In years past, travelers looking for a good deal simply had to wait until the end of summer.
As the leaves changed in fall, so did airfares and hotel rates, becoming significantly more affordable after the peak vacation period ended.
But in 2026, that’s largely no longer true. “The entire autumn window has shifted from afterthought to headline season,” says a release from Virtuoso.
Bookings and sales for November 2026 are both up by more than 70%, according to Virtuoso data, and bookings for October 2026 have jumped by 59%, the company says.
The higher demand means that prices aren’t dropping across the board like they normally would when kids go back to school and the weather gets brisk.
In fact, prices in some of the most popular U.S. destinations have gotten more expensive for fall travel compared to summer. Autumn lodging prices are 20% higher in the top 10 U.S. destinations than they were during summer booking windows, according to Expedia’s fall travel outlook.
“Shoulder season is not a given this year, but value is still out there if travelers know where to look,” said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands.
Here’s a look at six U.S. destinations where travelers can still find affordable getaways this shoulder season.
Aspen
Colorado’s glamorous town among the rockies is a wonderful choice for a reasonably priced fall trip. Aspen’s lodging and flights combined are 45% cheaper in the fall than summer, according to Expedia. Endless outdoor activities perfect for the crisp weather, including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rafting, and more. Plus, stunning nature and top-notch shopping and dining. Those looking to spend a bit more on accommodations should look at Aspen Meadows, which offers a racquet court center (with tennis, padel, and pickleball courts), complimentary e-bike rentals, a heated outdoor lap pool, and onsite art galleries featuring works from Bauhaus designer and Aspen transplant Herbert Bayer.
Lake Tahoe
The autumnal months are a sweet spot in Lake Tahoe after the busy summer vacation stretch but just before the winter ski season begins. Prices get more affordable but the area’s expansive lake, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests are no less majestic. Flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) from major hubs around the country are about $375 roundtrip or less for early November, according to our searches on Google Flights. That timeframe also sees larger resorts, like the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, with room rates from $245 per night. Modern motel-style accommodations like Basecamp Tahoe South start as low as $119 per night.
Anchorage
Alaska in early fall is a true delight for outdoor-minded travelers. From about September, it’s possible to see the northern lights illuminate the night sky. Come daytime, there’s no shortage of easy hiking paths that wind toward scenic lookout points over mountain peaks. Through mid-October, it’s still warm enough for a glacier cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park to spot towering ice formations and wildlife like seals and whales. Best of all, Expedia says that travelers will find 40% combined savings for lodging and flights compared to summer.
San Diego
A fall visit to San Diego is less about the beach and more about soaking up the atmosphere from the countless events, fairs, festivals the SoCal city offers. Mid-October means the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, San Diego International Film Festival, and Del Mar Harvest Festival, just to name a few headline events in the area. Plus, October is considered one of the best months to surf along San Diego’s coast. All those perks can be had on the cheap, with lodging and flights together clocking in at 15% cheaper for autumn bookings compared to summer months, Expedia says.
Finger Lakes
Travelers flock to Upstate New York in early autumn for the colorful foliage. But there are deep discounts to be had once the leaves drop. The Finger Lakes make a solid choice for a late autumn escape, with dozens of wineries and scenic hiking through gorges and waterfalls. Plan to fly into either Syracuse or Ithaca, where November fares are about $200 from Boston and about $280 from Chicago. Hotel rates across the region also become more reasonable in November. Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel off of Lake Seneca has rooms starting at $170 per night, and Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton for about $300 per night.
Fort Walton Beach
Florida is a popular destination when the weather turns cold, so prices don’t necessarily get cheaper everywhere. The key is finding the right beach town that offers all of the perks of being right on the ocean in the Sunshine State without the hefty price tag. Fort Walton Beach is a solid option. The small resort town on the Emerald Coast along Florida’s panhandle has fresh Gulf seafood and calm beaches, plus prices for lodging and flights that are a combined 30% less expensive than over the summer, according to Expedia.
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