Three trip ideas for budget travel this fall

For those looking to save some money while still fueling their wanderlust, October is the perfect time to travel.

There are no eager beach crowds to beat and the holiday rush hasn’t started yet — for many, this makes for the perfect time to book that secluded beach vacation or adventurous road trip.

Related: This is how you can save on that train trip this fall

But if you’re still worried about breaking the bank, check out these ideas for cheap ways to travel this fall.

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Road trip

The easiest way to travel on a tight budget is to simply hop in your car and take a scenic drive to somewhere new.

And nothing beats a road trip in the fall, when you can pass through gorgeous views of autumn hues across New England or take time to explore as scenic Midwestern town such as Springfield, Missouri.

Related: Here is why you should put Springfield, Missouri on your fall radar

And if you’re looking for a little more excitement than checking out the views, take a long drive to an exciting new city such as New Orleans.

Without the oppressive summer heat and tourism rush, it’s much cheaper to stay in New Orleans than it is during the on-season and it’s chock-full of opportunities to eat delicious food, listen to some jazz and take in the local culture.

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Budget European getaway

While a trip to Europe may immediately seem expensive, traveling during the off-season is one of the easiest ways to bring down the cost of your trip.

Enter Lisbon, Portugal, a beautiful European capital that’s known for its rich culture and affordability compared to other European cities.

Here, you can enjoy stunning views from the São Jorge Castle, listen to fado music in Chiado or indulge in delicious meals. And the mild fall weather means it’s the perfect temperature to enjoy a riverside stroll or spend hours at one of the many picturesque cafés.

Book a picturesque train vacation

And if your idea of a perfect vacation this fall is hopping on a train and seeing where it might take you, check out one of Amtrak’s many routes.

Related: Here are some underrated places to see fall foliage in New England

While last-minute train prices can spike, those in the Northeast can take advantage of Amtrak‘s Night Owl fares: those travel between cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, Boston and Providence and New York and Philadelphia can snag tickets for as low as $10 on routes leaving between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

So grab your favorite book and settle in to a ruminative adventure exploring America’s broad and endless natural beauty.

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This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.