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12 Best Off-Season Destinations for a Fall Vacation

Traveling off-season isn’t just a great way to keep costs down, and it’s a fantastic way to get to know the locals while avoiding hordes of other tourists. These unique destinations are some of the most ideal for off-season travel in the fall.

Ireland Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Credit: Dingle Peninsula, Ireland by bigstock.com

Ireland

In the summer, Ireland tends to be overrun with tourists, and sunny weather isn’t always a given. But soon after the kids head back to school and autumn comes around, not only do those crowds tend to dissipate, but you’ll frequently get to enjoy pleasant weather with bright blue skies and comfortable if slightly crisp, temperatures. In the Wicklow Mountains, a short drive south of Dublin, the trees are covered with a brilliant golden hue, and you might run into more waterfalls than other tourists. There are miles and miles of scenic hiking trails throughout the region and historic sites like Glendalough, one of the most important monastic sites in the country, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. And, if inclement weather does roll in, duck into one of the many cozy pubs, enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire, a pint of Guinness, and chat with the friendly locals.

Montenegro Kotor, Montenegro
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Montenegro

Often referred to as the most beautiful Balkan country, Montenegro is a magnificent land of fairy-tale landscapes, including a breathtaking, rugged coastline, cobalt-blue fjords, soaring mountains, majestic rivers, lush valleys, and ancient palaces. Autumn may be the best time to explore it, with lots more elbow room than the summer months and often idyllic temperatures with beach season lingering through much of October. While hotels, eateries, and attractions are still open for the season, you will likely find better rates and availability.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan Tahquamenon Falls, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Credit: Tahquamenon Falls, Upper Peninsula, Michigan by Bigstock.com

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Everyone knows New England is one of the most beautiful places for leaf-peeping in the fall. Still, few know that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a breathtaking alternative, with a feast of colors and much more, all without the big crowds and exorbitant prices. While leaves peak sometime around early October, it’s not just the oak, birch, and maple trees that give the landscape variety and good looks. Visitors can enjoy exploring over 40 lighthouses, viewing some 300 waterfalls ranging from five feet to nearly 50 feet, and hiking miles and miles of trails. The views at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the southern edge of Lake Superior are some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

New Orleans, Louisiana Bourbon Street
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New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the most famous cities for entertainment in the U.S., visitors crowd the streets for New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations, but the Big Easy has lots more to offer than battling for beads. You can enjoy its exceptional Cajun cuisine, creole architecture, and some of the country’s best jazz all year round, including the fall. When things aren’t near as busy, prices are significantly lower, typically staying that way through early winter. October is a great time to go, with the numerous events, including Deutsche Haus Oktoberfest with its authentic German food, beer, and music, the New Orleans Film Festival, and the Crescent City Blues and BB Festival.

Hawaii Kauai, Hawaii
Credit: Kauai, Hawaii by IndustryAndTravel/shutterstock.com

Hawaii

Hawaii is popular year-round, but most visitors tend to go in winter. While the islands don’t have a traditionally low season like many other places, autumn is the closest thing you’ll get to the offseason, particularly from about late September through mid-November when the kids head back to school, as this is a hotspot for vacationing families. Fall is when the crowds tend to be smaller too, and you’ll have a better opportunity for seclusion in addition to being more likely to score deals on accommodation. The weather is relatively consistent year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. This means no need to pack coasts and plenty of time to enjoy kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and hiking.

Italy Positano
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Italy

Autumn is the best time to go to Italy when it comes to value, weather, and crowds. In the Italian lake areas, you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, or if you want to hit the beach, the Mediterranean stays warm through early to mid-October. Plus, this is the time for beautiful foods like wild mushrooms, truffles and festivals celebrating the harvest, including grapes and wine. And, while there will be fewer sunlight hours, earlier sunsets mean more time to enjoy those magnificent cities after dark, many of which light their historic monuments at night.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Credit: Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts by bigstock.com

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a summer destination, with thousands of visitors flocking here to enjoy the hundreds of miles of beaches and salty air. The good news is that in the fall, those crowds give way to what becomes a much more tranquil slice of New England and lower prices too. While the weather may be a bit too chilly for swimming, it’s often perfect for other outdoor activities, like walking along the sand, biking, and horseback riding. The seafood will still be as delicious, and you might even be able to afford a few more extravagant dinners.

Croatia Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Credit: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by bigstock.com

Croatia

Croatia is known as one of Europe’s more affordable destinations, particularly in the fall. This is the season when you can still enjoy warm weather and beautiful beaches, minus the summer crowds. On the North Adriatic coast, you’ll find picture-postcard stretches of sand that want protection from soaring, forest-covered mountains, and inland, explore one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in all of Eastern Europe: Plitvice Lakes National Park, a maze of lakes and waterfalls, lush greenery and clear azure waters.

Bonaire Bonaire
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Bonaire

Many travelers avoid the Caribbean from September through November as this is hurricane season. However, you can enjoy the tropics without the high price or severe risk by heading to one of the islands so far south that storms usually bypass them, like Bonaire. Hotel rates are significantly lower at this time of year. At the same time, the waters are just as outstanding for snorkeling and diving, and the beaches are just as idyllic as they always are, with temperatures typically in the mid to upper 80s. If Bonaire doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, try Curacao or Aruba.

New Zealand Heliskiing in Queenstown
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New Zealand

Fall in the U.S. is spring in New Zealand and a fantastic time to travel to this small island nation filled with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. The South Island in the spring brings lush grass-filled meadows and a patchwork of colorful flowers while prices in popular winter ski destinations like Queenstown dip. The best bet is October or November, as snow can fall through September. Generally, spring temperatures here are moderate, with a few rainy days. However, the sun is likely to shine often, providing a perfect setting for outdoor adventures like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and hiking – don’t expect to swim, as it’s likely to be too chilly.

Iceland Sunrise at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
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Iceland

Iceland’s name is somewhat deceiving, which means many travelers believe that visiting here in the summer is the only way to go. But the reality is, this country isn’t really all that chilly – even in winter, highs, and lows tend to hover right around freezing. In the fall, you’ll enjoy mostly comfortable temperatures in the 40s and 50s and the chance to catch the dazzling northern lights. Most tourists have gone home to enjoy all those incredible geothermal features, roaring waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers practically all to themselves – and, often, cheaper airfare and hotel rates too.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Summer brings the biggest crowds to Yellowstone too, who see all of the buffalo, elk, and geothermal features, including one of the most famous in the world: Old Faithful. While there’s almost always at least a small crowd hovered in front of that faithfully gushing geyser, elsewhere, you’ll find far fewer people to obscure the beautiful views, and it’s an ideal time for wildlife viewing. While rates don’t fluctuate much in the park, just outside its borders, you should be able to score a deal on accommodation near Yellowstone.

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