Fall is actually the optimum time of year for a vacation if you think about it. Because it technically counts as the shoulder season, this means lower prices and fewer crowds. Depending on the destination, the weather is better as well. You can avoid the scorching heat of the summer, and take in the warm colors of the fall. It’s also a good time to get out in nature, and to see the seasons changing. During the fall, you can often get a more authentic experience at your chosen destination and enjoy some seasonal produce as well. Here are ten reasons why fall is the perfect vacation season.
Beautiful scenery
One of the great things about fall is the changing colors. The leaves on the trees combined with beautiful light make for stunning scenery. In many parts of the world, fall is the most beautiful time of year. It’s great for photography if you enjoy playing with a camera. It’s also very peaceful and calming to be outside watching the colors change. You can even just go for a drive or a bike ride and enjoy the scenery for a perfectly relaxing afternoon activity.
Great destination options
There are plenty of destination options that really flourish in the fall, both here and abroad. Here are some of the best fall destinations in the US, for example. There are many cultural activities during the fall as it’s the typical time of year to celebrate various harvest festivals. It’s also a better time of year to avoid the crowds in more popular tourist destinations.
Seasonal produce
Another fantastic thing to enjoy in the fall is all the seasonal produce. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables in season and each local town will have its own variety and recipes. Try out some traditional fall recipes and enjoy the fresh flavors of the season. You could even try picking your own produce at local farms or wine tasting. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect weather
If you’re not very comfortable under the blazing sun in the summer then maybe fall is a better time of year for you to travel. Without it being too hot, you can avoid sunburn and spend more time outside. There might be a higher risk of rain but you‘ll be able to enjoy that crisp, fresh fall air. If you like doing outdoor activities it’s often much more pleasant when it’s cooler. You’ll be able to do sports and go hiking for longer without getting dehydrated and tired.
Fewer people
One of the advantages of a vacation stay in the fall is that there are fewer tourists. With the social distancing restrictions still in place at the moment, this is a much safer option. It will also make the experience a lot more pleasant overall. Who really wants to share their relaxing vacation with all those crowds? Fewer people means less stress, no lines, and quieter roads, it’s a much better way to travel.
Authentic experience
If there are fewer crowds, you’re also more likely to have a more authentic experience. During the high season, many destinations put on a bit of a show for tourists. This might unfortunately involve scams, higher prices, and tourist traps. If you want a truly authentic experience, it’s better to go somewhere that’s not overrun by tourists at the time. Hopefully, you’ll even be able to spend some time meeting the locals and learning more about the place.
Save money
Being slightly off-season means a much cheaper vacation. You’ll be able to get better deals on accommodation and transport. With fewer tourists, not only will you have a better experience, but you’ll also save money, so it’s a no brainer in this sense. In order to get the best deal, do your research. Choose your destination wisely and plan in advance. This way you’ll be guaranteed the best options for your trip. Certain places could even be closed after the summer period, so make sure you double-check. Here are some more tips for a budget-friendly fall trip, to ensure you save as much money as possible on your vacation.
Halloween
If you’re a fan of Halloween and other festivals there’s a lot going on around fall. This also includes harvest festivals and El Dia de Los Muertos, so if you’re looking for culture, it’s a great time of year for it. The only problem is there are fewer festivities at the moment, due to social distancing restrictions, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the fun decor and atmosphere.
Outdoor activities
Fall is an ideal time of year to try out many fun outdoor activities. If you like walking, fishing, or cycling it’s the perfect weather for these. You can also go camping while it’s still warm enough and enjoy eating and spending time together outside. You can even try foraging for wild fruits and vegetables or visiting farmers’ markets to buy some. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy.
Even exploring theme parks and adventure sports with the family can be so much more fun in this weather. Some US National Parks like the Great Smoky Mountains make for excellent fall visits. They even have activities like zip-lining (visit smokymountainziplines.com for more info) and many others which you can do along with exploring the great wilderness. The best thing is you’ll be able to have fun doing these activities without having to be in the blistering heat. Make sure you pack appropriate clothing, in case the weather changes, and you’ll be good to go.
Natural surroundings
If you like nature then fall is the perfect vacation season for you. There are so many national parks in the US alone, and some of them are really spectacular in the fall. Here is a list of the best national parks for fall color. Enjoy the magical combination of light and foliage. You can also look for local wildlife getting ready to hibernate. These can include hedgehogs, squirrels, foxes, owls, and other beautiful birds. Of course, the local wildlife will depend on your chosen destination, but it’s always lovely to see.
If you were worried that vacation time was over, then maybe think again. The fall is a great time of year even just for a weekend away or a day trip somewhere new. It’s the perfect season to travel.