Is an Autumn Family Holiday Actually Cheaper? 7 Things to Check Before Booking

A collaborative post 

September and October can look like the perfect time to book a family holiday. The summer crowds have started to disappear, the weather can still be lovely in parts of Europe and, if you are lucky, the prices might make you do a little happy dance. But is an autumn holiday actually cheaper?

The short answer is it can be, but the dates matter. KAYAK’s shoulder-season travel data for 2026 shows why it is worth looking beyond the headline price and checking the whole holiday before pressing that booking button. Here are seven things I would check before booking an autumn family break.

1. Check the exact dates, not just the month

The biggest lesson is that shoulder season does not mean every date is equally good value. There’s a noticeable difference between late September and late October. Average economy return flights were around £485 to £531 in late September and early October, compared with £179 to £235 in late October. That is a pretty significant difference when you are multiplying the cost by four people. Of course, these are average search prices rather than guaranteed fares, but they are a useful reminder to compare a few different departure dates before deciding when to go.

2. Look at accommodation as well as flights

A cheap flight can be tempting, but it is only one part of the holiday budget. International accommodation can be particularly good value in early October, even when flights are more expensive than later in the month. That is worth remembering if you are looking at a city break or a longer family stay. Sometimes the cheapest flight is not the cheapest overall holiday. The hotel, transfers, food and activities can easily change the maths.

3. Consider destinations you might not have thought about

If you are looking for a European family adventure, Destinations including Bilbao, Porto and Verona as noted as offering good value during the autumn shoulder season. Bilbao is particularly interesting because KAYAK found that average flight prices were lower than in summer and lower than the same period the previous year. That could make it worth considering for a family city break, especially if you fancy a change from the usual holiday destinations. Think sightseeing, food, exploring new streets and finding somewhere to stop for a well deserved ice cream.

4. Do not rule out a UK staycation

You do not have to get on a plane to make the most of shoulder season. Scarborough, Newquay and Brighton are among destinations with notable hotel price drops compared with summer. Scarborough, in particular, saw an average hotel price drop of nearly a third. That makes an autumn seaside break worth a look, especially if you are after a few days of fresh air, beach walks and a change of scenery without the airport faff. And yes, the British weather may still have opinions so pack a coat! 

5. Check the school calendar carefully

This is the big one for families. September and October are not automatically easy months to travel when you have children at school. The start of a new school year can be busy, and October half term is often when families begin looking at a break. Before booking, check the school dates, inset days and whether the price difference is worth travelling during term time. A cheaper holiday is not necessarily a better holiday if it creates unnecessary stress.

6. Remember the costs that do not appear in the flight price

When comparing holidays, I would always look at the full cost rather than just the headline fare. Think about:

• Airport parking or transfers
• Luggage
• Travel insurance
• Accommodation for the whole family
• Food and drinks
• Activities and attractions
• Car hire, if needed

A flight that looks like a bargain can soon become less exciting once you have added everything else.

7. Check what the children will actually enjoy

This might sound obvious, but it is easy to get carried away with a beautiful destination and forget that family holidays need to work for everyone. Will there be enough to keep the children entertained? Is the accommodation suitable for your family? Are there places to eat nearby? Will you need a car? And, importantly, will everyone be happy spending a few days together in a different country? Because a holiday should not just look good on Instagram. It should actually be enjoyable when you are there.

So, is Autumn a good time for a family holiday?

Yes, it can be a really good time to travel, but the savings are not guaranteed.  Flight and accommodation prices can vary considerably depending on the dates and destination, so it is worth comparing the whole trip rather than assuming September or October will automatically be cheaper.

For me, the appeal of an autumn break is not just the potential saving. It is the chance to enjoy a change of scenery, explore somewhere new and make a few more family memories before the year disappears into Christmas shopping, school concerts and the annual hunt for matching socks. And if I can do that while saving a few pounds, even better.