Fall Travel Just Got Cheaper: 5 U.S. Getaways That Average Under $500
Fall Travel Just Got Cheaper: 5 U.S. Getaways That Average Under $500
Think fall travel is expensive? You might want to check again.
Summer is over, school is back, and the peak travel rush is starting to ease.
And that can mean something very interesting for travelers:
Your fall trip may cost less than your summer trip.
New Kayak data reported by Travel + Leisure found that average flight and hotel prices drop 11% during the fall shoulder season compared with peak summer. Its analysis identified U.S. destinations where round-trip airfare plus one hotel night averaged below $500 for travel between September 15 and November 15.
So if you've been waiting for a sign to book that fall getaway…
This might be it.
Here are five destinations worth looking at.
1. 🏖️ Gulf Shores, Alabama
Average airfare + one hotel night: $399
Yes, you can still have a beach trip in fall.
Gulf Shores made the top of Kayak's affordable fall list, with an average combined airfare and one hotel night of $399.
And there's a good reason to consider it after summer.
You can still enjoy the beach, but without the same peak-summer atmosphere.
What to do
Relax on the white-sand beaches
Visit Gulf State Park
Explore Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Visit historic Fort Morgan
Try fresh Gulf seafood
Catch a sunset by the water
Fall also brings migratory birds to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, giving nature lovers another reason to visit beyond the beach.
Best for:
Couples, beach lovers, families, and travelers who aren't ready to say goodbye to summer.
2. 🌊 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Average airfare + one hotel night: $423
Myrtle Beach is another destination that makes an interesting transition from summer into fall.
Kayak's data puts the average combined airfare and one hotel night at $423.
And once school is back in session, the atmosphere can change.
The beaches remain, but crowds can thin, while the destination continues with fall festivals and events.
What to do
🌊 Spend time on the beach
🎡 Ride the SkyWheel
🍤 Try local seafood
🎶 Look for fall events
⛳ Play a round of golf
🚶 Explore Broadway at the Beach
Best for:
Families, couples, beach travelers, and anyone who wants a relaxed fall getaway without giving up warm-weather activities.
3. 🌴 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Average airfare + one hotel night: $453
If fall to you means “I'm not ready for cold weather yet,” Fort Lauderdale deserves a look.
The destination averaged $453 for round-trip airfare plus one hotel night in Kayak's analysis.
By fall, the city has moved beyond the worst of summer heat, while the winter snowbird season hasn't fully arrived yet.
That gives travelers a useful shoulder-season window.
What to do
🏖️ Spend the day by the water
🚤 Explore the waterways
🍽️ Try the local food scene
🌴 Walk along the coastline
🎭 Look for seasonal events
And if you're traveling later in the fall, Fort Lauderdale also has Halloween events and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Best for:
Couples, beach travelers, foodies, and travelers looking for warmer fall weather.
4. 🍂 Atlanta, Georgia
Average airfare + one hotel night: $478
Want fall without giving up city energy?
Try Atlanta.
The city averaged $478 for round-trip airfare plus one hotel night in Kayak's analysis.
Atlanta is also a strong fall destination because its cooler temperatures and changing leaves make outdoor exploration more comfortable.
What to do
🍂 Walk through Piedmont Park
🚲 Explore the Atlanta BeltLine
🏔️ Take a trip to Stone Mountain
🎃 Check out seasonal fall events
🍽️ Explore Atlanta's food scene
The city typically sees its strongest fall colors from mid-October into November, making it a good option for travelers planning later-season trips.
Best for:
Couples, young professionals, foodies, outdoor travelers, and weekend city-break travelers.
5. 🏔️ Denver, Colorado
Average airfare + one hotel night: $498
If you're looking for a fall getaway that feels completely different from the beach, head west.
Denver averaged $498 for round-trip airfare plus one hotel night in Kayak's analysis.
Fall gives Denver crisp weather, changing foliage, and easy access to the mountains.
What to do
🍂 Explore Washington Park
🚲 Bike around the city
🏔️ Head toward the foothills
🥾 Hike among golden aspens
🍺 Explore local breweries
🎃 Check out seasonal events
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is about 45 minutes from Denver and offers access to Colorado's famous golden-aspen scenery.
Best for:
Active travelers, couples, outdoor lovers, photographers, and anyone ready for a mountain escape.
Which Affordable Fall Getaway Is Right for You?
These figures reflect Kayak's average combined round-trip airfare and one hotel night for its analyzed travel period. Actual prices vary by origin, dates, hotel, and availability.
How to Make Your Fall Trip Even More Affordable
Travel During the Shoulder Season
One reason fall can be more affordable is that you're moving away from the busiest summer travel period.
Flexibility can make a big difference.
Try comparing:
Friday–Sunday
versus
Sunday–Tuesday
before booking.
Don't Assume Cheap Means Boring
One of the biggest advantages of fall travel is that you don't necessarily have to sacrifice the experience to save money.
You can still have:
A beach weekend
A mountain adventure
A food-focused city trip
A family getaway
A romantic escape
The trick is choosing the right destination for the season.
Where Should You Stay?
When you're trying to maximize your travel budget, don't only look at the nightly rate.
Consider the total value of your hotel.
Look for:
Convenient location
Included amenities
Nearby restaurants
Easy transportation
Parking when needed
Comfortable rooms
Walkability
A slightly more expensive hotel in the right location can sometimes save you money on transportation and time.
→ Explore Sevenly Hotel Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall a cheap time to travel in the USA?
Fall is often considered a shoulder season, and current Kayak data shows average flight and hotel prices are 11% lower than peak summer. However, prices vary by destination, dates, and traveler origin.
Where can I travel for under $500 this fall?
Kayak's current analysis identified destinations including Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Houston, Portland, and Denver where round-trip airfare plus one hotel night averaged under $500 for its analyzed fall travel period.
Is fall a good time for a beach vacation?
Yes. Destinations such as Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, and Fort Lauderdale can offer warm-weather experiences after the peak summer season, often with fewer crowds.
Is September a good time to book fall travel?
Yes. Fall demand is already building, particularly around foliage destinations. Current Expedia data shows searches for fall foliage travel between September 15 and October 31 are up 10% year over year.
Your Fall Trip Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune
You don't need a luxury resort.
You don't need a seven-day itinerary.
And you don't have to wait until next summer to travel again.
Sometimes the best trip is simply the one that fits your budget and your calendar.
So pick a destination.
Find a weekend.
Book your stay.
And go make some fall memories.
→ EXPLORE SEVENLY HOTEL DEALS
Travel That Feels Good and Does Good.