Top Low-Cost Destinations for Fall Travel

There is probably no worse time to get bit by the travel bug. With the cost of living through the roof, many people are choosing the "stay-cay" over the more traditional "vacay." While there is a lot to be said for a staycation, you may be itching for something a bit more adventurous. If this is the case, know that affordable fall vacation destinations do exist and, despite their low price tags, they have plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking to take a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, check out these top low-cost fall travel destinations.

Boston, Massachusetts  

With its fall foliage, rich history and robust cultural offerings, Boston has a lot to offer those with a bit of wanderlust. Flights to this historic destination begin at just $200 roundtrip, with the average cost of airfare right around $250 during the fall months. While in the city, your biggest cost is likely to be lodging, which ranges from $100 to $300 per night. If you book a suite with a kitchenette, you can save on food. You can explore most of the sites and attractions for free, allowing you to return home with a full wallet and a memory bank of unforgettable experiences.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re itching for a truly unforgettable and one-of-a-kind vacation, head to The Big Easy, where you can indulge in everything from live jazz music to authentic creole dishes. Depending on from where you’re coming, you can get to New Orleans and back for less than $100. Starting at about $65 per night, the city’s lodging options are affordable. The architecture in and of itself is an experience, but if you’re looking for something more to do, take a trip on the bayou, stroll City Park, hit the art museum and galleries, or tour the grand mansions and cemeteries in the Garden District.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Despite being part of a U.S. territory, San Juan is as exotic a vacation destination as it sounds. With average year-round temperatures of 80 degrees, there is no bad time to visit this Puerto Rican city. However, because fall happens to be hurricane season, you can snag great deals on flights and hotels all season long. You can score roundtrip airline tickets from just about any major hub into San Juan for less than $200, though flights dip below $100 if you can fly out of Miami. At this time of the year, hotel rooms average about $125 per night, a cost you can offset by booking a room with a kitchenette. Many of San Juan’s attractions are free but are sure to produce amazing memories.

Ontario, Canada

If you’re looking for more of the “fall experience” but want to venture across international borders, consider booking a trip to Ontario, Canada. You can get to Ontario and back for between $200 to $300 and stay for less than $100 per night. The foliage in and of itself is a wonder to see, but the city has plenty to offer in terms of things to do, ranging from natural parks to wineries to museums and galleries.

San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose’s rainy season is a lengthy one, beginning in May and going through December. It peaks in September and October, though, which also happen to be the cheapest times to travel there. If you’re willing to brave the wetness, you can find roundtrip flights for as low as $250 and lodging for as little as $21 per night. In terms of things to do in San Jose, you will find there is no shortage. The rain brings the whole country to life with vivid greens and pops of color, and it stirs up the wildlife, making fall primetime for nature viewing. Because the average temperatures are between 72 and 82, there is never a bad time for beaching or white water rafting while in the country.

Travel can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. To satisfy your wanderlust without breaking the bank this fall, look into booking a trip to one of the five aforementioned destinations.