WINK SMART: Expedia's Fall Travel Outlook predicts higher prices this season; ways to still save

A new report from Expedia shows that when comparing the cost of travel to the top 10 U.S. destinations this fall versus this past summer, prices will be higher.

Expedia used lodging searches from Jan. 2026 to July 2026 compared to searches between Sept. 2026 to Nov. 2026 in order to determine the top destinations. 

Using that data, it ranks the locations as follows: New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, and Honolulu. 

Expedia's Fall Travel Outlook report expects that if traveling to these destinations, lodging will be 20% more expensive and the price of that airline ticket will be 2% higher.

The report states those predictions were based on the average daily rates and ticket prices on the platform for travel between Sept. 7 – Nov. 26, compared to travel between May 25, – Sept, 7, for New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, and Honolulu. 

Expedia's report also lists out six destinations where travelers can be most cost-efficient.

It looked at the combined savings for flights and lodging in fall compared to summer and includes Aspen, Colorado (45%), Anchorage, Alaska (40%), Fort Walton Beach, Florida (30%), San Diego, California (15%), Honolulu, Hawaii (10%), and Bozeman, Montana (5%).

The strongest place to save, according to Expedia, is with a trip to Aspen this fall. 

For those looking for a trip with cooler temperatures and changing leaves, Aspen, Anchorage, and Bozeman all stand out for savings potential. 

Expedia offers tools to help travelers save while booking through the platform.

Travelers can find deals on flights, as Expedia can show fares that are 20% lower than typical predicted prices.

Using the "bundle and save" option of booking a hotel and flight at the same time is a great way to save money.

Expedia also allows members to turn on notifications for 'price alerts.' When flight prices drop, Expedia will notify the consumer.

It also offers price drop protection, which will issue a refund of the difference if the flight price drops on Expedia after booking.

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