Shoulder Season Isn't What It Used to Be


Dear Reader ~

I recently returned from three weeks in Europe, where temperatures flirted with 100°F more than once. One of the highest heatwaves on record.

From there, I headed to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week. It was 115°F. Vegas in August has never pretended to be sensible. I'll share more about my new Virtuoso finds soon.

One of the biggest travel trends being discussed didn't surprise me at all:

Fall is having a moment. A very big one.

September and October have always been two of my favorite months to recommend for many destinations. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and often better value.

Well... apparently everyone got the memo.

Virtuoso's latest data shows September bookings are up 72.5% year over year, and October is up 48.2%. The industry has even given it a name: the “Fallcation.”

I'm not sure we needed another travel term, but the trend makes perfect sense.

September isn't the travel hack it used to be.

I still recommend it all the time. But timing a trip well now means looking more closely at the destination instead of relying on the calendar alone. Sometimes shifting by just a few weeks can make a real difference.

And travelers are planning earlier, too. Virtuoso reports bookings made one to two years in advance are up about 50%.

For trips where the hotel, room, cruise cabin, or guide really matters, waiting rarely improves the choices.


Japan is a Perfect Example

Japan is now among the top five countries Americans are seeking out for autumn travel—and we're seeing that interest in our own group.

Our October 11–25, 2027 Autumn in Asia voyage aboard Oceania Riviera already has 14 guests confirmed.

If Japan in the fall has been on your list, now is the time to take a serious look. The best staterooms go quickly, and the sooner we look, the better the selection.

Let’s find the best available option for you.

Thinking about fall somewhere else? Reply and tell me where. I’ll help you figure out the timing that makes the most sense.

Thoughtful Travel. Beautifully Designed.


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213-716-6087 | Joanne@lunaworldtravel.com
CapstoneDreamTravel.com, A Luna World Travel agency | Independent Affiliates of Montecito Village Travel

Capstone Dream Travel

You’ve spent a lifetime building your legacy; now it’s time to enjoy it. With 93 countries of first-hand expertise, I don’t just book trips—I architect seamless, awe-inspiring journeys tailored for the sophisticated traveler. From the peaks of the Pyrenees to the soul of Cappadocia, let’s ensure your next chapter is written in five stars. Ready to design your next great adventure?

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