With things opening back up and travel being more than just optimistic in the coming months, I thought you might like to read about some places that are generally affordable in the fall. We're planning a road trip to Vegas, and are already looking forward to traveling farther in the future. If you're also dying to pack a bag, here are some places to plan to go to.
As you know, destinations have on, off and
shoulder seasons, where on season is the most expensive and busiest, off season
is the cheapest and least crowded, and shoulder being somewhere in between. We
tend to travel in September and October, which is shoulder season for a lot of
destinations. Because there are smaller crowds and kids are in school, the
limited opening hours aren’t that annoying, since we aren’t waiting in endless
lines. I also feel like it gives me a built-in excuse to go back early, relax
and get some good sleep. Not just that, but then I have time to do laundry when
necessary.
So, what destinations are budget-friendly in the
coming season change? Let’s look!
September
If you’re looking for a getaway that doesn’t
include the typical beach setting, set your sights on Cape Cod, where the rates are cheaper and the seafood is still
amazing, and there aren’t crowds of tourists, because it’s not summer.
September still has great weather (highs in the 70s), though if you’re hoping
to leaf peep, you’ll need to go later in the year and pack some warmer
clothing.
If you really
want to get away from it all, Bali sees
a drop in summer crowds. You might have to deal with a bit of rainy weather,
but generally the rainy season doesn’t start until November. Explore temples
and beaches and save at resorts. Pretty much, you’re just looking for a good
deal on airfare.
Chicago is another destination
that swarms with tourists in the summer, but once the kids go back to school
and the temps drop, you’ll be free to visit without fighting crowds and easily
explore attractions like the Field Museum, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. You
might even get a picture of yourself at The Bean without a thousand people in
the shot. Just avoid the weekend of the Chicago Marathon.
Hoping to visit Europe, but can’t quite swing
the cost? Go to Montreal
instead. Not only are the flights faster (getting you there much quicker), but
it has an interesting old-world and modern city mixed vibe that you won’t find
anywhere else. Skyscrapers and cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, amazing
museums and even an Underground City where you can escape the cold.
Oddly enough, September is when you will find San Francisco at its warmest, yet also its cheapest and less crowded. You’ll
still want to bring a jacket, but this is your chance to really take in the
city’s attractions like all the cool things at Golden Gate Park, Pier 39,
Fisherman’s Wharf and also stuff yourself full of seafood.
October
New Orleans
is great to visit all fall long, but it’s still very warm in September, so
waiting until October to visit can make it much more comfortable weather-wise.
The high temps are still in the 70s, so you can pack your shorts and t-shirts,
making it easier than ever to travel with just a carry-on. You will be contending with hurricane
season, but as long as you keep tabs on the weather, you should be fine.
The Bahamas
aren’t teeming with tourists during the fall, since September and early October
is hurricane season, and most people wait until winter sets in to get away to somewhere warm, so if you wait until late
October or even November, you’re going to miss a lot of the rain and the
tourists, but you’ll still get great deals and a chance to wear your swimsuit,
too.
If you’re interested in watching the leaves
turn, and you love outdoorsy activities like hiking, lighthouses and waterfalls,
then the Upper Peninsula in Michigan
is right up your alley in early October. You’ll need to bundle up, but there’s
so much to see here. When the cold gets to be too much for you, you can hang
out in one of the area’s handful of casinos and awesome restaurants.
Orlando sees a drop in visitors,
since most of them are coming for the theme parks and it’s hard to do that when
your kids are in school. If you can get away during October or November, you’re
still going to be able to soak in some warm weather, while also getting
bargains on hotels and finding shorter lines for park rides. Be aware though,
if you are relying on hotel shuttles, they will be few and far between for
theme parks. I’d recommend renting a car or using Uber/Lyft.
November
Take a tropical vacation without the fear of
hurricanes in Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao
(also known as the ABC Islands). You may still get rain, but you’ll also find
temps in the 80s. Hit up Aruba and Curaçao for resorts, casinos and
architecture, and Bonaire if you’re into scuba diving and snorkeling.
Instead of the arid landscape of Aruba, hit up Barbados during this time for a more
lush, green escape. You’ll face short bursts of showers, but also cheap hotel
rates, British-Caribbean culture fusion, and awesome tropical rum drinks.
If you can handle the cold weather, Washington, DC can be an excellent fall
getaway. There are so many free museums and landmarks to break from the chill,
plus there are tons of delicious restaurants where you can spend the money you’re
saving on activities.
If you're planning a budget getaway, where are looking to go?
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