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11 Most Affordable Travel Destinations in September

Blog | August 13th, 2019


There is nothing like vacationing during spring break. I mean nothing! Summer break is right there with it. The crowds. The noise. It’s peak season and many places charge peak prices to match.

If you’re looking for true peace and tranquility on your well-deserved vacation, you might check into taking your time off in the fall. Most people are back at work and students are back in school. Fewer crowds definitely equal less chaos. It’s during this time that hotels have plenty of vacancies and usually lower rates. You might be surprised at the quality vacation you can have when “vacation season” is over, as well as a much better bang for your buck!

During the fall, these destinations could land you an affordable dream vacation that can let you truly immerse and relax!


Maine


Visiting Maine in September works well for several reasons. We visited in June and believe it or not, it was cold! On the puffin tour, everyone was bundled up trying their best to stay warm and away from the frigid, splashing water. By September the surroundings, as well as the water, are still holding on to the warmth it gained over the summer.

Everything about Maine is still in abundance, including lobster and everything deliciously blueberry. When the weather and water do begin to take a plunge, the towns are just as adorable and the seafood just as delicious. Later in October a lot of restaurants and activities begin to close down for the winter. But if it’s scenery you’re looking for, you are in for a breathtaking view! The fall foliage, pumpkins, and Halloween decor are at peak. Flights will vary, but basing from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport they drop from approximately $500 in August to $230 in September!


Niagara Falls


With its majestic waterfalls and plenty of attractions for travelers of all ages, Niagara Falls is an excellent choice for a fall getaway. Although temperatures can fluctuate from the mid-40s to the low 70s, autumn is an ideal time for cost-friendly lodging deals.

For spectacular fall foliage, visit in mid- or late-October. Travelzoo estimates that you can save up to 45 percent on autumn trips to other popular destinations across Canada, including Niagara Falls and Ontario. You can choose the U.S. side or the Canadian side. Most say the better panoramic views are owned by Canada. If this is your choice, don’t forget a passport!


New Orleans, Louisiana


If you want to avoid the summer vacationing crowd as well as the masses at Mardi Gras in February, September and autumn are great times to visit New Orleans! You’ll still have all of the cultural experiences but have it more to yourself.

From the festive jazz, the French Quarter, Creole architecture, Cajun food, haunted house tours and even a Mardi Gras experience, you will soak in everything New Orleans has to offer. Fuel up on French pastries then head over to learn the history about the world-famous celebration at The Presbytère. Here you’ll find a colorful and informative exhibit dedicated to Mardi Gras, complete with parade floats, costumes and music. As with any city near the coast, keep an eye on tropical storms and time your trips accordingly.


Tokyo, Japan


While rates are lower everywhere, now is your chance to see other parts of the world. You might miss out on the cherry blossoms but you’ll see an addition of green in your wallet! April flights from Atlanta can cost up to $2,500, while in September you can find round-trip fares for as low as $1,000! Use all that savings to enjoy a totally different culture, experience unique foods and bring home a bundle of once-in-a-lifetime souvenirs!


Orlando, Florida


Hang out with Mickey and his gang rather than crowds and experience a Disney World vacation without deleting your bank account. Autumn is a great time to visit Orlando, with its lowered hotel and tourist rates. GoSeek shows fall hotel rates for kid-friendly accommodations, such as the Hilton Orlando and Nickelodeon Suites Resort, for just over $100 per night. For Disney, that’s a steal!


Iceland


Stepping away from temperatures that feel like the 100s, even the word “Iceland” sounds wonderful! A quick five-hour flight from New York will take you to a land of glaciers and waterfalls. Most tourists have headed home by September to avoid cooler weather and shorter days. So, toss on a jacket and save on everything Iceland has to offer, including a chance to catch the stunning northern lights, beginning in the fall! And don’t let the name scare you, in September, Iceland’s temperatures average in the high 50s!


Ireland


With airfares to Ireland ranging from $1,500 -$2,000 in summer, holding off until September to snag a flight for $700 is definitely worth the wait! Prices continue to drop even more into November. Summer is the most popular time to visit Ireland, mostly due to the warmer weather, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit. Avoid paying summer prices on amenities which are often twice that of other times of the year. Be sure to catch the Belmond Grand Hibernian train that runs through October. Enjoy the journey as you dine on locally sourced onboard Irish cuisine while being treated to traditional Irish entertainment.


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Reno Tahoe, Nevada


With an average hotel nightly rate of $100, Reno Nevada takes fourth place for affordability according to the SmartAsset report on budget-friendly family vacations in the U.S.

Among the unique attractions, you’ll find the world’s largest free hot air balloon festival! About 25 minutes away is Mt. Rose, which offers great fall hikes in the Sierra Mountains. Check out some of the most unique fall festivals you’ll find anywhere, such as the International Camel and Ostrich Races, the Great Reno Balloon Race, Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, Food Truck Fridays at Idlewild Park, Pumpkin Palooza, Reno Lantern Fest and Holi Festival of Colors! Quite an impressive low-cost itinerary!


Leavenworth, Washington


You don’t have to spend a fortune or leave the country to experience Bavaria! Leavenworth is one of the most authentic Bavarian-style towns, sitting along the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades. It offers many outstanding free fall festivals while being one of the most beautiful destinations for autumn foliage in the west.

Leavenworth offers many affordable accommodation options and through the month of October, it hosts its world-famous Oktoberfest, with outstanding German cuisine, live music and a wide range of family-friendly activities!


Transylvania, Romania


With September and fall approaching, not far behind are thoughts of Halloween. What better place to visit than Transylvania? Romania is a very affordable Eastern European destination. There are few places better for gorgeous autumn scenery, everything Halloween as well as taking advantage of low rates on hotels and meals. Soak in the ‘spooky’ while visiting Dracula‘s Castle. Romania is where the myths of vampires and werewolves first started. Transylvania is a place full of legends, medieval castles, and incredible 8000’ high views and over 20 peaks in the Fagaras Mountains. This is a fall destination with a mix you will never forget!


Cruises


If a cruise is your dream vacation, fall is the time to make it come true. According to cruzely.com, the simple rule of thumb is that cruise prices are lowest when school is in session. When school is back in and schedules become hectic, it’s much more difficult for families to set sail. This means cruise lines will offer cheaper rates in an effort to get more people on the ship during these times. It makes sense; the ships will sail regardless, and the more people on it the better for them. So, your savings is also their gain!

Keeping in mind, cruise prices include most meals and many beverages, making it an overall very cost-effective vacation! No matter the destination, you’ll find the cheapest time to book a cruise is in the fall and winter.