25 Best Places to Travel This Fall

With Labor Day fast approaching, time is running out to plan a last-minute summer vacation. Fortunately, there are plenty of spectacular places to explore this fall, from charming locales right in Americans' backyards to overseas destinations guaranteed to wow. Here are 25 of the best towns, cities, regions and countries to visit this fall.

Head to Budapest this fall to take advantage of the best weather and thinnest crowds, the combination of which makes for a cheap visit. What's more, travelers will have a loaded event schedule to choose from, including cultural festivals and the season's marquee Oktoberfest festivities.

If you don't mind leaving your skis at home, there are plenty of perks to visiting Jackson Hole in the autumn, none more notable than the colorful fall foliage so get your camera ready. You'll also notice bargain room rates during this sweet spot for travel.

While you'll want to start planning your fall escape to Napa Valley right now you're better off visiting in mid- to late-October closer to the region's low season to avoid huge crowds and lofty prices on accommodations. These next three months coincide with harvest season so there's high demand but also tons of awesome wine waiting.

Beaches are relaxing year-round and Ocean City, New Jersey is the top U.S. destination for shoulder season savings, according to new data from vacation rental booking site Vrbo. September visitors can save a whopping 29 percent on their rental with average nightly rates dropping from $417 to $296. The same goes for nearby Ocean City, Maryland to the south ($359 versus $254).

This Bavarian-style village a little more than two hours east of Seattle boasts one of the nation's top Oktoberfest celebrations-it spans four venues and three weekends in October-making it the ideal fall getaway for all the beers, brats and live music you could ever want.

Fall foliage seekers will want to head to central Virginia this autumn, specifically Staunton outside of picturesque Shenandoah National Park. Visitors won't be far from scenic Skyline Drive and will be less than an hour from two of the Old Dominion State's most charming college towns in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.

Head to Bavaria this fall to experience the real Oktoberfest in Munich. The world's largest Volksfest kicks off September 21 and continues through October 6. However, there's much more to see and do here besides drink, dance and revel as the region is home to historic castles and landmarks, perhaps none more well-known than the Neuschwanstein Castle.

Looking for an adventure this fall? Consider heading south to Chilean Patagonia to explore the gorgeous Torres del Paine National Park. The region is at its best during the summer (winter months in North America) but the spring means cheaper accommodations and fewer tourists to contend with.

A fall vacation in Mexico doesn't have to be limited to a beautiful beach resort as America's neighbor to the south is chock-full of lesser-known gems such as the magical San Miguel de Allende. The city stands out thanks to its unmistakable architecture and will keep visitors fascinated with its impressive arts scene and enthralling events such as the annual Jazz and Blues Festival returning every November.

An often overlooked European destination, Poland presents fall visitors with plenty of opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether it's touring an underground salt mine, getting up close to centuries-old royal castles or visiting the Auschwitz memorial and museum. You can also attempt to blend in with the locals while you explore Old Towns in places like Gdansk and Warsaw.

Malta's shoulder season begins in September and is the ideal time to visit the Mediterranean archipelago as you'll notice the crowds of tourists have vanished but weather conditions remain perfect for swimming and scuba diving off of the iconic Azure Window and exploring outdoor attractions like the Upper Barrakka Gardens offering panoramic views of Malta's Grand Harbour.

While hiking enthusiasts, passionate artists and craft beer lovers can't afford to miss out on a fall trip to Asheville there's something here for visitors of all interests, starting with the remarkable fall colors and unrivaled scenery (thank you Blue Ridge Mountains!).

Autumn travelers are sure to find an excellent deal on accommodations in Montreal and can save even more on their trip if their flexible when it comes to booking flights. Just remember to pack an extra layer or two if you plan on touring historic Old Montreal and Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Star-studded residencies and fun festivals are just part of Las Vegas' draw come fall as cooling temperatures and thinning crowds also make Sin City easier to navigate September through November. Vegas isn't just about hanging out in casinos and all-you-can-eat buffets anymore either as visitors will discover mouthwatering restaurants from world-class and celebrity chefs such as Bobby Flay and Michael Symon at just about every turn in this underrated foodie destination.

Fall is a beautiful time on Maryland's Eastern Shore and there's no better place to start your journey than historic St. Michaels, an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Nearby Salisbury also plays host to a handful of craft beer and wine festivals if you're in the mood to celebrate. You'll also be less than two hours from Ocean City and Assateague Island.

The best fall colors in Wisconsin can be found in Door County, where the changing leaves will reach their peak in mid- to late-October. Camping is perhaps the best way to experience the season but hotel guests can also take a scenic drive and participate in local festivals to get in the spirit of autumn.

The fall months are an excellent time to explore Tasmania as crowds are thin and you're more likely to save on travel costs ahead of the island's busy season. Avid hikers should consider the Overland Track this time of year. Among the destination's many marquee events is the Blooming Tasmania Flower & Garden Festival returning September 21-22 and the annual Bloomin' Tulips Festival October 12.

You don't have to be passionate about history, hiking or camping to fall in love with Harpers Ferry in autumn as the crisp air, colorful foliage and mountainous scenery will instantly put you at ease. You'll find plenty of cheap hotels and affordable campgrounds close to the historic downtown and likely uncover an array of hidden gems as you explore the region. Beer lovers will want to venture up the hill to Harpers Ferry Brewing for awesome craft brews and even better views.

Head to Taos for a culture-rich trip this fall. The crowds will be mostly gone by late September and October but the weather will still be pleasant enough for spending time exploring outdoors in places such as Kit Carson Park. Don't forget about the scenic High Road to Taos winding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The new and improved Tanglewood music center is just another reason to add The Berkshires of western Massachusetts to your travel list this fall. In addition to being a phenomenal spot for autumn leaf peeping and wellness travelers, this region will surprise visitors with charming villages, world-class shopping and some of the freshest food in the Northeast.

Even if you've only got a weekend this fall, Memphis should be high on your list of places to go. The birthplace of blues and barbecue is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2019 and is set to celebrate the highly anticipated opening of the Central Station Hotel in the city's South Main District this fall. One of the most creative cities in the Southeast, Memphis isn't just for foodies or fans of live music anymore as its neighborhoods are more diverse than ever and its historical museums have been revamped to provide visitors with a unique experience.

Sports fans will want to venture to Death Valley in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this fall for arguably the best tailgating experience in college football. The atmosphere inside LSU's Tiger Stadium on game day is unmatched but visitors to Louisana's capital won't be limited to cheering on the home team as they can explore fascinating Antebellum landmarks as well as a bundle of entertaining museums.

The Cayman Islands' rainy season is a great time to visit if you're looking to score some awesome deals on flights and hotels as the crowds don't typically arrive until the winter months. Foodies will also be happy to know that October is Restaurant Month when local restaurants here offer prix fixed menus at a discount.

The Beatles' hometown is a hub for culture and a tremendous value destination this fall as Brexit has given the U.S. dollar strength against the pound. Stretch your budget and blow away your expectations in Liverpool without the crowds by planning an early autumn getaway across the pond.

An underrated city for architecture and outdoor enthusiasts, Tulsa is an easy choice for budget-conscious fall travelers who will be met by comfortable temperatures that will make strolling the city's dozens of parks and nearly 60 miles of walking trails that much more enjoyable. Visitors can also anticipate one-of-a-kind attractions like the physics-defying Center of the Universe and the 75-foot-tall Golden Driller Statue.