Summary
- Fall is a great time to travel on a budget due to the affordable prices and less crowded tourist destinations during the shoulder season.
- Consider cheaper destinations like Raleigh, Chicago, and Denver, or parts of Canada for budget-friendly fall travel.
- Save money on airfare by booking two one-way flights or opt for a road trip instead of expensive plane tickets. Don't forget to explore nearby day trip destinations and deserted ghost towns for unique experiences.
Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most magical times of the year. A symbol of deep transformation, the season is marked by change, from its evolving leaves to the shift in cooler temperatures.
The fall months are also a wonderful time to travel, affording tourists fantastic views of the colorful foliage and other scenery that can't be enjoyed any other time of year. Plus, after the summer crowds dwindle, many tourist destinations around the world suddenly become much more affordable, which is ideal for travelers on a budget.
For those wondering how to budget travel during the fall, here are some of the best tips for vacationing for cheap during the fall foliage season.
10 Take Advantage Of The Shoulder Season
Since the autumn months are a shoulder season in many parts of the world, the slow period between a region's high and low seasons, fall is a great time of year to reap incredible savings on travel-related expenses like airfare, hotel accommodations, train tickets, and much more.
Not to mention, the transitional period in between seasons is also marked by fewer crowds.
This timeframe does vary around the world, so be sure to pick a destination where autumn is considered the shoulder season, such as parts of North America, Europe, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, among others.
9 Pick A Cheaper Destination
Although many destinations are relatively inexpensive in the fall, some are known for being even cheaper. Per Kayak, places like Raleigh, North Carolina, Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado, are just a few examples of inexpensive fall destinations, which offer median airfare rates of $206, $218, and $176 per person, respectively.
Parts of Canada, like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, are also great out-of-the-country options, offering a median airfare of less than $350.
This will involve a bit of research on the traveler's part, but taking the time to find low-cost travel spots can really pay off.
8 Book Two One-Way Flights
Save money by booking a hacker fare. In lieu of a round-trip ticket, opt for two one-way tickets instead. This gives tourists the opportunity to pick the best and cheapest option, usually using two separate airlines that go to and from the chosen travel destination.
In terms of cheaper airfare, another great option is to not fly directly. Instead, book a cheaper flight from the departure city to an airport close to the chosen destination and then board a second flight (or even a train ride) to go the rest of the way.
7 Ditch The Flights Altogether And Embark On A Road Trip
Ditch expensive plane tickets altogether by opting to hit the open road for optimal savings, especially if multiple friends or family are traveling.
In lieu of vacationing abroad or visiting a destination far away, opt for one that's close enough to drive to and embark on a memorable road trip instead.
Be sure to research interesting landmarks, historic sites, museums, and natural wonders along the route to make the most out of the road trip experience.
6 Wanderlust Travelers Can Also Take A Day Trip
It's easy to become jaded about current surroundings; however, some of the most fantastic destinations can be found very close to home.
Instead of embarking on a lengthy vacation that racks up costs quickly, pick an exciting spot within an hour of home and make a day trip out of it — no airfare or hotel accommodations required.
To find the best locations for leaf-peeping nearby, check out the 2023 Fall Foliage Map.
5 Visit A Deserted Ghost Town
Some of the cheapest ghost towns in the US and beyond to visit for those on a tight fall budget offer unique vacation experiences away from popular tourist traps.
Not only do these abandoned cities provide an insightful look into the past, but they also offer much to explore in the way of deserted buildings and other long-forgotten structures.
For a truly spooky fall adventure, some of the best ghost towns in the US include California's Calico and Silver City ghost towns and Bannack in Montana — all of which offer affordable accommodations in the area.
4 Pick A Destination With Good Public Transportation
There are some things travelers should go cheap on and others they should splurge on. Transportation can fall into both categories, but either way, using public transportation is easily one of the best tips for cheap travel to and within any destination.
Pick a travel location that has adequate public transportation options, such as buses, trams, ferries, subways, and more. Also, look for destinations that are walkable or bike-friendly, paying close attention to things like extreme weather conditions and whether a city has sufficient bike lanes.
For a hassle-free trip this fall, take the time to plan out transportation routes ahead of time. Research what types of passes or tickets will be needed and make sure to have schedules on hand.
3 Pack Food To Go
Eating out while on vacation can be costly. A great way to ensure a fall trip is a budget-friendly one is to pack meals to eat on the go and to always carry a refillable water bottle.
There are a variety of foods that don't require refrigeration or take a long time to prepare, such as oatmeal packets, granola bars, fruits, etc.
Also, opt for accommodations that offer complimentary breakfast and have refrigerators or kitchenettes to make preparing meals even easier.
2 Take Part In Free Outdoor Activities
One of the cheapest ways to travel on a budget is to save money on attractions and experience fees by opting to take advantage of free outdoor excursions, which are simply breathtaking in the fall, thanks to the stunning foliage colors.
From hiking and leaf-peeping to exploring a nature preserve and strolling through a lush park, there are a variety of quintessential fall activities that won't cost a thing.
Take advantage of the AllTrails app's extensive list of trail guides, which offers everything from offline maps and hiking routes to wrong-turn alerts and other hike-planning features.
1 Ditch The Hotels And Opt For Budget-Friendly Camping Instead
One of the best ways to avoid spending money on hotel accommodations is to not stay in a hotel altogether, even though many accommodations are much cheaper price-wise in the fall than in the peak summer period.
For example, for those state-side, there are a number of amazing state parks in the US that offer budget-friendly camping options, making for an incredible trip all around.
There are also a variety of US national parks that offer budget-friendly camping options, such as Joshua Tree National Park, Badlands National Park, and Big Bend National Park.