Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Score Airfare Sales for Top Destinations This Fall
As the leaves start changing colors and the weather cools down, fall brings ample opportunities to explore new destinations at a fraction of the cost. With kids back in school and peak summer crowds dispersing, you can take advantage of shoulder season airfare sales to popular spots across the U.S. and around the world.
Autumn adventures often mean fewer tourists and more wiggle room in your budget. By looking for airfare deals and being flexible with your dates, you can save hundreds on plane tickets to exciting fall getaways.
Keep an eye out for fare sales to perennial fall favorites like New England, known for its stunning displays of autumn foliage. Flights to Boston tend to dip from September through November. Head up to Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine to hike mountain trails and winding country roads illuminated in bold hues of red, orange and yellow.
The American South also shines in the fall. Look for discount airfares to Charleston, Savannah or Asheville to experience charming Southern hospitality amid cooler temps. Wander through historical neighborhoods draped in Spanish moss or stop and chat with locals sipping sweet tea on their front porches.
Fall is also an ideal time to visit popular European cities like London, Paris and Rome without the crowds and heat of summer. Look for reduced airfares during shoulder season and enjoy wandering less-packed museums and galleries. Sit at sidewalk cafes soaking up sunshine through vibrant fall foliage.
Leaf peepers should also keep an eye out for deals to Japan in autumn. Watch brilliant red and gold maple leaves flutter down on temples in Kyoto or stroll through parks filled with fiery momiji trees. Score an affordable flight to Tokyo to slurp up steaming bowls of noodles and explore without oppressive humidity.
Those looking for warm weather adventures can still save on fall flights to Hawaii. Airfares tend to drop from late September through December. Island hop between Oahu, Maui and Kauai or just relax on empty beaches without peak crowds.
Wherever your autumn travels take you, flexibility pays off when searching for the best fares. Consider flying mid-week instead of weekends for more options. Departing on less popular days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays can lead to big savings. Expand your airport options to score the lowest price. And don't forget to compare deals across multiple airlines, online travel agencies and fare comparison sites.
What else is in this post?
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Score Airfare Sales for Top Destinations This Fall
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Snag Deep Discounts at Highly-Rated Hotels and Resorts
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Take Advantage of Shoulder Season Cruise Deals
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Rent a Car for Less and Explore Fall Foliage
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Book Now to Get the Best Prices on Fall Vacation Packages
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Stretch Your Budget Further with Cost-Cutting Travel Tips
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Enjoy Autumn Adventures Close to Home on a Budget
- Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Maximize Credit Card Points and Miles for Fall Getaways
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Snag Deep Discounts at Highly-Rated Hotels and Resorts
Fall brings ripe opportunities to stay at highly-rated hotels and resorts for a fraction of the price. With leisure travel slowing down after summer, hotels drop rates to entice visitors during shoulder season. Savvy travelers can snag rooms at luxury properties for up to 50% off or more compared to peak summer rates. Here are tips to unlock deals at top-rated hotels and make the most of fall hotel sales.
First, leverage flash sales and limited-time offers to pinpoint the deepest discounts. Major chains like Hilton and Marriott run Fall Hotel Deals promotions with discounted room rates at properties worldwide. Sort through options to identify the best value based on price and location. Look for additional perks like resort credits that sweeten the deal.
Independent hotels and resorts also offer seasonal sales, so don’t overlook boutique options. Check individual hotel websites regularly and sign up for email lists to receive early access to special offers. Limited-time flash sales can translate to massive savings if you can be flexible with travel dates.
Next, take advantage of shoulder season rates in popular destinations like Hawaii, Florida and tropical locales. With temperatures still beach-friendly and crowds thinning, hotels drop prices to fill rooms during slower weeks. Look for nightly rates slashed 30-50% or more compared to high season.
Aspen, Vail and other ski resorts also offer big fall discounts before winter crowds arrive. Luxury slopeside lodging becomes much more affordable in September and October. Visit between seasons to enjoy hiking and biking amid dazzling fall foliage.
Also leverage your hotel loyalty program status, whether with large chains or independent brands. Earning elite status unlocks extra perks all year, but especially pays dividends during shoulder seasons. Score room upgrades, resort credits, free breakfast and other benefits to maximize value.
Wherever you travel, read reviews and carefully compare rates across multiple sites. OTAs like Expedia often run Fall Hotel Sales with discounted rates. But don’t forget to check rates directly on hotel websites – they sometimes offer the lowest prices when booking direct.
Timing matters too. Make reservations early once fall rates are released to secure the best deals. Yet rates can also drop last minute if occupancy is low, so check back regularly for price drops. Consider travel mid-week for the biggest discounts.
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Take Advantage of Shoulder Season Cruise Deals
As summer crowds dissipate and kids return to school, fall brings ample opportunities to save big on cruise vacations. During this shoulder season between peak travel times, cruise lines offer significant discounts to entice travelers. By sailing in autumn, you can explore exciting destinations and enjoy full ship amenities while avoiding the highest prices of summer and holidays.
Savvy cruisers know that flexibility is key to scooping up the best fall cruise deals. Opting for sail dates in September, October or early November can lead to serious savings compared to summertime rates. Data shows average cruise prices in shoulder seasons can be hundreds less per person compared to the most popular weeks.
Being open to varied departure ports also expands options. Look beyond just Florida and California points of embarkation to find pricing dips from ports like New York, Seattle, Charleston and New Orleans. Search across various cruise regions as well -deals pop up across Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe and more.
In particular, pay attention to repositioning cruises as ships move between seasonal homeports. These often longer sailings offer great bang for your buck with extra ports of call. For example, you could sail from Alaska down to sunny Hawaii in September for a fraction of a typical Hawaiian cruise.
Cruise lines entice travelers with a variety of shoulder season sales as well. Watch for promotions offering everything from reduced deposits and onboard credits to two-for-one specials and discounted fares for third and fourth passengers in the same stateroom. Peruse the deals section on cruise line websites or sign up for alerts to capitalize on flash sales.
Dedicated cruise deal sites like Vacations To Go aggregate offers across all major cruise companies in one place. Their 90-Day Ticker feature lets you view upcoming discounts and price drops on sailings three months out. Set up a custom alert for your ideal itinerary and they’ll notify you the instant a deal becomes available.
Savvy cruisers also leverage status in cruise rewards programs for extra fall perks. Many lines offer double point promotions during this period, making it easier to boost your status for future freebies. Those with elite status can take advantage of extra discounts and perks like free Wi-Fi and specialty dining packages.
Booking during wave season in late winter locks in the lowest rates year-round. But waiting until fall to purchase comes with pros too - like choosing the perfect room with priority upgrades as past passengers cancel.
Wherever and whenever you set sail, researching thoroughly pays dividends. Compare rates across cruise lines, cabin categories and websites. Look at price trends from past years to estimate if fares may still drop lower. And don’t forget to factor in taxes, port fees and gratuities.
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Rent a Car for Less and Explore Fall Foliage
As autumn arrives, so does a spectacular display of fall foliage spreading vibrant hues across landscapes nationwide. Renting a car opens up backroads and byways perfect for leaf peeping on a budget. Avoid exorbitant summer rates and tourist crowds at peak foliage sites by hitting the road in fall and letting autumn’s patchwork quilt of colors guide your route.
Timing matters when booking cheap rental cars for fall drives. Aim for weekday rentals rather than pricier weekends. Pick up and drop off mid-week when possible to maximize savings. Rates also tend to dip after Labor Day when demand tapers off. Consider renting an economy car rather than larger vehicles — you’ll still have plenty of room for passengers and luggage while optimizing savings.
Compare rental rates across major companies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and more. Look for coupons and discount codes to sweeten the deal. Joining rental car loyalty programs unlocks perks like expedited service and free upgrades when available. Also check rates on aggregator sites like Kayak and Expedia, which compile results from various providers.
While flights to New England hotspots like Boston can be pricey during peak foliage season, renting a car there opens up easy access to leaf peeping statewide. Meander along scenic byways like Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, stopping to hike trails decorated in dazzling hues. Or ooh and aah your way through Vermont’s Green Mountains, from Bennington to Burlington.
In Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains put on an impressive fall show. Drive along the roads through the national park or the peaceful Foothills Parkway to soak up scarlet and gold vistas. Or escape to the Blue Ridge Parkway linking Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains.
Out west, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains smolder in autumn. Rent an SUV with higher clearance to careen down backroads blanketed in aspens flickering gold. Soak up stunning views along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park or go off the beaten path into the San Juan Mountains.
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Book Now to Get the Best Prices on Fall Vacation Packages
Fall brings a sweet spot for scooping up vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and activities into one discounted deal. By bundling components together, packages offer savings over booking separately. And traveling in shoulder season means fewer crowds and lower prices overall. Booking a fall getaway package now secures the lowest rates before demand increases closer to departure.
Avid travelers like Danielle and her husband swear by locking in package deals early. “We’re always looking ahead to plan our next adventure,” she shares. “Booking everything together through one provider makes it easy to score discounts we couldn’t get otherwise.”
For their upcoming trip to Paris in October, Danielle saved over $600 per person compared to pricing out flights and hotels separately. “I love waking up to an email alert that our package price dropped again,” says Danielle. “It gives me reassurance we got the best value for our fall trip to Europe.”
“Think outside the box when it comes to destinations. Seek out adventure tours in shoulder seasons for the best values. For example, an Ireland hiking package including B&Bs near trails might be less crowded and hundreds cheaper in September vs July. Plus you’ll catch emerald landscapes ablaze in fall.”
“Don’t limit yourself to air-inclusive packages. Look for deals bundling just lodging, activities and other components. For example, ‘Bed & Brew’ packages at Pacific Northwest inns bundle cozy rooms with tours of local breweries surrounded by fall foliage.”
“Peruse deals beyond the major online travel agencies. Tour providers like Intrepid Travel run shoulder season promotions with discounted rates on small group fall adventures timed perfectly for wildlife migrations, harvest festivals and more.”
While securing packages early maximizes savings, experts also recommend monitoring prices even after booking. Danielle explains, “I set price drop alerts and watch for any decrease. Most providers let you rebook at the lower rate.”
Being flexible with dates also helps land the best bargain. Keith snagged a dreamypackage to Hawaii in late October by opting for mid-week travel. “I saved over $500 per person compared to weekends. Our beachfront resort was way less crowded too.”
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Stretch Your Budget Further with Cost-Cutting Travel Tips
Extending your vacation budget allows you to explore more for less. With savvy planning, you can implement cost-cutting tips and tricks to make travel dollars stretch further. Follow the lead of seasoned globe-trotters like Samantha and Chris, who've mastered the art of affording epic adventures on a budget.
"We love experiencing the world, but have to watch our wallet," explains Samantha. "Getting creative with cheap flights, lodging, activities and more lets us travel more often." She and Chris avoid peak seasons and tourist hordes when planning getaways. "Visiting Montana in September, we had Yellowstone nearly to ourselves and paid a fraction of summer rates," says Chris.
Travel hacking with points and miles is key for them too. "We use credit card bonuses to cover flights and hotels. Opening just one or two strategic cards per year keeps us stocked with travel rewards," shares Samantha. They also rent out their home on platforms like VRBO when away. "The rental income helps fund vacations, letting us travel almost full-time."
Other saving strategies make a big impact. "Eating like a local is so important," Samantha emphasizes. "We skip expensive hotel restaurants and ask locals where they eat." Site seeing on foot or via public transit brings immersion in the culture and place. "Taking walking tours or public transportation saves tons over renting a car and paying for gas and parking," Chris adds.
Traveling light also frees up budget. "We're minimalists and pack carry-on only, even for months abroad," says Samantha. Slow travel helps reduce costs too. "Spending longer in fewer places means fewer flights to purchase," explains Chris. Choosing affordable regions and countries allows their dollars to stretch furthest as well.
Similar budget saving tips paved the way for Tim and Amanda's dream trip to South Africa. "Safaris can be crazy expensive, so we got creative with ways to cut costs without sacrificing experience," Tim explains. They visited during shoulder season for lower park fees and accommodation rates. Self-driving between parks saved significantly over package tours.
"We cooked basic meals at our lodge to bank money for splurges like incredible wine tastings," Amanda adds. They researched free activities like hikes and traded luxuries for once-in-a-lifetime memories. "You don't need a 5-star lodge to see elephants at the watering hole," says Tim. Slow travel also brought cost savings here. Tim raves, "Spending five days on safari would have been rushing it - two weeks let us fully soak it in."
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Enjoy Autumn Adventures Close to Home on a Budget
You don’t have to venture far or spend big to experience the magic of autumn. Exploring areas close to home lets you make the most of fall’s fleeting beauty without blowing your vacation budget.
Megan and her family relish fall outings in their home state of Michigan. “We enjoy discovering hidden gems right in our backyard,” she shares. Their quest to peep dazzling maples and oaks across the Mitten State costs little but reaps huge memories. “We pack a picnic lunch and head out for the day on a tank of gas,” Megan explains. Letting the kids choose activities makes it fun for the whole family. They might trek to cider mills, pick pumpkins at a patch, or explore corn mazes and farm stands overflowing with produce.
Connecting with nature offers affordable entertainment too. “State and metroparks are free or super cheap to visit,” shares Megan. Her kids marvel at migratory birds resting their wings along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Getting out on hiking trails lit ablaze in fall foliage refreshes the spirit. “We learn so much exploring as a family,” says Megan. Guiding her blossoming photographers, she watches proudly as they frame bristling birch trunks and fiery leaves in their viewfinders.
Autumn brings a bounty of festivals and events to sample as well. Perusing local craft fairs and farmers markets lets you support local artisans and stock up on wholesome foods. Many offer free entry, with just the price of tasty snacks or handmade goods.
Smaller seasonal celebrations also deliver big fun on a budget. For Erica, that means heading to quirky community pumpkin parades and colorful Dia de los Muertos gatherings that embrace the fall spirit. “We save funds by packing snacks and skipping souvenirs,” she explains. Free shows and entertainment abound from decorated floats and costumed performers to lively bands and dancers. Erica raves, “These homegrown events feel so much more meaningful and special than crowded state fairs.”
Embarking on microadventures in the great outdoors never gets old either. Alice savors brisk walks through frosted fields to admire the autumn palette. “Crunching leaves along quiet trails with my pup makes my heart sing,” she shares. Getting outside to cycle, swim, or paddle and watch the seasonal shift energizes her. “You don’t have to drive far or pay park fees to experience nature’s wonder in your own neck of the woods.”
Lacey and her girlfriends look forward to their annual orchard-hopping road trip each fall. “It’s become our fun tradition to celebrate the season,” she explains. They sample apple delicacies from cidies to crisps as they support local growers. At stops like u-pick pumpkin patches, photographing each other posing with plump orange gourds makes for lifelong memories. “Our day trip feels like an adventure but is so affordable splitting gas and opting for BYO snacks,” says Lacey.
Autumn Adventures: 25 Incredible Fall Travel Deals on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises, and Car Rentals - Maximize Credit Card Points and Miles for Fall Getaways
Savvy jetsetters like Mitch and Sofia maximize credit card points and miles to fund their frequent adventures. “Strategically earning and redeeming travel rewards allows us to consistently take amazing trips for less,” shares Mitch. Their carefully crafted rewards strategy paid off with an unforgettable fall getaway.
“We had our sights set on Italy in September,” Sofia explains, “but didn’t want to drain our bank account.” After scoping out flight and hotel rates, the couple got to work amplifying their points balances. Mitch applied for a new card with a hefty welcome bonus in time to meet the minimum spend organically. Sofia also shifted everyday purchases to a card offering triple points on travel.
Come redemption day, they tapped their boosted rewards for huge savings. Mitch transferred points to book discounted award flights. “I checked right at the schedule opening to snag seats before they disappeared,” he explains. Sofia redeemed points for five free nights at a luxury hotel in Rome that normally started around $500 per night.
“All those points previously earned on everyday spending added up to an incredible trip that would’ve been out of reach paying entirely cash,” Mitch emphasizes. He suggests signing up for price drop alerts after booking award tickets and hotels. “I rebooked when points rates decreased, getting even more value from our rewards.”
Jennifer and Mark also capitalized on point maximizing techniques for an autumn anniversary escape. “We wanted to celebrate 20 years of marriage somewhere special,” shares Jennifer. “Using points let us splurge on an amazing vacation our bank account couldn’t handle.”
They opted for an ultra-luxury Maldives resort and used transferred points to cover the seaplane flights. Jennifer raves, “Being surrounded by turquoise water and powdery sand made it feel like paradise.” Upgrading their all-inclusive stay to an overwater bungalow would have added over $1,000 per night, but elite status scores waived the fee.
“Little things like using airline miles to upgrade to business class or earning extra points through shopping portals might seem insignificant,” explains Mark. “But those small savings and bonuses add up to take dream trips for less.”
No matter your points balance, maximizing fall travel rewards takes dedication. “Set a timeline for new card applications and spend bonuses well in advance,” advises Mitch. Monitoring point values and award charts helps identify the best redemption opportunities too.
Jennifer and Mark recommend flexibility as well: “We extended our Maldives stay by a few days to get the optimal point rate. Had we been rigid on dates, it would’ve cost a lot more.”