However, many holidaymakers see this as an opportunity for cheaper flights and a good time to travel away from the crowds.

Expedia’s new Autumn Travel Outlook has shared some tips for the best times to fly during the ‘Shoulder Season’.

It has also revealed some travel trends if you need help deciding where to go on your next holiday.

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When are the best times to fly in autumn?

Expedia’s Autumn Travel Outlook, released on Thursday, reveals key dates for budget-friendly travel this season.

It says that travel is “significantly cheaper” this autumn, thanks to the ‘shoulder season’, when demand dips between the busy summer and winter holidays.

Melanie Fish, Head of Public Relations for Expedia Group Brands, said: “Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers.

“Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and holiday rental prices are as well.

“As a matter of fact, some stays available on Expedia can drop by up to 50 per cent at the end of September compared to peak summer rates.”

For international flights, it recommends that the lowest fares can be found on September 12 and 26.

Meanwhile, those travelling domestically will find the best value for accommodation on October 26 and November 2. 

Expedia says that the quietest autumn travel date is set to be November 16.

A breakdown of when is best to fly in autumn, according to Expedia, is as follows:

• The Least Busy Days to Fly Domestically: November 2 and 11
• The Least Busy Days to Fly Internationally: November 16 and 25
• The Busiest Days to Fly Domestically: September 1 and 19
• The Busiest Days to Fly Internationally: September 5 and 6
• The Cheapest Days to Fly Domestically: September 19 and 29
• The Cheapest Days to Fly Internationally: September 12 and 26
• The Most Expensive Days to Fly Domestically: September 5 and 23
• The Most Expensive Days to Fly Internationally: September 2 and 11

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Meanwhile, the best dates to stay at a hotel or a vacation rental this Autumn are:

• The Least Busy Days to Stay Domestically: November 16 and 17  
• The Least Busy Days to Stay Internationally: November 18 and 23  
• The Busiest Days to Stay Domestically: September 5 and 12
• The Busiest Days to Stay Internationally: September 4 and 6
• The Cheapest Days to Stay Domestically: October 26 and November 2
• The Cheapest Days to Stay Internationally: November 4 and 10
• The Most Expensive Days to Stay Domestically: September 28 and November 29  
• The Most Expensive Days to Stay Internationally: October 18 and 19

Where are the best places to travel to in autumn?

Expedia has also shared some of the autumn trends to look out for when booking your next trip.

It says domestic trips are shifting away from major cities and towards “scenic, slower-paced destinations”, with more coastal and countryside escapes being sought out.

Places highlighted among searches include Tenby, Oxfordshire, Essex, Ceredigion and  Pitlochry.

Another trend is “red sea retreats”, with Brits diving into an Egyptian autumn.

The popularity of Red Sea retreats is on the rise (Image: Getty Images) Searches for the Red Sea are rising, with many looking for “diving, snorkelling and reliable sunshine”.

Similarly, island getaways are also on the rise, with places like Cadiz in Spain and Ocho Rios in Jamaica among the top destinations.

Expedia’s Island Hot List is a top guide to island travel based on verified data and traveller insights.  

Other autumn trends include “culture-driven city breaks” such as Florence, Siena, and Hong Kong, and value destinations such as Lithuania, which blends “Baltic charm, UNESCO-listed Old Towns, and vibrant cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost”.

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Tips on saving on travel in autumn

Here are some top tips Expedia recommends to make the most of your autumn getaway: 

• Save with price alerts
• Reserve a hotel with flexible policies
• Bundling with flights, car hire, hotels and activities

Expedia members can receive notifications when airline prices drop by using tools such as Price Tracking on the app and have search filters to look for properties offering “free cancellation” or “reserve now, pay later”.

It also offers customisable holiday packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds when booking multiple items.