
Core Insights - The travel market is experiencing a peak in off-peak travel opportunities as students return to school, with many online travel platforms reporting increased activity in this segment [2][5] - Ticket prices for flights during the off-peak period in September are significantly lower compared to peak travel times like the National Day holiday, with prices for flights from Shanghai to popular destinations being one-fourth to one-third of those during peak times [3][4] Group 1: Off-Peak Travel Trends - Tuniu's latest booking data indicates that off-peak travel dominates the September market, accounting for nearly 80% of travel volume, with this trend expected to continue until the week before the National Day holiday [3] - Flight prices for September 15 from Shanghai to destinations like Sanya, Urumqi, and Harbin are reported to be significantly lower than those for October 1, highlighting the price advantage of off-peak travel [3][4] - International flights are also more affordable, with round-trip tickets from Beijing to cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur priced around 1000 yuan, which is about half the price of tickets for October 1 [4] Group 2: Popular Destinations and Activities - According to Meituan Travel, the top ten domestic off-peak travel destinations in September include Guizhou, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Hainan, and Yunnan, with Hainan experiencing a 58% year-on-year growth in tourism [5] - Tuniu's report shows a noticeable increase in demand for autumn-themed travel products, particularly in regions like Northeast, North China, Northwest, and Southwest, with popular destinations including Beijing, Chongqing, and Dalian [5] - Activities such as photography, hiking, cycling, and camping are gaining popularity among travelers, with specific routes in Tibet and Yunnan attracting attention [5] Group 3: Demographics of Off-Peak Travelers - Tuniu's report highlights that older adults and families with preschool children are the primary demographics for off-peak travel, with individuals aged 55 and above being particularly prominent [6] - Older travelers prefer group tours and customized travel options, which account for nearly 70% of their travel choices, favoring leisurely and nature-focused itineraries [6]