Fall has officially arrived! Aside from it being the most perfect season of the year, it’s also the best time to jump on budget friendly travel. We’re talking perfect weather, off season travel discounts and scenery to die for. So, here are 5 Super Cheap Fall Travel Ideas for Families that Won’t Break the Bank.
Take A Family Cruise Vacation
Did you know that Fall offers the best deals for cruise lines? Booking a cruise can seem like a daunting task but really, it offers you the most bang for your buck. “Off Season” cruising is choosing to cruise when school is in session and there are no major holidays. During this time, you’ll find the best deals because cruise lines are looking to fill state rooms at the cheapest possible cost.
Cruises are also all inclusive, meaning that the price you pay includes lodging, food and gratuities. The only additional cost that you’ll encounter is travel to the port and excursions but if staying on the ship and enjoying all the activities and shows are your thing, that’s perfectly okay too. Cruising is the perfect way to visit multiple destinations in a limited amount of time.
Staycation: Explore Your Area
While the kids are in, it’s not always possible to take a week- long vacation or even travel far from your home. Staycations are excellent ways to feel like you’ve gotten away but you’re actually within two hours or so of your home.
Consider using apps to book a hotel deal in your town (or close) same day. Contact local tourism boards to see what fall events are happening in a town near you. Some tourism boards even offer extensive discounts for getting the information or booking your tickets through them so be sure to ask for those discounts when you call. Some fall family activities are:Taking a tour of your city, attending a state fair, visiting a pumpkin patch, visiting parks or camping.
The BEST place to find unique activities in your state is Only In Your State. Click HERE to check out that resource.
Visit State and National Parks
The United States has never ending beauty. Those beautiful areas are preserved in the form of National and State Parks and they are free or cheap to visit. If your family is looking for an affordable getaway and a little more time outdoors, consider adding these national and state parks to your travel itinerary this season. Drive your own vehicle or rent one to travel within your state or multiple. Consider booking an AirBnB in lieu of a hotel to cut even more costs.
Find National Parks in your state or all across the USA by visiting The National Parks Service “Find A Park” Tab. Click HERE to access this resource.
Camping or Glamping
Fall is the perfect time to pack up the truck or the RV, pitch a tent and sit by the fire. Fall offers the optimal camping or glamping experience because you can marvel at the fall foliage during a daytime hike and sit around bond over bonfire at night. National, State and RV parks also offer other options for your outdoor enthusiasts like fishing and hunting. Regardless of your outdoorsman preferences, this vacation idea allows you to unplug from the world but reconnect with family and nature.
Take A Train Ride
Who doesn’t love seeing Fall foliage in Autumn? Consider taking a cross country train ride to see the beautiful fall foliage in all its glory. Train rides are an inexpensive way to travel from point A to B while seeing the country side the old- fashioned way. Train rides are for the easy- going traveler who doesn’t mind taking longer to arrive at their destination- the experience is enough for them. Amtrak offers modern train options with stunning routes. If a fall foliage tour is your jam, be sure to check out our post on 9 States to Fall in Love with Fall Foliage.
Which of these Fall Travel Ideas for Families are you planning to add to your travel list?
