6 Amazing Alternative Ideas for a Fall Vacation

Many travelers choose summer or winter to plan their getaways, and for good reason. Summer brings warm beach weather to many parts of the world, perfect for long nights and sunny days, and winter provides the perfect opportunity to escape the freezing cold at home and avoid days cooped up indoors. However, these seasons are the most popular in the travel industry, leading to high costs for airfare, lodging, and other related expenses. For those seeking an exciting and enjoyable travel deal, looking into a fall vacation could be the solution.

Fall provides a unique opportunity for you to explore any given destination. The months of September and October, along with the early part of November, are what’s known as a shoulder season. Shoulder seasons typically feature lower costs for airline tickets as well as accommodations, letting you explore a destination with fewer crowds while keeping more money in your pocket. For this season, we’ve highlighted some destinations that should feature lower costs and thinner crowds to help you plan your next fall vacation!

1. Hilton Head Island

The beaches of South Carolina typically start to empty after Labor Day, leaving spots like Hilton Head ripe for exploring. By planning a trip to the classic Carolinian destination in late September or early October, you have a chance to save serious money while still adventuring through the various island plantations or hitting the links at one of the area’s legendary courses. Temperatures in early fall still linger around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, making for suitable beach weather well into October. While some local merchants and vendors may leave with the crowds of summer, many area businesses and popular attractions remain open for you to enjoy.

Check out accommodations at Marriott’s SurfWatch for under $120 per night!

2. Virgin Islands and Caribbean

The many islands in the Caribbean enjoy a year-round warm climate, making them one of the most popular destinations in the world. While winter and spring are the preferred times to dodge the cold and escape to the beachy islands, fall presents a rare opportunity to explore. Much of the Caribbean—with the exception of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaco—lay within the infamous Hurricane Belt. While hurricanes in the region can be especially dangerous, the autumn season often sees lower costs for resorts that remain open year-round. Exploring the beauty of nationally-protected areas like St. John or Virgin Gorda can be a great fall vacation idea, and can also result in savings in the thousands. Take the money you would have otherwise spent and invest in trip insurance to make sure your autumn Caribbean trip is covered.

Stay on the same site as a centuries-old castle at Bluebeard’s Castle Villas for an effortless October escape on St. Thomas!

3. Orlando

You may be thinking isn’t Orlando always crowded and expensive? While Orlando is the most frequented vacation destination in the country, the truth is there are still good deals out there to take advantage of. The Orlando area is the number one travel destination for families thanks in part to its massive theme park offerings. However, fall means school is back in session, discouraging many families from embarking on trips to Florida. Take advantage of this by indulging in a mid-October trip to Orlando, and you could not only save money but find thinner crowds at popular attractions. Walt Disney World hosts an array of spectacular fall events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

Find three-bedroom accommodations perfect for families at the wonderful Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa for just $143 per night!

4. Las Vegas

Like Orlando, Las Vegas can see lower rates and thinner crowds in the fall. While Sin City is not as popular among families with kids, fall remains a busy time for parents—kids are back in school and have commitments to sports and after-school activities, and many people begin to save for the holidays or for vacations to come later. Capitalize on this brief lull in traffic to plan a trip to The Strip. Since Las Vegas doesn’t have many weather-related concerns that might drive businesses to close for the season, you’ll find all the city’s best attractions are still open for you to discover.

Find the opportunity of a lifetime at the breathtaking Elara resort, right on The Strip, for just $68 per night!

5. Park City

This Utah destination is perfect for those looking to pack up their skis and snowboards to shred some fresh powder in the Rocky Mountains. However, autumn provides a different kind of experience in Park City. With September and October too early to start making snow and drawing in winter sports crowds, an opportunity exists for more casual vacationers. Instead of skiing the mighty peaks in Park City, why not hike them? The area is home to some fantastic fall foliage, which will create the perfect sights and photo ops during your Utah trip. Additionally, the area’s proximity to the urban hub of Salt Lake City provides useful alternatives for those who seek a more lively experience.

Marriott’s Summit Watch is the perfect home base for any Park City vacation, and you can find luxurious two-bedroom accommodations for less than $150 per night!

6. Cape Cod

The classic New England destination is famous for its beaches, seafood, and historical attractions. However, you don’t have to visit in summer to enjoy the Cape’s best sites and experiences. While some resort towns may close up shop as the population swell shrinks, hubs like Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham still feature a great number of things to do in the early fall. Discover the famous Chatham Lighthouse, or stroll the streets of Hyannis Port to explore famous locales like the Kennedy House. Make the drive north toward Provincetown to traverse the Cape Cod National Seashore for quiet outdoor exploration.

The seas are calling at the Ocean Club on Smuggler’s Beach in South Yarmouth, where you can rent a one-bedroom suitable for four guests for only $114 per night.

Find your Next Fall Vacation

Fall is a great time of year to travel anywhere, and travel deals are abound on airfare, attractions, and accommodations. Browse our resort rental deals today to find your next amazing last-minute getaway, and enjoy a low-cost luxury vacation this season!

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