Autumn international travel continues to grow in popularity, thanks to the promise of cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices compared with summer travel. Virtuoso reports that autumn bookings for luxury travel and experiences are up 59% compared with 2025, particularly among high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) travellers. Publications such as The Times also point to this trend, noting that travel providers such as TUI are now operating flights later in the season (October and November).
With this, traditional viewpoints on shoulder-season or offseason travel are being challenged. Due to rising global temperatures and increasingly crowded destinations, autumn could arguably now be considered a peak travel period, with prices rising alongside demand. Condé Nast Traveler explores this shift in its coverage of the rise of the “fallcation.”
For savvy travellers, destination preferences, trip lengths and travel motivations are also shifting this autumn. Below is an overview of the travel and hospitality trends identified by our global PR teams.
TRENDS IMPACTING THE TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Autumn Aurora: Astrotourism continues to be a top reason for travel. Summer 2026 saw Europe’s first visible solar eclipse since 1999, and the U.S. experienced a partial eclipse during the same period, prompting travellers to plan ahead for other celestial events, a phenomenon known as the “eclipse effect.” Currently, travellers are seeking destinations with clear, dark skies and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Mountain Mania: Alpine destinations are attracting visitors beyond the ski season, with many travellers trading snow-filled winter holidays for the fresh air, wellness offerings, hiking and cycling trails, and other shoulder-season activities that dramatic mountain landscapes offer in autumn.
“Yearncation”: Coined by Condé Nast Traveller, the term describes a longing for a time before the digital age, inspiring travellers to seek slower-paced, romanticised and atmospheric experiences. Think historic villages, countryside escapes and literary-inspired trips. Autumn provides the perfect setting for cosy, unplugged, seasonal and nostalgic getaways. This trend towards trips that fulfil a deeper emotional longing is likely to extend well beyond the season, fuelled by the continued popularity of period dramas in popular culture.
Bite-Sized Breaks: Gen Z travellers are embracing event tourism this autumn and increasingly opting for shorter, more frequent getaways inspired by concerts and sporting events. Airbnb data shows that one-third of Gen Z stays in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) last just one night, representing the highest share of any generation.
An “Ish” Approach to Travel: Travellers are increasingly defining travel on their own terms and letting go of the pressure to live up to ideals of the “perfect” holiday, according to Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report. Hilton found travellers are mixing and matching experiences that feel personally rewarding without compromising – such as splurging on health and wellness activities on one part of the trip and indulgent foods on another part of it.
Hotel Within a Hotel: Forbes reported that some hotels, especially luxury properties, are creating “fully realized hotels within larger properties, with their own identity, design, service and amenities.” These separate hotels, designed to provide a more intimate and elevated experience, might include dedicated entrances, separate staff, private pools and unique restaurants, giving guests access to the larger property and its amenities.
Outdoors and Nature as Travel Motivators: MMGY’s Portrait of American Travelers™ “Fall Edition” found that while several leading travel motivators softened year over year, interest in outdoor adventure and state and national parks has remained resilient. Among travellers interested in visiting parks, Yellowstone (75%) and the Grand Canyon (66%) rank highest, reinforcing the enduring appeal of outdoor experiences across the travel landscape.
UK Media Opportunities and Shifts
- Frances Hedges, previously deputy editor at Harper’s Bazaar UK, is now editor of Grazia.
- Harriet Jones, previously from The Telegraph, has joined HELLO! as travel features editor, working alongside Penny Walker, head of travel, to revamp the content. Key opportunities include themed issues such as cruise and family travel specials, the return of the quarterly HELLO! Luxe special covering global, high-end travel, plus competitions and commercial opportunities for clients.
- Noni Ware has left her role as acting executive editor of House & Garden to go freelance as a travel writer.
- Evelyn Richards, previously acting deputy editor at Living360/APL Media, will now be undertaking part-time roles at Cosmopolitan and Country Living as well as freelancing for National Geographic Traveller, Marie Claire and STYLIST.
- Citizen Femme is currently planning multichannel campaigns in the lead-up to Christmas, with opportunities to run select competitions with editorial support for both lifestyle and travel clients.
- Jahreszeiten Verlag is increasing the frequency of its travel magazine Merian, which will be published 10 times annually beginning in 2027, following strong commercial performance. The magazine was repositioned in 2023 from a primarily destination-focused title to a broader travel publication covering culture, nature, people and new travel experiences.
- Neo.kitchen – a new culinary-focused consumer magazine published by neo kitchen UG – launched in September, adding a new publication to the German-speaking magazine landscape.
- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) has partnered with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to offer approximately 175 selected licensed WSJ articles per year to FAZ readers through a dedicated editorial section on FAZ.net and in the FAZ app. Launching ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, subscribers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland also receive digital access to the WSJ as an added benefit.
- Axel Springer is ending the printed regional supplements of Welt am Sonntag for Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia at the end of 2026; however, coverage of both regions will remain part of the national newspaper’s reporting. The decision impacts the two remaining regional editorial operations, including six permanent journalists and several freelancers in Hamburg.
- One of the Netherlands’ leading national newspapers, NRC, is preparing to launch a new weekend magazine in early 2027, covering essays, culture, lifestyle and travel, alongside major interviews. Former Het Parool editor Bob van Toor will lead its development, with former political reporter Lamyae Aharouay contributing.
- Rennie Rijpma has left her position as editor in chief of AD to become media director at KRO-NCRV, overseeing the public broadcaster’s media divisions.
- Lien van der Leij has been appointed head of news at Het Financieele Dagblad (FD) as part of several recent editorial changes across major Dutch newspapers. The appointment is worth noting for brands and destinations with strong business, aviation, economic or tourism industry angles targeting the FD audience.
- Johan Goossens has left Dutch LGBTQ+ lifestyle title Winq.
- Belgian trade publication PUB has expanded its focus on the creator economy with the launch of PUB Influence, covering influencer marketing across PUB’s print and online channels and supported by founding partners including BeInfluence, Efluenz, OONA/BAAS, Stellar and Walkie Talkie. The 15 October issue was entirely dedicated to the rise in influencer marketing, including the relationship between journalists and creators and Belgian regulation around commercial influencer activity.
- Marie Claire is relaunching in India in the first quarter of 2027, with Neena Haridas as its editor in chief and CEO. Haridas previously led Marie Claire India as editor in chief from 2010 to 2013 and returns with an expanded mandate, overseeing both the editorial vision and the brand’s business strategy.
- Geetika Sasan Bhandari takes over from Meher Bajwa as editor in chief of Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, alongside her expanded responsibilities as editorial director at APX Luxury. Bhandari will also continue to lead Namaste.ai as editor in chief.
- Kirk Miller, previously of InsideHook, is now the spirits editor at Men’s Journal.
- Andrea Rotondo, previously of The Points Guy, has joined AFAR as senior editor, covering breaking travel news, cruise and evergreen feature content.
- Justin Goldman has also joined AFAR as senior editor, focusing on travel inspiration and storytelling spanning travel, culture, food, wine and immersive itineraries.
- Kim Peiffer, previously editor in chief of DuJour Magazine, has transitioned to freelance editing and writing. With experience across luxury lifestyle and travel, Peiffer is seeking tailored pitches around luxury travel, wellness, hotels and experiential travel.
- Dillon Evans has taken on an update writer role at Food & Wine and a writing role at EatingWell, having previously contributed to MSN. Pitching opportunities could include culinary travel stories, destination dining, regional food and wine, and local producers.
- Gabe Hiatt has joined Bon Appétit as senior editor, restaurants, following his role as editor at Eater DC. His new position opens the door for food-led destination storytelling, particularly around restaurant scenes, culinary experiences and regional food culture.
- Michael Pihach has joined Travel Market Report Canada as vice president and editor in chief, focusing on industry news, destination updates, advisor education and travel product developments. He previously served as managing editor at Pax News Canada.
