Expedia reports rising interest in Tokyo and Bangkok as Singaporean travellers seek budget-friendly fall escapes during the shoulder season.
As the mid-year holiday season winds down, travel deals are heating up, and savvy Singapore travellers are embracing the chance to plan a quick getaway during the shoulder low-peak travel period. According to the Expedia Fall Travel Outlook, intra-Asia trips remain top of mind for travellers, with flight searches for destinations like Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul up by 15%, and average ticket prices for Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou down 20% or more compared to the summer season.1
For budget-minded travellers, fall is prime time for deals, as airfare historically drops 20% compared to the summer months. For many destinations, it’s “shoulder season,” the sweet spot
between tourist high season and seasonal low season when the weather is nice, the crowds have dispersed, and hotel rates are more wallet-friendly. Tips and trends from Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook include:
- Top fall destinations for Singapore travellers include Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul, while Chinese cities like Shanghai (+15%), Chengdu (+73%) and Guangzhou (32%) are among the season’s top trending hotspots.
- For the best deals, travellers should target the week of October 15, when average international ticket prices (ATP) are the lowest, shaping up to be nearly S$100 cheaper than during the peak of summer.
“The fall season is one of the best times to travel as the weather cools, seasons change, and travel expenses reduce,” says Lavinia Rajaram, Expedia Group Brands travel expert for Asia. “Regardless of destination, many Singaporeans who want to view the fall foliage should take this opportunity to book a getaway when prices are the lowest during the low-peak travel season.”
Expedia Fall Travel Outlook
Destination Insights
- Expedia’s search data highlights nearby Asian countries, Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul as the most popular destinations overall for fall. Chinese cities like Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou are also a big draw, as the off-peak season promises lighter crowds frequenting the tourist attractions and lower airfare and hotel prices.
Top Fall Destinations
Based on Flight Searches
International
- Tokyo
- Bangkok
- Seoul
- Taipei
- Osaka
- Kuala Lumpur
- London
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
- Sapporo
Best and Busiest Times to Travel This Fall
For international travel, many travellers still look to travel during the school holiday period. For travellers without school-going children, mid-October is the best opportunity to travel before the holiday rush begins.
- Busiest Travel Dates: Week of November 19 is the busiest week; just before the December school holidays.
- Lightest Travel Dates: Week of September 24; the week of the national examinations, which marks the start of the end-of-school-year assessments.
Shoulder Season Steals
International destinations with average ticket prices down 20% or more compared to summer include Chengdu, Broome, and Shanghai.
In addition, depart on the week of October 15 to save around 20% compared to the week of November 19.
To further maximise savings when travelling to Thailand, Japan, Malaysia or Korea, travellers can book their trip before 30 August 2024 to save up to 25% or more.
Best of Fall Curated Destinations
Japan and Thailand have massive appeal for Singaporean travellers year-round, but fall is a particularly special time to visit these top destinations reports Expedia. The weather is mild and there is nowhere better to experience brilliant fall foliage. Tokyo, Japan, is a cultural hotspot perfect for leaf-peeping enthusiasts, while Bangkok, Thailand, is a familiar city to many Singaporeans looking for a comforting and relaxing getaway this fall.
- Tokyo, Japan: The capital of Japan is the most connected destination to easily access the best autumn sighting spots in Japan. It’s ideal for a three-to-four-night stay to explore its national parks, visit museums and drink in the stunning fall foliage.
- Visitors can take a day to explore the ancient city of Kamakura. Famed for its Great Buddha and ancient temples, this destination is also loved by many for its changing landscapes. Head to Kotokuin Temple where the Great Buddha resides to witness the red and gold autumn foliage colouring the temple grounds. From here, visit nearby Enoshima Island, accessible via a bridge, and various hiking trails enjoy this charming seaside time at your own leisurely pace.
- They can also book a private tour and explore nearby Nikko, home to Kegon Waterfalls, ranked as one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan and stay at a small hot spring part of Nikko National Park. The town is attractively located next to Lake Yunoko and consists mainly of ryokan with hot spring baths.
- Finally, they can experience the autumn breeze and appreciate art at the Hakone Museum of Art, the town’s oldest museum, nestled in Hakone. Its 1,900-square-metre moss garden, home to approximately 130 types of moss and 200 trees, transforms into a spectacle of red and yellow hues as fall approaches.
- Bangkok, Thailand: The capital of Thailand is one of Singaporeans’ favourite destinations for a short weekend trip due to its proximity and affordability. Travellers can:
- Take a day trip to experience the rich history that Bangkok has to offer. Learn about World War 2 and prisoner-of-war labour camps throughout the Mueang region. Travel by road, river, and railway as you visit a prisoner cemetery, examine exhibits at the JEATH Museum, and see the infamous Bridge made famous by the movie ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’.
- Be transported back in time when you visit Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the stunning ancient city; Ayutthaya Kingdom (since 1350-1767), which grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a centre of global diplomacy and commerce at that time.
- Immerse in local culture and visit Maeklong Railway Market, a market located on railway tracks, and Damnoen Saduak Market, one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand. Gain fascinating insights into how the markets are run and buy local products directly from the floating boats and market stalls.