10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Fall Getaway

An autumn adventure awaits!

Crisp weather. Natural beauty. A slower pace. Fall is the ideal time to hit the pause button and unwind. Whether you’re craving an outdoor escape, an adventure in a new city, or simply a break from your daily routine, now’s the time to start planning the perfect fall getaway.

These tips will help you plan a fantastic trip that captures the warmth, charm, and coziness of the season. Happy fall, y’all!

• Set your budget

  Between summer fun and the upcoming holidays, your wallet might be feeling a little lighter than usual.

  But if you’re planning the perfect fall getaway—you’re in luck. “Shoulder seasons” (fall and spring) are historically less expensive than summer or winter travel. You should be able to find discounts on flights, accommodations, and even activities.

  You’ll have an amazing time, even on a budget!

• Choose your destination

  What are you in the mood to do during your fall trip?

  – A big-city adventure, filled with sightseeing and cultural excursions
  – Snuggling up with your partner someplace extra-romantic
  – Unplugging and spending time in nature

  There are so many inspiring places to visit in the fall; choose the one that truly aligns with your ideal vacation.

• Monitor peak foliage times

  One of the highlights of fall travel is the opportunity to see Mother Nature at her most vibrant!

  Buuuuut that requires some seriously perfect timing. Travel too soon and it’s all still green; wait too long and the trees will be bare.

  If seeing autumn’s gorgeous colors is on your vacation to-do list, use a fall foliage map to keep an eye on the leaf-peeping situation.

• Pack for the weather

  You guys, fall weather is notoriously unpredictable! Which makes packing your Instagram-perfect ‘fits even more challenging than usual.

  Our best advice? Pack lightweight layers that are easy to shed or add as the day progresses. Bring a daypack or backpack while you’re out, with

  And keep an eye on the weather!

• Plan for shorter days

  When you’re planning the perfect fall getaway, don’t forget to look at the clock… literally!

  The shorter days will leave you with fewer hours of afternoon sunshine. Hiking, leafing, or planning other outdoor activities? Schedule them early in the day, so you have time for plenty of fun before you run out of daylight.

  Then make the most of the longer evening with delicious dinners, live music, or just a glass of wine and a good book in your hotel room.

• Enjoy seasonal activities

  Leafing. Corn mazes. Harvest Festivals.

  Autumn is absolutely brimming with fun activities for you to do on vacation. And even better—many of them are cheap (or free!).

  Whether it’s wine tasting, apple picking, or fall foliage walks, you’ll find unique experiences that showcase the beauty of the season.

  Pro Tip: Follow social media accounts for your destination, and you’ll be sure to find a ton of events!

• Ship your luggage

  Stay on-budget and make traveling stress-free by shipping your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess.

  No dragging suitcases full of hoodies and hiking boots through the airport. No wasted time waiting at baggage claim.

  For less than the price of the average checked bag, we’ll make sure your luggage is waiting for you at your final destination. And you can breeze through the airport, hassle-free.

• Use travel apps

  Traveling made easy-peasy? Ummm, yes, please!

  From planning the perfect fall getaway to participating in activities, travel apps can make the entire experience so much less stressful.

  Forget about having to scroll through emails for tickets or reservations—or worse, printing them out. Instead, store your itinerary in easy-to-use apps that can keep track of everything for you.

• Savor the season

  You guys, one of the best things about autumn is the delicious food!

  Fall is all about hearty seasonal comfort food such as casseroles, apple pie, and pumpkin everything! While you’re on vacation, skip chain restaurants and choose farm-to-table restaurants that specialize in local foods. And don’t forget the food trucks at fall events for local goodies, too.

  Enjoying stomach-warming regional dishes is one of the best ways to savor the season!

• Embrace the coziness

  If there’s one thing we’d suggest for your fall getaway, it’s to immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of autumn.

  Book a cozy inn or Airbnb—maybe even a log cabin—to enhance the fall atmosphere. Leave space in your itinerary for an extra cup of cider, to read by the fireplace, or just to marvel at the stunning foliage that surrounds you.

Ready to start planning the perfect fall getaway? With these tips, you can create a memorable vacation filled with seasonal charm!