The 8 Best Cheap Fall Vacations for 2022

If you missed out on a trip this summer, your wallet might thank you. Fall is known for being a more affordable time to travel, and this off-season means plenty of deals. For inspiration on cheap fall vacations in September, October, and November, here are eight affordable destinations for everything from seasonal weekend getaways to cheap fall family vacations.

Editor's Note: Airfare and nightly rate estimates are accurate at the time of publication.

San Jose, Costa Rica

The rainy season in Costa Rica lasts from May to December, with peaks in September and October. Traveling during this time can be risky, but the rewards are worth it. The extra rainfall allows for lush jungle scenery that you’d miss during the dry season, and these months are prime times for wildlife spotting.

How to get there: You can find flights to San Jose starting at $228 in the fall. Flights to Liberia are slightly more expensive, with most fares around $300 roundtrip.

Where to stay: Add a splash of color to your vacation at Fleur De Lys Hotela colorful and welcoming hotel located in the cultural district of San José. The property incorporates Costa Rica’s natural beauty into its design, with each room named after a local flower and several atriums for guests to explore. Standard rooms are available for under $60/night.

Things to do: There are many activities in Costa Rica that are actually enhanced by the rainy season. Book a Whitewater Rafting Tour or explore local waterfalls while the water flows. If you are an animal lover, plan your trip further west of San Jose to visit the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge and see the arrivals, or mass arrivals, nesting sea turtles in September and October.

Porto, Portugal

Travelers willing to brave higher risks of rain during Porto's fall months will be rewarded with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the city's parks and gardens bathed in unforgettable fall colors.

How to get there: Flights to Porto can be found for around $400-450 roundtrip depending on your departure airport.

Where to stay: Moov Porto Centro Hotelan Art Deco hotel located downtown, offers rooms starting at $126 per night.

Things to do: There is no shortage of things to do in Porto in any season, whether it is attending a must-see excursion or fado show to visit the Crystal Palace Gardens for incredible landscapes while tasting a delicious French in a rowa savory sandwich invented in the city.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Not all fall travelers crave pumpkin spice and cooler weather. To extend the summer vibe, book a trip to Las Vegas in September and October, where daytime temperatures hover between 80 and 85 degrees and cool off significantly at night.

How to get there: West Coast travelers will find incredibly cheap fall fares to Las Vegas, with round-trip tickets starting at under $50. East Coast travelers will have to fly longer, but they can still find flights on budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit for under $100.

Where to stay: THE Rio Hotel & Casino is just one block from the Strip and offers nightly rates under $200 in the fall.

Things to do:All the traditional Las Vegas activities are available in the fall, from attend a show to enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city's many casinos. For a seasonal event, check out the upcoming Harvest Fair at Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardensa free exhibition of floral sculptures and dazzling gardens. For families, there are several truck-or-treat type events throughout the month of October with free entry or a small registration fee.

Cancun, Mexico

If you're a risk-taker (i.e., don't mind the possibility of rain or even hurricanes), Cancun during the rainy season from August to October could be your ticket to a great deal on this classic white-sand Mexican beach destination on the Yucatan Peninsula.

How to get there: You can find round-trip fares to Cancun this fall in the $200 to $300 range.

Where to stay: Where you stay in Cancun will depend on how you want to spend your days, from all-inclusive resorts to simple haciendas. To bring a spring break vibe to your fall getaway, check out Krystal Cancunwhere October rates start in the $200 range.

Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and scuba diving all top the list activities in CancunBeyond the sea, book a package to visit historic sites like the ruins of Chichén Itzá or take a street food tour to try tacos and mezcal.

New Orleans

New Orleans is full of activities this fall, from the delicious Beignet Fest to the citywide NOLAxNOLA concert series. Explore the city at the end of its off-season with pleasant (less humid) fall weather, with temperate days and cooler evenings.

How to get there: This fall, round-trip airfare to New Orleans from several major airports will cost less than $100, with Google Flights showing that most rates range between $100 and $250.

Where to stay: THE Aloft New Orleans Downtown puts you in the heart of the city, steps from iconic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Fall rates start around $200 per night.

Things to do: Listen jazz and live music is a must during your stay in the Big Easy, as is a feast at Cajun and Creole restaurants like Commander's Palace. To discover a little nature beyond the beautiful architecture of New Orleans, take a boat trip in the bayou and try to spot the alligators.

Rome, Italy

The low season in Rome officially begins in mid-November, but tourist traffic begins to decrease in October. The last months of autumn are therefore an ideal time to visit the city before tourism resumes for the holidays. Hotels are cheaper at this time of year and temperatures range between 15 and 20 degrees.

How to get there: Travelers can find flights of major American cities in theA $400-600 rangemuch more affordable than the summer months when similar flight routes can cost up to $1,000 roundtrip. If you're willing to make a stopover on your way to Italy, you can find fares for under $400.

Where to stay: Hotel Trastevereis located in the heart of the Trastevere district, a historic area of ​​the city full of cafes, wine bars, pizzeriaserias, open-air markets and historic architecture. The hotel itself is just a 20-minute tram ride from attractions such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Fall rates average around $250 per night.

Things to do: Most of the city's ancient sites are free to enter, with an entrance fee only required if you want to access certain areas or take a guided tour. Dozens of beautiful parks and squares are also free to enter, including the stunning Garibaldi Squarewhere you can get a 360 degree view of the city.

Washington DC

While many travelers want to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, Washington DC shouldn’t be overlooked in the fall. With dozens of free attractions throughout the city, savvy travelers can create a jam-packed itinerary while saving money.

How to get there: Even from Los Angeles, round-trip flights to Washington, D.C. can cost as much as $100 in the fall. The city is also easily accessible by train and bus from a number of East Coast cities.

Where to stay: THE Generator Hotel offers pleasant accommodation at a surprisingly affordable price around $180 per night.

Things to do: Explore the National Mall's museums, all free to the public, as well as the city's many monuments and memorials. Admire the fall colors, at their peak in the region in mid-October, at United States National Arboretum or attend a show at a reduced price this year Theatre Week (from September 26 to October 13).

Chicago, Illinois

Visiting Chicago in the Fall let you see the Windy City in a whole new light. Admire the famous Cloud Gate amidst the beautiful foliage of Millennium Park, or take a architectural cruiseto see famous buildings surrounded by autumn colors.

How to get there: Budget airlines Spirit and Frontier offer nonstop flights from a number of major cities to Chicago, with round-trip prices under $100.

Where to stay: Find a room at Silversmith Hotel in Chicago's popular Magnificant Mile neighborhood for around $250 per night.

Things to do: Plan your trip for the last weekend of September to attend Chicago Oktoberfest and get a little taste of overseas adventure on your domestic travels. As Halloween approaches, discover Arts in the Darkan evening of visual and performing arts in Washington Park with a spooky seasonal twist.

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