5 Awesome Spots for an Affordable Fall Vacation

Autumn adventures on a budget

Autumn is in the air, and those vibrant leaves aren’t the only thing falling. Travel prices are dropping, too. During shoulder season, airlines, hotels, and attractions often lower their prices to draw visitors, making it the perfect time for a wallet-friendly getaway. Which means you can take an affordable fall vacation packed with great food, outdoor adventures, and some serious leaf-peeping!

Pack your favorite flannels, and get ready to fall in love with one of these cozy destinations.

• Burlington, VT

  For a fall getaway that looks (and feels!) like a postcard!

  Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers the perfect mix of cozy and cool. Wander around pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace for fall festivals, live music, and local art. Or head to one of the farmers markets, brimming with seasonal produce and artisanal goods.

  And the leaf peeping? Ahhhh-mazing, you guys. Red maples and golden birches along the lake are reflected in the water. For a truly stunning experience, take a fall foliage lake cruise. Afterwards, warm up with apple cider donuts and a steaming mug of tea at one of the welcoming cafes.

  Best Affordable Fall Vacation Spot for: quintessential New England charm

• Kansas City, MO

  Urban vibes plus Midwestern friendliness!

  For a big city, Kansas City is unexpectedly budget-friendly. “The Barbecue Capital of the World” is known for smoked meats and thick, sweet sauce. Which pairs perfectly with a crisp fall beer from a local brewery. Nearby orchards and changing leaves in Loose Park round out the autumn feel.

  Fall also brings the Plaza Art Fair, a tradition that’s nearly a century old. Spread over 9 city blocks, it includes 3 music stages, over 240 artists, and endless food stalls. And don’t miss KC’s other fall favorite: football! Catch a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, home to the NFL’s loudest touchdown celebrations.

  Best Affordable Fall Vacation Spot for: flavor, football, and foliage

• Portland, OR

  Where city and nature meet!

  The ultimate indie city has a decidedly fall vibe. The city’s tree-lined streets explode with red, gold, and orange foliage, making strolls along the river unforgettable. Cozy bookstores, craft breweries, and farmers markets filled with pumpkins, apples, and other seasonal treats round out the fall vibes.

  If fresh air and adventures are your thing, Portland is calling your name. Visit the Columbia River Gorge for stunning views of waterfalls and foliage, both. Or take a day trip to Mount Hood National Forest, perfect for hiking and leaf-peeping. And nearby Sauvie Island, local farms offer classic fall activities like hayrides and corn mazes.

  Best Affordable Fall Vacation Spot for: autumn in the outdoors

• Savannah, GA

  Southern hospitality with a haunted twist!

  In the fall, Savannah leans into its reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. Ghost tours are everywhere: walking ghost tours in the Historic District, haunted pub crawls, and even themed trolley rides. And Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous in books and movies, looks positively eerie when the leaves are falling.

  But Savannah’s not just for ghost hunters. Fall brings cooler weather that’s perfect for exploring the cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares. Seasonal festivals include wine tasting, art shows, and riverfront markets. And no trip to Savannah is complete without indulging in southern comfort food!

  Best Affordable Fall Vacation Spot for: ghouls and grits

• Santa Fe, NM

  For an artsy autumn!

  Santa Fe is an amazing fall destination for art lovers. Canyon Road alone has over 100 galleries, featuring everything from contemporary art to traditional Native American crafts. Or stroll through some of the museums—the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture are visitor favorites. And for something more modern, visit Meow Wolf’s original permanent exhibit.

  The only thing that can compete with the art on display? Santa Fe’s stunning natural beauty. The fiery fall leaves glow against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. And Santa Fe provides a truly unique way to see them: hot air balloon rides with sweeping foliage vistas.

  Best Affordable Fall Vacation Spot for: mountains ablaze with color

These destinations are the perfect place to enjoy crisp air, colorful leaves, and autumn charm without breaking the bank!

And to keep your fall getaway budget-friendly, ship your stuff directly to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. For less than the cost of the average checked bag, we’ll take care of your bags. So you can skip baggage claim and breeze through the airport, with nothing in your hands but your pumpkin spice latte.