Why Brits are opting for off-peak travel this autumn

The shift in guest behaviour: why autumn is seeing renewed appeal

Hilton’s 2025 travel trends report highlights the rise of “Spontanitrip” and “Flexiscape” travel styles, with guests wanting to mix relaxation, adventure and spontaneity. At the same time, 64% of UK travellers say they plan to make the most of cheap off-peak breaks to stay flexible and keep costs down.

The main reasons behind this shift include:

• Cost of living pressures – guests are looking for value and avoiding high summer rates
  
  

• Hybrid and remote working – more freedom to travel outside of school holidays
  
  

• A desire for quieter, more local experiences – fewer crowds and slower travel
  
  

• Last-minute bookings – spontaneous trips are becoming the norm
  
  

For holiday rental owners, this trend opens up new opportunities. Instead of only relying on the summer months, you can keep bookings coming in by adjusting your pricing, calendar and marketing to suit changing demand.

What off-peak and shoulder season really mean

Here’s a quick recap of the key terms:

• Peak season – the busiest times, like school holidays, when prices are highest
  
  

• Off-peak season – quieter periods, such as late autumn or winter, when demand is lowest
  
  

• Shoulder season – the in-between months, like spring and autumn, when demand is moderate but flexible
  
  

The shoulder months are often overlooked, but they can be really valuable for filling your calendar. A few small changes to your pricing and listing can make a big difference. 

How hosts can get ahead this autumn

1. Update your calendar early

Plan ahead and open up dates for autumn as early as possible. Guests are searching now. Travelnest’s Calendar Sync makes sure your availability updates across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo and more.

2. Use smart pricing

Static rates don’t work well when demand shifts. Travelnest’s Smart Pricing tool automatically adjusts your prices based on demand, competition and seasonality. You stay competitive without undercutting yourself. Find out more in our article on why smart pricing matters.

3. Offer shorter stays

Relax your minimum night requirements for autumn to capture weekend or midweek breaks. Flexibility is key in the shoulder season. Industry experts also highlight this as a proven way to fill gaps.

4. Add value instead of discounting

Guests love little extras. Think late check-out, a welcome hamper or recommendations for local autumn activities. These touches can make your property stand out without cutting your nightly rate.

5. Refresh your listing for autumn

Update your photos and descriptions to highlight cosy interiors, seasonal food or nearby walking trails. With Travelnest’s Guest Messaging, you can also let guests know about autumn-only offers or experiences.

6. Promote direct bookings

Encourage guests to book direct to save on commission. Travelnest’s Direct Booking feature makes this easy and lets you offer exclusive perks.

7. Be ready for last-minute bookings

Autumn and winter guests often book close to their stay. Keep your calendar open and be flexible with shorter notice periods. Travelnest’s Management Dashboard helps you stay on top of trends.

8. Track your progress

Review your occupancy and revenue monthly to see what’s working. Travelnest’s analytics make it easy to see which strategies are paying off so you can adjust quickly.

How Travelnest helps you stay ahead

Travelnest is designed to support hosts as guest behaviour changes. Here’s how:

• Calendar Sync – avoids double bookings by updating availability across all major platforms
  
  

• Smart Pricing – ensures your nightly rate adapts to demand automatically
  
  

• Management Dashboard – gives you insight into booking patterns and revenue
  
  

• Direct Booking – helps you win more commission-free bookings
  
  

• Guest Messaging – keeps you connected with guests and allows you to promote offers
  
  

• Expert support – you’ll have a dedicated property expert to guide you through off-peak strategy
  
  

For more ideas, check out our article on 5 tips to boost off-season bookings.

Looking ahead: the bigger picture

The rise in off-peak travel is unlikely to be a short-term trend. We can expect:

• Longer shoulder seasons as travel spreads more evenly across the year
  
  

• More short breaks and staycations becoming part of regular routines
  
  

• A stronger focus on sustainability and local experiences
  
  

• Technology, like Travelnest’s smart pricing and analytics, playing a bigger role in how hosts respond