Its a mixed bag when it comes to fall 2025 travel, with some advisors noting that their bookings are up from last year while other are reporting a minor downturn in sales.
As we head into fall 2025, sales across our agency are slightly down year over year C but not by a significant margin, said Kendra Wolfe, owner of Zip Travel Co. Historically, we experience a mini wave of bookings in late August and early September once children return to school.
Post-Summer Spikes
That pattern has held steady for us in recent years, with last-minute travel, holiday getaways, and early New Year vacations seeing a spike during that post-summer window, Wolfe added. So, while current numbers may be trailing slightly, we anticipate a healthy surge in the weeks ahead that could close the gap.
Similarly, Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel, noted that his numbers are down from the same period last year C but he is hopeful fall business will pick up. We have made it a point to focus on fall travel in our social media marketing so we can try to fill fall up, he said.
Early Bookings
Other advisors were very optimistic about their prospects for the fall season.
Sales for fall 2025 are definitely up compared to last year. Im seeing clients booking earlier and being much more intentional with their plans, Mandee Migliaccio, owner of Stepping Out Travel Services.
People want to make the most of their travel, whether its a big family trip or a special getaway, and theyre locking things in sooner to get the experiences they really want, She added. Theres a lot of excitement around future travel again, and thats translating into strong advance bookings.
For Nicole Fairess, owner of We Do the World Getaways, sales are up not only for the fall season, but the entire year. Once we had the travel boom in 2022 after COVID I was concerned it would die down, but it has not, she said. Clients broke out and experienced new destinations as many of their favorites still had travel restrictions in place. This has led to a broader interest to travel, see the world and experience new destinations.
Strong Alaska, Europe Sales
Fall Alaska cruises are selling briskly this fall. (Source: (photo via Norwegian Cruise Line))
So, whats selling this fall? A lot. Europe is huge right now. So many of my clients are planning custom land itineraries, especially before or after their ocean cruises, said Migliaccio. Its not just about hitting the ports anymore. They really want to dive deeper into the places theyre visiting and take their time exploring.
The agencys fall river cruise sales also are very strong. Clients love that they can unpack once and still see multiple destinations, all while enjoying great food, service and unique local experiences, she said. Its a more relaxed and thoughtful way to travel, and that really speaks to what people are looking for right now.
At Zip Travel Co, cruises and theme park vacations are strong sellers this fall. leading the way the way for the agency. While many might consider August part of summer, in our world C serving a predominantly family market with schools starting early C it marks the beginning of the fall travel season, Wolfe said. And this August, Alaska cruises are commanding exceptional attention.
Theme Park Vacations
Theme park vacations are top-of-mind with travelers this fall. (Source: Universal Orlando)
In addition to all-inclusive vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, and fall destination weddings, Wharton of Sioux Travel is witnessing a significant interest in theme park vacations. I even have people waiting on their Universal trip to visit Epic Universe because they are waiting for issues to be ironed out and crowds to become less of an issue C even though I have warned it will still be busy next year, he said.
For her part, Fairess of We Do the World Getaways is seeing robust sales for all-inclusive resorts, Europe, tours and cruises. After experiencing Caribbean cruises and realizing what a great way it is to see multiple destinations, we are booking more and more Alaska and Europe cruises and river cruises, she said.
Multigenerational Travel
Multigenerational family continues to grow in popularity. (Source: (photo via Emerald Cruises))
In the final analysis, advisor agreed that sales for groups of friends and families are continuing grow. Im seeing a lot of multigenerational families, with grandparents, parents, and kids traveling together, which is so special, said Stepping Out Travel Services Migliaccio.
Whether its celebrating a milestone, checking something off the bucket list, or just slowing down and being together, people are putting more thought into how and why they travel. Theyre not just going to go. They want it to matter.
Wolfe of Zip Travel Co is of a similar mind. The demand for reconnection travel remains high. Whether its a girlfriends weekend at a theme park or an Alaska cruise with cousins and grandparents, people are intentionally carving out time to be together, she said.
Even with slightly tempered numbers, fall 2025 is shaping up to reflect evolving preferences rather than a lack of interest in travel. With the right timing, messaging and understanding of our clients needs, were confident the season will be both strong and meaningful.
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