry/Exit System, which has left many travelers scrambling. It’s a lot to unpack, so let’s break down the best ways to make your autumn getaway both cheaper and smoother, one practical tip at a time.
The first trick KAYAK uncovered is what they call chasing “double-value” destinations—places that reward you twice over. These are spots where you’re not just paying less than peak summer prices, but where prices have actually dropped compared to the same trip last year. Think of it as a discount on a discount, and who doesn’t love that? Leading the pack is Bilbao in northern Spain, a city that often gets overshadowed by Barcelona or Madrid but deserves its moment in the spotlight. Flights to Bilbao are down a solid fifth compared to last year, and they’re over a third cheaper than they would be during the high summer season. That’s a remarkable saving for a city that packs in everything from world-class gastronomy to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. If your heart is set on Croatia, Dubrovnik is another standout, with flight prices coming in 20% lower than they were in 2025 and 9% below typical summer fares—meaning you can stroll along those ancient stone walls without quite so much financial sting. Further afield, Atlanta, Georgia, rounds out the top three double-value picks, offering a surprisingly affordable gateway to the American South. And for those who prefer to stay closer to home, Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus all make the list, combining solid value with plenty of late-season sunshine to warm your bones as the days grow shorter.
Timing, as it turns out, is everything when it comes to shoulder season travel—and not all weeks within the season are created equal. Flight prices can fluctuate wildly depending on which seven days you choose to escape, and understanding this rhythm is what separates a good deal from a truly incredible one. KAYAK’s data suggests that if you’re planning a September getaway, you should make absolutely sure you’re home before the middle of the month. Return flight prices start climbing steeply after that point, as the demand spikes and airlines know they can charge more. It’s a simple piece of advice that can save you a surprising amount of money—perhaps enough for a nice dinner out or an extra excursion. On the flip side, late October emerges as another sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers. During those final weeks of the month, average flight prices drop significantly, falling well below what you’d pay in late September or even the first days of October. The trick is to embrace the slightly unpredictable autumn weather and choose your dates with flexibility. If you can wait until the very end of October to take your trip, you’ll find thinner crowds and fatter savings, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize value over perfect beach weather.
Of course, saving money does you little good if you’re stuck in a massive queue at the airport, watching your flight time slip away. That’s the harsh reality many travelers are now facing thanks to the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System, which has caused chaos and long lines at borders across the continent. Non-Schengen residents, in particular, have found themselves caught up in the bureaucratic mess, with some even missing flights altogether as the system struggles to get up and running smoothly. For British travelers, who now face extra scrutiny post-Brexit, this has become a genuine headache—and a reason to think strategically about destination choices. KAYAK’s research offers a clever workaround: skip the Schengen Zone altogether and head to non-Schengen countries where entry is far more straightforward, and you’ll likely dodge the worst of the border chaos while also enjoying a great deal. Albania stands out as the ultimate destination for this double whammy, with flight prices a jaw-dropping 52% lower than peak summer costs. Tunisia and Türkiye are equally appealing, with prices down 35% and 27% respectively, while Montenegro offers a 26% drop. And if you’re craving year-round tropical heat, the Dominican Republic is calling your name, with autumn flights costing 29% less than in the summer. These destinations let you skip the bureaucratic headaches and simply enjoy your vacation.
But flights are only half the equation—where you rest your head matters just as much. KAYAK’s data reveals that hotel and accommodation prices also shift significantly throughout the autumn season, and this is where a little extra research can pay off handsomely. The cheapest window for lodging, according to the findings, is actually the very beginning of October. During this period, accommodation prices are at their lowest, before they start climbing again as the month progresses and demand picks up. This creates an interesting dynamic: early October might not have the cheapest flight prices—those tend to be higher at the start of the month—but the savings on your hotel could more than offset that difference. It’s the classic give-and-take of trip planning, and it means you shouldn’t automatically dismiss a week that looks pricier by air. Sometimes, a more expensive flight combined with bargain accommodation works out far better overall than a cheap flight and a pricey hotel. The lesson here is to check the full picture before you book. KAYAK’s advice is straightforward: don’t just compare flight prices in isolation. Look at the total cost of the trip, factoring in both airfare and lodging, and you might discover that what initially seemed like an expensive week turns out to be the best value of all.
Taken together, these tips paint a hopeful picture for autumn travelers who are willing to put a bit of thought into their plans. The era of aimlessly booking a shoulder-season trip and assuming you’ll get a deal is over, but the opportunity for genuine savings is very much alive. It just requires a smarter, more deliberate approach. Look for those double-value destinations where prices are falling year over year, not just season to season. Be ruthless with your calendar, prioritizing the weeks before mid-September or the stretch after late October begins. Consider sidestepping Schengen entirely—not just to dodge the queues, but to unlock some of the deepest discounts on the board. And always, always weigh accommodation costs against flight prices, because the real measure of a bargain is what you pay for the whole experience, not just the plane ticket. Travel is about more than getting from A to B; it’s about the memories you make along the way. And with a little strategic planning, you can make those memories without breaking the bank, all while enjoying the quiet beauty of a world that’s slightly less crowded and wonderfully more affordable. So go ahead—embrace the shoulder season with open arms and a smart plan. You might just find that the best time to travel is the one everyone else is starting to overlook.
