AAA: September and October are Sweet Spots for Travel — Whether You’re Going Now or Planning Ahead

BALTIMORE, MD (September 23, 2026) – September and October may be among the best months of the year for travelers—whether they are looking to get away now or planning ahead for the busy holiday season.

With summer behind us and the fall season in full swing, travelers with flexible schedules can take advantage of shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak travel when destinations typically offer fewer crowds, greater availability and potentially lower prices. At the same time, AAA says travelers planning Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's trips should begin securing flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages before holiday demand limits their options.

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"September and October present two very different opportunities for travelers," said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance in Maryland and Washington, DC. "Those with flexibility can take advantage of fewer crowds and potentially lower costs during shoulder season, while holiday travelers can benefit from planning ahead now before the most desirable flights, accommodations and other travel options become more limited."

Take Advantage of Shoulder Season

Shoulder season falls between a destination's peak and off-season, when demand, crowds and prices are typically lower. In the Northern Hemisphere, it generally occurs during early spring—March through May—and early fall—September and October.

Travelers may find several advantages during this period, including:

• Lower travel costs: Airfare, hotels, rental cars, train tickets, tour packages and some ocean and river cruises may cost less than during peak periods.
• Fewer crowds: Popular attractions, restaurants and destinations may have shorter lines and greater availability.
• More travel choices: Airline seats, flight times and accommodations may be easier to secure.
• More comfortable weather: Fall brings relief from peak summer heat in many destinations.
• More authentic experiences: Smaller crowds can provide greater opportunities to experience local culture, restaurants and seasonal festivals.

AAA Club Alliance continues to see strong interest in ocean and river cruising, including travelers planning well beyond 2026.

"While travelers looking for a spontaneous getaway can still find excellent opportunities, many are planning further ahead and securing their spring and fall 2027 shoulder-season vacations now," said Anthony Adubato, Director, Leisure Travel and Group Sales at AAA Club Alliance. "For ocean and river cruises, where itineraries are already available through 2028, we're seeing travelers lock in their plans well in advance to take advantage of the best selection, availability and value."

Planning Holiday Travel? Now is the Time to Start

Travelers who are looking beyond fall should also be making plans now. With Thanksgiving less than three months away and the December holidays quickly approaching, AAA recommends securing reservations before peak holiday demand further reduces availability.

Recommended booking timeline:

• Thanksgiving – November 26: Aim to book flights by early to mid-October.
• Christmas and New Year's: Both holidays fall on Fridays this year. Aim to book by the end of October.
• Hotels and rental cars: Reserve as soon as travel dates are confirmed, particularly in popular destinations.

Travelers should also avoid focusing exclusively on finding the lowest airfare. A cheaper ticket may come with tradeoffs, including inconvenient schedules, connections instead of nonstop flights, additional baggage fees or limited seating options.

Flexibility can help. Travelers who can adjust their departure date, flight time or airport may find better fares, more choices and potentially smaller crowds.

Forget the "Tuesday" Airfare Rule

AAA says travelers should no longer count on the old advice that Tuesday or Wednesday is automatically the best day to purchase airfare.

Airlines increasingly use dynamic pricing, which allows fares to change based on demand, inventory, market conditions and other factors. That means prices can fluctuate throughout the day rather than consistently dropping on a particular day of the week.

"An increasing number of airlines have been adopting the technology, so much so that traditionally discounted days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, are no longer guaranteed to provide savings," said Adubato. "Instead of trying to time the market, travelers should focus on booking when they find a fare that fits their budget and travel plans."

AAA Travel Planning Tips

Whether taking a shoulder-season getaway or preparing for holiday travel, AAA recommends travelers:

• Book when the price and itinerary meet your needs. Waiting for a potentially lower fare could mean losing preferred flights, seats or accommodations.
• Stay flexible. Alternate travel dates, departure times and airports may provide additional choices and savings.
• Reserve hotels and rental cars early. Popular destinations and peak travel periods can sell out quickly.
• Understand cancellation policies. After booking, continue monitoring rates when reservations allow changes or cancellations.
• Consider travel insurance. Coverage may help protect against qualifying cancellations, interruptions and unexpected expenses.
• Work with a trusted travel advisor. Advisors can help travelers compare options, navigate changing airline pricing and identify packages or bundled savings.

Planning Ahead for 2027 and Beyond

The fall is also an ideal time for travelers to look beyond the holidays. AAA is seeing travelers secure 2027 vacations now, particularly cruises and other trips where popular itineraries and accommodations can fill well in advance. To help travelers explore their options and plan future vacations, AAA is hosting several upcoming travel events throughout Maryland featuring leading cruise and tour companies:

October 14 – Viking Cruises | Rockville/Gaithersburg Area
Travelers interested in ocean and river cruising can learn more about Viking's destinations, itineraries and travel experiences. AAA Travel advisors and representatives will be available to help travelers explore options and begin planning future vacations.

Learn more and register for the Viking Cruises event

October 14 – Princess Cruises: Alaska | Westminster
Travelers considering an Alaska vacation can learn more about Princess Cruises and its Alaska cruise offerings, destinations and itineraries.

Learn more and register for the Princess Cruises event

October 14 – The Travel Corporation | Columbia Area
This event will showcase a variety of international travel experiences, with presentations featuring African Travel, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Brendan Vacations and Uniworld River Cruises. Travelers can explore options ranging from African vacations and worldwide guided tours to Ireland vacations and European river cruises.

Learn more and register for the Columbia-area event

October 29 – Viking Cruises | Annapolis
Travelers interested in ocean and river cruising can learn more about Viking's destinations, itineraries, onboard accommodations and cultural experiences. AAA Travel advisors will also be available to discuss travel options and upcoming itineraries.

Learn more and register for the Viking Cruises event

November 17 – European Travel & River Cruising | White Marsh
Travelers interested in Europe can learn more about CIE Tours, including guided and self-guided vacations in Ireland and Scotland, as well as AmaWaterways river cruise options.

Learn more and register for the White Marsh event

"Whether planning a shoulder-season getaway, holiday trip or a major vacation in 2027 and beyond, AAA recommends starting early to maximize choices and availability," reminded Ali.

For additional travel planning information or to book a trip, visit AAA.com/travel or speak with a AAA Travel advisor at a local AAA retail location.