As the summer heat begins to wane, travel prices are also cooling down, making this the perfect time to explore your dream destinations. According to Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, “This time of year is really the best time of year to go pretty much anywhere.” With fewer crowds, reduced rates at popular destinations, and significant drops in airfare, fall offers exceptional opportunities for travelers.
Lower Airfares and Affordable Travel
Airfare drops significantly from summer to September and October, allowing travelers to save around 30% on longer and more expensive vacations, regardless of the destination. “It’s a great time to hit bucket list destinations,” Berg notes. Even delaying a trip by a few weeks from late summer can lead to substantial savings, says Dave Hershberger, president of Prestige Travel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stretching a trip outside peak travel times can provide better value and a more enjoyable experience.
Top Travel Destinations for Fall
Here are some fantastic travel ideas for the upcoming months:
US National Parks
Fall is an excellent time to visit many of the United States’ stunning national parks, which see fewer visitors compared to the busy summer months. For example, Yosemite National Park in California only requires reservations on weekends and holidays during the fall, while Mount Rainier National Park in Washington ends its summer reservation requirements in early September. Additionally, airfare to Seattle, the gateway to Mount Rainier, drops by more than $100 from summer to fall.
However, some parks, like Acadia National Park in Maine, remain busy during the fall foliage season.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is another great fall destination, with fewer crowds as the summer rush winds down. While the city remains lively with events in September and October, hotels and parking become more accessible before the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.
Japan
Japan, which saw a surge in visitors over the summer due to the weak yen and post-pandemic demand, remains a popular destination. However, postponing a trip to Japan until fall can lead to substantial savings. Roundtrip airfare to Japan this fall averages $942, a 33% drop from summer 2024 prices, and down 21% from the same time last year. With reduced prices and fewer crowds, Japan is also emerging as a popular family destination.
Disney World
With children back in school, Disney parks, such as Walt Disney World in Florida, are less crowded. Theme park tickets for midweek dates in September are as low as $109 for a single-day, single-park ticket to Animal Kingdom. Additionally, flights to popular Florida destinations like Orlando and Miami are cheaper, with fall airfare dropping by about $80 per ticket.
With travel prices cooling down and fewer crowds at popular destinations, fall is an ideal time to explore the world. Whether it’s visiting national parks, experiencing cultural hubs, enjoying a cruise, or having fun at Disney World, there are endless possibilities for memorable trips at great value. Take advantage of this season’s travel deals and start planning your next adventure.
