Now that the peak season is almost behind us and the summer crowds are finally dispersing, travelers are turning their focus to fall. Sunny vacations are still a priority, but where should you go when the weather begins cooling and your budget is feeling the post-summer pinch?
Believe it or not, the answer isn’t always the most obvious choice. Here at Travel Off Path, we believe the best trips are the ones that deliver huge experiences without breaking the bank. We’ve scoured the globe to find three incredible destinations—one close to home, one in Europe, and one far-flung adventure—that are shockingly affordable this fall.
☕ Closer to Home: Colombia
The Vibe: The Trendy & Vibrant South American Gem
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable international escape, look no further. Colombia is absolutely booming right now, and for good reason. The cities of Medellín and Bogotá offer an incredible blend of vibrant culture and amazing food, with perfect fall weather for any preference.
In Medellín, you can enjoy its famous “eternal spring” climate with daytime temps in the 70s, ideal for exploring the trendy El Poblado neighborhood. In high-altitude Bogotá, the weather is crisp and cool, with temps in the 60s—perfect sweater weather for wandering the historic La Candelaria district. The best part? Your money goes an incredibly long way here. Think delicious multi-course lunches for under $5, ice-cold beers for a little over a dollar, and cheap Ubers to get you all over the city. With budget airlines like Spirit offering frequent, affordable flights from the U.S., getting there is cheaper than you think.
🏖️ Europe: The Albanian Riviera
The Vibe: The Undiscovered Mediterranean Secret
Imagine the turquoise waters of Greece and the dramatic coastlines of Italy, but for a fraction of the price and with a fraction of the crowds. Welcome to the Albanian Riviera. This is the ultimate “Travel Off Path” destination in Europe right now, and fall is its secret season.
In September and October, the weather on the coast is still gorgeous, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the summer hordes have completely vanished. You can have stunning beaches like Ksamil—with its famous little islands just offshore—practically to yourself. On-the-ground costs are some of the lowest in Europe; you can feast on fresh seafood dinners for under $15 and find great hotels for less than $50 a night. It’s the Mediterranean dream without the Mediterranean price tag.
🏮 Far Flung: Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Vibe: The Cultural & Spiritual Adventure
For a truly epic fall adventure that delivers unbelievable value, it has to be Northern Thailand. While the flight is an investment, once you land in Chiang Mai, your costs plummet. This is a city where you can eat incredible, world-famous street food meals for $2, get a traditional hour-long Thai massage for $7, and stay in beautiful guesthouses for less than $30 a night.
Fall is the absolute best time to go. November marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the cool, dry, perfect weather. Even better, it’s when the city hosts the magical Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky and little floats are sent down the river. It’s a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes a fall trip here totally worth it.
Before you book your amazing and affordable fall adventure, be sure to run our essential 1 Minute Trip Check to get the latest entry requirements and travel advisories for your destination.
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