Budget-Friendly Places To Go To This Fall

The ideal travel spot this time of year has spectacular fall foliage, many outdoor activities, and affordable accommodation prices. If there is a popular destination you have always wanted to visit but simply can't afford, fall is likely the best time to head there without breaking the bank.

See the magnificent Sonora Desert from somewhere other than the more popular Tucson, go on biking adventures, and take the little ones to the "place where dinosaurs roar and so much more," also known as the Museum of Natural History. Mesa hosts many free music, arts, culinary festivals and even canine races in the fall.

You don't have to leave the country to go on vacation on an island. You won't find any high rises, board walks or traffic jams. Chincoteague Island, Virginia's only resort Island, which is just 7 miles long, is a serene tourist destination. It is home to the famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies. They are free to roam across Assateague Island's National Shoreline. You can find B&B for $60 per night, according to Kayak.

New Orleans is known for its food and great nightlife scene. Most people go in time for Mardi Gras or in the summer. Fall is cheaper. Flights from big cities such as New York are as little as $170, according to Expedia. The city has earned a wild reputation and Bourbon Street is always worth a stroll, but there's more to the city than a stretch of bars. Visit the historic French Quarter, tour the Garden District and take one of the amazing ghost tours that winds through bars, alleyways, and cemeteries.

The dollar has lost of its value but it's still strong enough so you can get a lot more bang for your buck. Stores offer tempting fall sales and discounts. Visit in October when the city celebrates its craft beer from all over British Columbia, which happens to be the birthplace of craft beer in the country. In addition, Vancouver is a beautiful costal city. Quick search on Hotels.com shows that hotel rooms are available in October for as little as $22 per night, according to Kayak.  

National parks are always a budget-friendly adventurous idea, especially when the summer season is over because crowds subside. See incredible wildlife such as bears and buffaloes in their natural habitat; marvel at awe-inspiring mountains; wake up to breathtaking sunrises; and camp over night to see some of the clearest skies in the world. Go in September or October as most roads close in November for the winter.

Vegas is a destination for a one of the best fall weekend trips on the West Coast. Most people think of gambling, partying, and general debauchery, but that warped reputation overlooks a lot of what Vegas has to offer. The Sin City lives up to its name, but travelers can also take a trip back in time by heading downtown to "old Vegas" or, just a few minutes off the strip, outdoor enthusiasts can find tons of adventure—kayaking, rafting, zip lining, hot air balloon rides, to name a few.

People go to Charleston for the food, golf courses, and historic sites. You can get an all-inclusive "ticket" to a few restaurants, and drink and eat as much as you want for one price. The city where the Civil War began undoubtedly tops the list of must-see places for American history buffs. Wander the cobblestone streets, lined with buildings that date back to the 1700s. You can find hotel deals for about $80 per night, according to TripAdvisor.

Hawaii is unlike any other place on Earth – a combination of thrilling adventures, laid-back atmosphere, beach life, and even seclusion year-round.  The weather is much nicer now because it's still the dry season. The off season is the time to go for best rates and no crowds; it is late spring and fall from September to mid-December. After that, naturally, the prices increase as the crowds pile in.

This natural beauty in northern Michigan has 1,700 miles of shoreline on three Great Lakes, and that's just the beginning of its outdoor offerings. The incredibly preserved land, 90 percent of which is forest covered, is one of the very best, and often overlooked, adventure destinations in the country. Hotel rooms are available for as little as $80 per night.

Orlando's theme parks are not as busy these days because the kids are back to school; you can find good discounts, especially if you book in advance and use a few other tricks such as driving there and staying off-site. The weather in the fall is much nicer anyway. Wait until October for enjoyably warm days with in the low 80s and a lower risk of rain.

Alaska is home to some of the most magnificent terrains in the U.S. It is just waiting to be explored. More than one million visitors come every year to experience the state's wilderness, its lush landscapes, and astounding abundance of voyages. Most people go in the summer because of the warm temperatures. If you don't mind wearing a jacket in September, you'll save lots of money for cruises and trips to glaciers and fjords.

This is the ultimate fall foliage adventure destination. You have copious amount of options to see the season's brilliant colors—nature hikes, mountain trails rides, backcountry biking, and camping. Explore the region's wild side along the Northland Loop in Dolly Sods. You can find rooms in various inns for around $60 per night, according to Hotels.com.

Lake Tahoe is largely forgotten about in the fall. It's one of the highest (and best preserved) alpine lakes in the country. Go for a chance to witness its sheer beauty. Fall is a great time to enjoy beautiful hikes, fall foliage and wildlife. Also, it is one of the best places to ride a hot air balloon in the fall. Soar high above America's largest alpine lake.

The euro is going through a five-year slump, and the greenback is at a 14-year high, even though it has lost some of its value recently. Still, you'll be able to afford a lot more than before even at historically popular cities for international travelers. Just remember that the best time to book a flight is on Tuesday night or Wednesday early morning, and the best time to fly is on a Wednesday because it's farthest from the weekend.

Summer is almost over and with it crowds go away. This brings prices down by a lot; there are significantly fewer bookings. Also, most of the people who go on a cruise in the fall are couples who have no kids (they are back in school). It doesn't take long to find great discounts for cruises to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and many more exotic destinations. You also get lots of ship options, cheap upgrades, nicer weather, and stunning fall foliage.