Fall Travel: A Season of Savings and Fewer Crowds

As summer draws to a close, many travellers are eyeing their next vacation, and industry experts have a tempting proposition: embrace the fall. With cooler temperatures comes a drop in prices and a thinning of the crowds, making autumn an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers to explore popular destinations.

Airfare and Accommodation Deals

According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at the travel platform Hopper, airfare prices can drop by as much as 30% from summer to fall. This significant decrease allows travellers to take those once-in-a-lifetime, expensive vacations for a fraction of the cost. For example, round-trip airfare to Japan this fall is averaging $942, a 33% decrease from summer 2024 prices, offering substantial savings for families or couples.

The trend of lower prices extends to accommodation as well. Steven Guilday, director of travel for AARP Services, notes that nightly hotel rates can be up to 20% lower in the fall, with 50% less occupancy. This means not only savings but also a more relaxed and intimate travel experience.

Destinations to Consider

The fall season presents opportunities to visit sought-after destinations without breaking the bank. Here are some options to consider:

• US National Parks: According to travel advisor Dave Hershberger, national parks see far fewer visitors in the fall. For instance, California’s Yosemite National Park only requires reservations on weekends and holidays during this season, and airfare to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington drops by over $100.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico: Santa Fe hotels are typically booked solid during summer weekends, but in the fall, crowds thin out, and hotel and parking availability increase. The city offers a range of cultural attractions, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.
• Japan: With the rebound of the yen and the country’s growing popularity, pushing a trip to Japan from summer to fall can result in significant savings. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer easy navigation, and the country provides a range of low-cost entertainment and dining options.
• Repositioning Cruises: Cruise lines offer deals on voyages when they need to relocate their ships to different regions for the season. These “open-jaw sailings” provide unique itineraries at a fraction of the cost. For example, a 13-night Transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Epic starts at $688 per person.
• Disney World: With kids back in school, Disney parks are less crowded in early fall. Midweek tickets for September start at $109 for a single-day, single-park ticket to Animal Kingdom.

Planning and Booking Tips:

To make the most of fall travel, consider the following tips:

• For domestic flights, book 30 to 60 days in advance for the best deals.
• The wave season, between January and March, offers a tidal wave of promotions and discounts for cruises.
• Remember that prices tend to spike during holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• If you’re flexible with your destination, consider Airbnb options, which tend to be more affordable in the fall, such as the Jersey Shore town of Somers Point.

So, as the leaves start to turn and the weather cools, consider taking advantage of the savings and the quieter season to explore new destinations. Happy travels!