Upper Austrians plan short breaks for autumn holidays

Many families in Upper Austria are planning short trips for the autumn holidays, while others will stay at home or travel abroad, ORF Upper Austria reports. Travel agencies and hotels say demand is holding steady.

Some residents told ORF they usually travel in summer and will spend the holiday week at home. Others said the cost and short break made a trip impractical, while one family planned to stay home so their daughter could study.

Among those travelling abroad, destinations mentioned included Bulgaria, Bosnia and Serbia. One student from Enns said his family was going to Serbia because it is where their roots are.

Wellness breaks in Upper Austria are also popular. Daniela Koller of the Hotel Lebensquell Bad Zell said the autumn holidays were a popular time for wellness trips. The hotel was more than 90 per cent booked in October, she said, with families using the break for short stays and day trips.

Travel agencies continue to see demand for traditional southern destinations, including Turkey, Greece and Italy, said Amra Omanovic, manager of a travel agency in Enns. According to Österreich Werbung, visitors spend an average of just under 200 euros per holiday day in autumn.

A survey by the Austrian Hotel Association found that 72 per cent of travellers plan to take an autumn holiday in Austria this year, up from 64 per cent last year. More than half of people aged 15 to 29 plan to travel. About 65 per cent of those taking a trip expect to stay for no more than four nights, with wellness and relaxation holidays the most popular choice.