After a long scorching summer, fall is finally upon us, and whether you’re already dreaming of vast swathes of crimson fall foliage or you’re not ready to say goodbye to that summery weather just yet, chances are you’ve already started planning your next getaway.
Well, you’re not exactly alone, with a large number of your fellow Americans now planning vacations in the off-season, with flight searches up 15% year-on-year, according to Expedia––and that’s not the only relevant data presented in their Fall Travel Outlook:
If you’re wondering where U.S. travelers will be flocking into in droves this fall, these are the top 3 fastest-growing destinations, as reported by the travel agency:
Indianapolis
Perhaps surprisingly for some, Indianapolis––or Indy, as locals colloquially call it––has seen the biggest surge in flight searches this fall, up 120%.
This can be partly explained by the fact that Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour will be stopping by in the Indiana capital in early November, but dressing up in dazzling costumes to belt out pop gems can’t be the only reason why Americans are descending upon Indy this fall.
With a museum-packed Downtown, host to iconic buildings that preserve America’s Neoclassical grandeur, including the State Capitol, and a lively Broad Ripple, lined by casual bars and alfresco eateries, it is one of the nation’s most underrated city breaks.
For the foodies out there, you should know this is the homeland of breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches.
And if you’re asking us, no trip to Indianapolis is complete without swinging by St. Elmo Steak House to try their ‘fiery’ shrimp cocktail–just make sure you have a glass of water handy.
Oh, let’s not forget the foliage!
Indianapolis is an absolute stunner in the off-season, with its scenic, leafy parks turning a vibrant pumpkin orange and crimson red, and local cafes updating their menu to match the vibe––oh, before you search for the nearest Starbucks, swing by Lulu’s Cafe in the Northside.
You won’t be disappointed.
Tulum
Having seen a 70% uptick in searches this season, partly attributed to the launch of multiple flight routes from the States, Tulum is the second-trendiest fall escapade.
Kicking Cancun to the curb, this smaller, more laid-back coastal hub offers not only all-inclusive hotels, and some of Mexico’s most-renowned at that––check Hyatt’s Secrets Tulum––but all the cultural appeal and Old World charm the resort city lacks:
Culture buffs will be flying from all over the U.S. (and the wider world) to get a glimpse of the mystical Tulum Ruins, with its landmark temple perched on a hill overlooking the turquoise Caribbean––the quintessential postcard picture for the Mexican Caribbean.
Other than the fascinating culture, Tulum is expected to host the Maya Train starting this month: soon enough, vacationers will be able to travel all the way north to well-loved beach hotspot Playa Del Carmen, the bustling Cancun itself, and yellow-washed colonial treasure Izamal.
Mallorca
With a similar 70% rise this year, Mallorca in Spain is the third most sought-after destination for Americans taking some time off work and jetting off this season.
Maybe it’s the fact that there are seasonal flights leaving from Newark every week, maybe it’s the irresistible appeal of a Mediterranean getaway, but the Spanish island is about as popular in the fall as it’s been throughout summer:
Whether it’s the charming capital, Palma, with its fortified Gothic church, the centuries-old stone-built villages dotting the hilly hinterland, or the unspoiled, sandy calas that lap the coastline, hugged by seas of the shiniest-blue, Mallorca has all that Old World charm you seek and then some.
There are countless hidden gems to explore around the compact yet landmark-packed isla, but if you love medieval villages frozen in time and getting lost in cobbled streets that lead to hidden courtyards and picturesque churches, the enchanting Valldemossa should definitely be on your list.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop by S’ Estret, an intimate eatery seating only 12 at a time, where you’ll have the best tapas of your entire trip.
The rave reviews it’s amassed on TripAdvisor don’t even do it justice, trust us.
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