From National Parks to Caribbean Cruises, Discover the Best Travel Deals Now Through Thanksgiving
As the kids head back to school and the summer travel rush winds down, fall presents a perfect opportunity to score some incredible fall travel deals before the busy holiday season. From stunning national parks with vibrant autumn foliage to pre-season ski resort discounts and off-peak cruise bargains, now through Thanksgiving is the ideal time to take advantage of reduced prices.
Whether you’re dreaming of a European getaway, a sun-soaked Caribbean escape, or a last-minute Las Vegas trip, plenty of destinations offer steep discounts during this quieter travel period.
Here are some places and types of fall travel deals to look for during this time:
National Parks and Outdoor Destinations
Best Time: Late September to early November
Deas: Many national parks and outdoor areas offer discounts on lodging and activities in the fall when crowds thin out.
Why It’s Good: Beautiful fall foliage, fewer crowds, and lower prices make this a great time to explore places like Yosemite, Zion, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Cruise Lines
Best Time: Early fall (September-October)
Deals: Cruise companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian often offer major discounts to fill unsold cabins during hurricane season and before the holidays.
Why It’s Good: Prices can be significantly lower than during peak travel seasons, and some cruises may include additional perks like onboard credits or free upgrades.
Ski Resorts (Pre-Season Sales)
Best Time: October and November
Deals: Many ski resorts offer early bird discounts on lift tickets, accommodations, and rentals before the season officially begins.
Why It’s Good: You can lock in deals for the upcoming ski season at a fraction of the price.
Caribbean and Mexico
Best Time: September-October
Deals: This is hurricane season, so many resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico offer steep discounts to attract travelers. Cancun, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica often have deals.
Why It’s Good: If you’re flexible with travel dates and monitor weather conditions, you can score great all-inclusive packages.
European Cities
Best Time: September-November
Deals: Airfare to European cities such as Paris, Barcelona, and Rome tends to be cheaper in the fall, especially outside major holidays. Hotel deals are also common.
Why It’s Good: Cooler weather and fewer tourists make for a more pleasant and affordable experience.
Las Vegas
Best Time: September-November
Deals: Fall is one of the best times to find hotel deals in Las Vegas, especially midweek. Flights to Vegas also tend to be cheaper during this period.
Why It’s Good: You can enjoy the cooler weather, and entertainment or dining promotions are often available.
Hawaii
Best Time: September-October
Deals: After the summer rush, prices drop, especially on accommodations. Airfare tends to be lower during this shoulder season as well.
Why It’s Good: You can still enjoy warm weather and avoid the holiday crowd.
Orlando (Disney World)
Best Time: September-early November
Deals: Disney World and other Orlando attractions often offer discounts on park tickets, and resort stays are used to draw in families after school starts.
Why It’s Good: The weather is cooler, and the lines at attractions are shorter.
Key Sale Events:
- Labor Day Sales: Airlines and travel agencies often have major sales around Labor Day.
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Many airlines, cruise lines, and hotel chains offer big discounts right before Thanksgiving, leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Did you know?
You might not know that some cruise lines offer “repositioning cruises“ at heavily discounted rates in the fall. These are one-way cruises where ships relocate from one region to another, like moving from Alaska to the Caribbean for winter. While these cruises tend to have fewer port stops, they offer longer time at sea and are often much cheaper than regular cruises!
A little history:
The shoulder period for travel, which falls between peak and off-peak seasons, became a popular term in the mid-20th century as the travel industry formalized pricing strategies. This period traditionally occurs in the spring and fall, when travel demand decreases due to factors like the return of school or the lull between major holidays. Airlines, hotels, and tourist destinations started offering discounts to fill the gaps between the high season (summer and holiday months) and low season (winter for most regions, except for warm-weather or ski destinations).
Historically, the shoulder season was less well-known and utilized by travelers, who typically flocked to destinations during peak seasons. However, as travel became more accessible with affordable airfares and flexible vacation schedules, the shoulder season gained traction. Travel enthusiasts realized they could enjoy popular destinations with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and better prices. Nowadays, it’s a highly sought-after time for savvy travelers looking to experience the benefits of off-peak travel without compromising on experiences.
