There Is Still Time for a Getaway: Why Fall May Be the Best Time to Travel

Summer may be winding down, but that certainly does not mean travel season has to end. In fact, fall can be one of the nicest times of the year to pack a bag, get in the car and enjoy a getaway.

Once September arrives, the pace of travel starts to feel a little different. The summer crowds begin to thin out in many destinations, temperatures become more comfortable and the changing scenery gives even familiar places an entirely new look.

For families, couples or anyone who simply did not get a chance to take that big summer vacation, there is still plenty of time to plan something memorable.

And judging by current travel trends, we are definitely not the only ones thinking about a fall escape.

Fall Travel Is Having a Moment

More travelers are beginning to look beyond the traditional summer vacation season. According to Airbnb’s latest fall travel research, 60% of surveyed travelers said they were planning a weekend getaway this fall.

Searches surrounding fall getaways, fall foliage, leaf peeping, apple picking and fall road trips are also gaining attention. Instead of planning an entire week away, many travelers are choosing shorter trips that are easier to fit into busy schedules.

That makes a lot of sense to me.

Sometimes you really do not need seven days away to feel like you had a vacation. A Friday afternoon departure followed by two relaxing days somewhere different can be enough to break up the normal routine and give everyone a chance to recharge.

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Fall Road Trips Make Getting Away Easier

One reason fall travel is so appealing is that you do not necessarily have to get on a plane to enjoy it.

A fall road trip can be as simple as choosing a destination a few hours away, loading the car and heading out after breakfast. There are no airport security lines, baggage restrictions or worries about missing a connecting flight.

Driving is becoming an especially popular choice this season. Recent Hertz fall travel data found that nearly 60% of travelers plan to drive to their fall destination, compared with 28% whose trip requires a domestic flight.

For families, having your own vehicle can make the trip much easier too. You can pack snacks, jackets, extra shoes and whatever else everyone may need without trying to squeeze everything into one suitcase.

And when you see an interesting roadside shop, scenic overlook or little restaurant along the way, you can simply stop.

That freedom is one of the reasons I still enjoy a good road trip.

The Scenery Alone Can Be Worth the Trip

There is something special about driving through an area when the leaves begin turning shades of yellow, orange and red.

Even a route you may have traveled before can feel completely different during fall.

The National Park Service points to fall as a wonderful season for enjoying colorful scenery, scenic drives, wildlife and seasonal activities throughout parks across the country.

And you certainly do not have to travel across the country to enjoy those experiences.

Here in Michigan, we have plenty of beautiful places that really come alive once the temperatures start cooling down. A drive toward northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula can turn into a getaway all by itself once the fall colors begin appearing.

But the same is true in many parts of the country. Scenic highways, state parks, mountain towns, lakeside communities and countryside roads can all make great fall destinations.

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The Weather Can Be Much More Comfortable

Another reason I enjoy fall travel is simply the weather.

Walking around a downtown area, visiting an outdoor attraction or exploring a park can be much more enjoyable when you are not dealing with extreme summer heat.

Cooler mornings are perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee before heading out, while afternoons can still be warm enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Of course, fall weather can also change quickly. Packing a light jacket, comfortable shoes and a few layers can make a big difference, especially if you are traveling somewhere with cooler evenings.

Checking the weather forecast before leaving is also important if your plans include mountain roads, hiking or outdoor attractions.

Smaller Towns Are Perfect for Fall Exploring

Fall is also a great time to skip some of the larger tourist destinations and discover smaller communities.

There is something about fall that fits perfectly with small town travel.

Think local coffee shops, family owned restaurants, antique stores, cider mills, farmers markets and streets lined with changing trees.

Many communities also hold fall festivals, harvest celebrations and seasonal events that give visitors a chance to experience the area rather than simply pass through it.

Hertz’s 2026 fall travel research found that small towns are among the destination types attracting travelers this season, along with cities, beach destinations, mountains, national parks and countryside escapes.

Sometimes those smaller destinations end up becoming the places you remember most.

You Can Build a Getaway Around Fall Activities

Planning a fall getaway does not have to be complicated.

You can actually start with one activity your family enjoys and build the trip around it.

You might visit an apple orchard and spend the night in a nearby town. You could find a scenic driving route and stop for lunch somewhere along the way. A cabin weekend near a hiking trail can be another relaxing option.

Other easy ideas include visiting a pumpkin farm, exploring a state or national park, attending a local fall festival, booking a lakeside cottage, visiting a historic town or simply choosing somewhere known for beautiful autumn scenery.

If national parks are on your list, the National Park Service leaf peeping guide is a helpful place to start when looking for parks where fall colors can be enjoyed.

Fall Travel Can Sometimes Be Easier on the Budget

Travel prices depend heavily on where and when you go, so fall does not automatically mean everything will be cheaper.

However, traveling outside of major holidays and peak periods can sometimes give you more flexibility when comparing accommodations, attractions and transportation.

This is where being flexible really helps.

Instead of deciding on one specific hotel or destination first, I like the idea of checking several nearby locations and comparing them. Sometimes staying 20 or 30 minutes outside of the busiest area can make a noticeable difference.

A shorter trip can also make budgeting easier.

You may be paying for only two nights of accommodations instead of five or six, and driving somewhere close enough to home may eliminate airfare altogether.

That can leave more room in the budget for a nice dinner, an attraction everyone wants to visit or a few souvenirs from the trip.

Do Not Forget the Simple Stops Along the Way

One of the best parts of a road trip is that not everything has to be scheduled.

If you pass a scenic overlook, stop and enjoy it. If you see a roadside market, take a few minutes to walk around. If everyone is hungry and you find a local restaurant that looks interesting, give it a try.

Some of our favorite travel memories can come from things that were never part of the original itinerary.

Leaving a little room in your schedule for those unexpected stops keeps the trip from feeling like you are constantly rushing to the next place.

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A Little Planning Still Goes a Long Way

Even when you are planning a simple weekend trip, it helps to check a few things before leaving home.

Look at the forecast, confirm your accommodations and check the operating hours for attractions you plan to visit. Some seasonal businesses begin changing their hours once summer ends.

If you are visiting a national park or popular fall destination, check the official website before leaving. Parking requirements, road conditions, reservations and seasonal closures can change.

You should also keep in mind that popular foliage destinations can become very busy during peak color weekends. Leaving early in the morning or visiting during the week can sometimes make the experience much more enjoyable.

There Is Still Plenty of Time to Get Away

If summer got away from you this year, do not assume you missed your chance to travel.

Fall brings its own kind of vacation experience, and in many ways I think it can be even more relaxing.

The cooler temperatures, colorful scenery, shorter road trips and chance to explore smaller destinations make this a wonderful time to get out and see something different.

And the trip does not have to be expensive or elaborate to be worthwhile.

Sometimes all you really need is a couple of days away from the usual routine, a destination within driving distance and a little time to enjoy the journey getting there.

So if you have been thinking about squeezing in one more getaway this year, fall may be giving you the perfect excuse to finally do it.