It can feel a little depressing with the official end of summer and lazy days by the beach or pool. A fall vacation, however, can be had for relatively little out of pocket whether one stays in the United States and drives to a national park, as many celebrities do, or flies to Italy.
You need to take extra care of yourself as the weather changes because it's more likely that you'll catch a cold. After arriving, you can choose how much time and money you want to spend outdoors exploring the area.
Cheap Places to Visit This Fall
Here are a few fall vacation spots that won't break the bank.
1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Do you want to go OOO for real this time? Travel to Puerto Vallarta. You can go swimming at one of the city's many beautiful public beaches or book a street food walking tour of the downtown area and sample some of the best ceviches and churros in the world.
When visiting Puerto Vallarta, an all-inclusive resort is the best option, and it also happens to be the most cost-effective. The unlimited tacos and margaritas by the pool are just some reasons to book a stay at a resort like Velas Vallarta. A few discounts are available, including paying less than the actual price per person per night (if you book by the mentioned date) and cashback (exactly $300 to spend at the resort and spa). The place is perfect for a bachelorette party getaway.
2. Abruzzo Italy
Look no further than Abruzzo, Italy (only about two hours from Rome if you decide to fly) for a low-priced getaway with some of the best, freshest cheese (and wine) you'll ever have. Because of the abundance of mountains, there are countless picturesque settings to capture a moment on film. It is best to spend your money at a farm stay like La Porta dei Parchi in Anverso degli Abruzzi. Enjoy genuine, regionally-sourced cuisine for less than €100 per night (you can see the sheep making the milk that will become your cheese).
However, you can do more than eat. Rent a car and spend the day exploring charming medieval towns like Montesilvano Colle. If you still have the stamina after all that wine and cheese, go hiking in Gran Sasso or Majella National Park (don't worry, you can always refuel in the "home of pasta," the village of Fara San Martino, located within the park).
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
Visit a national park for the ultimate low-cost vacation. It's not just the Grand Canyon that you have to see; Glacier National Park is also incredible. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails here, enough to keep you busy for days (and the $20 entrance fee gives you access for an entire week). Other activities like ziplining, mountain biking, and rafting are also available. Plan your trip before the middle of October to avoid the snow and enjoy all the adventure sports.
The Firebrand Whitefish Hotel has a rooftop hot tub where you can relax at the end of the day while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains for about $375 per night in the fall. Alternatively, Glacier has many first-come, first-serve campsites that cost around $15 per night and are perfect if you're on a budget but still want to experience the park's untamed wilderness. Certain park areas allow you to see wildlife without paying entrance fees, so you shouldn't be surprised to see a moose or bighorn sheep.
4. San Diego, California
The Golden State is not exactly known for its low prices, but San Diego is one of the exceptions. Start your exploration of the city by hopping on the Coronado ferry for a couple of dollars and taking a tour of San Diego Bay. Then you can go swimming or surfing any day of the year, explore the city's cultural center at Balboa Park, and stroll or ride your bike along the many piers.
San Diego is also well-known for its low-priced cuisine. Visitors should try The Friendly Tavern's $6 burgers, as locals highly recommend them. At the Wyndham San Diego Bay, you can stay for slightly more than $200 per night and have a bay view from almost any room.
5. Vancouver, CA
If you're looking for a great fall vacation destination, look no further than Vancouver. Compared to the rest of Canada, the weather is milder here, making September and even late October pleasant for strolling the city streets without needing heavy winter coats. For less than $200 per night, you can stay at the Skwachays Lodge, run by the Vancouver Native Housing Society and decorated with Indigenous works of art.
You can find lots of fun things in Vancouver that don't cost a dime. Visit Granville Island's public market shops or take a stroll or bike ride through Stanley Park. Take a picture worthy of Instagram at one of Main Street's murals or waterside art installations. If you happen to be in Vancouver in late September or early October, you will run into a few famous faces at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
