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November 2, 2025
When thinking of a fall getaway, travelers usually conjure up images of vibrant foliage, chilly weather, and cozy accommodations; yet there are five destinations around the world that are trending for fall vacations in 2025, some of which have nothing to do with foliage.
While seasonal favorites are still winning with travelers in 2025, several other unique destinations are trending for trips this fall, according to a recent report from Expedia. In addition to small towns in New England or other leaf-peeping regions, travelers are also showing more interest in destinations that are located in the desert, the southern U.S., and in South Pacific archipelagos.
Fall 2025 Trending Destinations: Mystic, Connecticut
For a classic trip to New England in the fall, consider Mystic, Connecticut. Come autumn, the historic seaside town’s waterways are lined with trees trimmed with red-and-orange leaves. According to Expedia’s report, searches for Mystic’s quaint inns and classic bed and breakfasts have surged by 50% this fall.
Even after the trees shed their leaves, there’s plenty to do in the charming village, like visiting the historic BF Clyde’s Cider Mill for a cup of just-pressed apple cider and donuts of the same flavor, browsing the area’s local shops, and indulging in oysters at one of the many waterfront restaurants in downtown Mystic. The town is also accessible by Amtrak train on the Northeast Corridor, so travelers also have the option to book a fall rail trip to the coastal enclave.
Okinawa, Japan
Travelers can’t seem to get enough of Japan, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down in the fall season. In fact, Tokyo is now the No. 1 most watched city for fall flight alerts, according to Going.com.
Among the trending destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun is the prefecture of Okinawa. This archipelago of more than 150 islands is known for its tropical weather and breathtaking beaches. Searches on Expedia for fall lodging options in Okinawa have jumped by a whopping 85% this year. Autumn visits to the prefecture bring “warm weather, rich culture, and fewer crowds,” Expedia says.
Don’t miss Yanbaru and Iriomote islands, two natural paradises part of Okinawa known for their tropical virgin forests, rare endemic flora, and waterfalls. Both islands have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding biodiversity.
CHECK OUT THE ARTICLE ABOUT OUR CLIENT’S TRIP TO OKINAWA, TO VISIT HER SON ON MARINE DEPLOYMENT THERE.
Oklahoma City
Interest in Oklahoma City has surged 70% higher in fall 2025 compared to 2024, according to Expedia’s data. One reason? Sports tourism. Basketball fans are booking pilgrimages to see the city’s 2025 NBA-champion team the Oklahoma City Thunder kick off their new season.
“Fans are planning trips to catch the Thunder in action, bringing championship energy to the court and the city,” Expedia report says. “From thrilling games to downtown adventures, Oklahoma City offers a winning combination of sports culture, autumn events, and vibrant city life.” Visitors in the fall can partake in some of the town’s must-do activities, like taking a leisurely water taxi ride along the town’s Bricktown Canal or stepping into the First Americans Museum, which showcases the history, art, and culture of Oklahoma’s 39 first nations.
Cairo, Egypt
Always a hit with travelers interested in history, Cairo is trending even higher this fall thanks to the highly anticipated opening Grand Egyptian Museum. Expedia says searches for lodging in the Egyptian capital city have jumped by 45% this autumn compared to the 2024 season.
The sleek new museum will be located near the pyramids in Giza and will showcase more than 5,000 artifacts from Ancient Egypt, including items from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. The museum is scheduled to fully open to the public on November 1.
“Egypt’s unmatched diversity of historical sites and cultural experiences continues to drive demand,” Expedia says. From Cairo, travelers can hop on a Nile River cruise to explore even more history throughout the country. This fall, there are new ships and itineraries from top cruise lines including AmaWaterways and Viking.
Ortisei, Italy
Ortisei is a picturesque town that sits among the Dolomites in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region. The mountain village offers activities like hiking and skiing, as well as striking Alpine vistas. In 2025, the word is out on this idyllic village, which has seen a significant 85% increase in interest for fall stays, according to Expedia’s data.
In the autumn months, travelers will find “cooler temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and a more relaxed pace during the shoulder season,” the report says. Fewer tourists and better hotel availability round out the reasons to visit in the period between summer and peak ski season. Be sure to explore the local restaurant scene: the area’s cuisine is a unique blend of Italian and Austro-Hungarian delicacies, like giant gnocchi dumplings, goulash with polenta, and a filled crescent pasta similar to ravioli called crafuncins.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.
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