Travelers are increasingly taking their European vacations out of the peak summer months of July and August. Instead, most are deferring their trips until the fall, with October becoming a surprisingly robust month for tourism. Experienced guides have been quick to adapt to this change, finding new ways for visitors to explore top destinations without the crushing crowds.
Multiple factors have come together to produce this seismic change in demand for travel. Another major factor is the high dollar, making it attractive for US tourists to travel to Europe. As travelers increasingly look to the fall more than the summer as the favored time to travel, Europe’s tourism map is being redrawn in dramatic fashion.
A Surge in October Travel
October has become a key month in attracting travelers who want to experience Europe without the millions of summer visitors. Antonis Pothitos is an independent tour guide in the Greek islands of Mykonos and Delos. In the last few months, he’s seen a huge increase in visitors. He comments on the shift:
“Normally we expect some traffic until the first week of October and then a slow fading until early November, but it has been nonstop.”
This pattern is reflected in other similar guides. In the process, they’ve successfully encouraged visitors and locals to emphasize that October, once just an extension of the summer tourist season, has become a peak travel time in its own right. Andrea Girolami, another seasoned guide, states:
“October is definitely not the ‘shoulder season’ anymore. I can honestly say I’ve never seen an autumn like this one.”
The increase in October bookings has broken records. Incredible growth Explore Worldwide is reporting an incredible 40% up on bookings from previous years for October. This increase means that October is on the rise, right on the tail of the busiest month of September.
Changing Preferences Among Travelers
It’s American tourist that are leading the charge this season. It’s no surprise that more and more Americans are deciding to make their fall adventures in Europe. As a tour guide, Jason Stevens can spot a common theme with his customers. Approximately two-thirds of them are American, and they always prefer fall vacations to summer trips.
Stevens reflects on the discomfort of summer travel, recounting his experiences of overcrowded attractions:
“It was crowded, it was hot; in the middle of the day you were looking for shade. I was constantly looking to buy water.”
This mood lifts the fleeting travel season fall brings, as many summer travelers are tired of the heat and crowds that summer brings. Tour guide Agnes Crawford points out that while summer used to be synonymous with tourist peaks, travelers now recognize the benefits of visiting during the fall:
“I honestly think there’s no bad time of year to visit, just bad ways of doing it.”
Crawford notes that “crowds tend to be concentrated in a handful of places,” suggesting that travelers can still enjoy a rich experience by strategically timing their visits.
Economic Influences and Booking Trends
The economic climate is contributing to this change. The strengthening of the dollar has made European destinations more attractive to American tourists, prompting many to take advantage of favorable exchange rates. This seasonal economic boost has resulted in a fairly recent and significant increase in fall tourism.
Jozef Verbruggen, an industry expert, highlights how traditional peak seasons have evolved:
“Many European destinations have moved from a two-month peak season in the summer, including peak-pricing that lasts from May until September or even October.”
This developing trend has created a shift in expectations both for travelers and for those providing the services. Florence-based tour guide Lucia Lazic saw high-end tourism drop out completely in the summer of 2025. She noted that this trend is part of a larger move away from maxis in peak summer months.
With travelers jumping onto fall as their new favorite time for European adventures, planning ahead is still key. Most guidebooks advise making reservations far in advance to ensure the best lodgings and tours in what has become an ever-more sought-after season.
Reflecting on Past Experiences
In fact, the increasing interest in traveling during the fall season can be attributed to bad experiences visiting in busy summer months. Many visitors have expressed distress and discontent over the stress of overcrowding on must-see sites. Melanie Fish shares her thoughts on visiting Florence in cooler weather:
“What a difference — the streets were quiet at night, I could take in the Arno glowing at sunset.”
This reflection highlights the growing desire of travelers to pursue more enriching experiences devoid of the craziness that often accompanies summers eaten alive by tourism.
