10 fall travel tips every traveler should know

There’s something special about traveling in the fall. Maybe it’s the golden light on the leaves, or the calm that comes when the summer crowds have gone home. 

Whatever it is, autumn trips have a cozy, contemplative quality that I absolutely love.

Of course, fall travel comes with its own mix of challenges and opportunities — from unpredictable weather to experiences you won’t find in any other season. 

So, if you’re planning a fall getaway, here are 10 fall travel tips that will help you make the most of it.

1. Time your fall trip around harvest season

Out of all our fall travel tips, this might be obvious, but hear me out. Fall is harvest time — apple picking in upstate New York, wine harvest in Sonoma, chestnuts roasting on street corners in Rome. Do a little digging into what’s growing or being celebrated where you’re going. You’ll eat better and feel more connected to the place.

2. Don’t trust your phone battery

Battery University warns that low temperatures can affect battery performance. That means cold mornings and chilly evenings can kill your phone battery way faster than you expect, especially if you’re snapping photos nonstop. Toss a portable charger in your bag so you’re not hunting for an outlet when you should be enjoying the view. 

3. Wake up for sunrise instead of staying up for sunset

Everyone flocks to sunset viewpoints, but fall sunrises are pure magic with hardly anyone around. The mist rising off lakes, that soft golden light filtering through bare branches — it’s honestly better than most sunsets I’ve seen. Plus, sunrise isn’t ridiculously early in fall like it is in summer, so you’re not completely destroying your sleep schedule.

4. Travel midweek if your schedule allows it

Popular fall destinations (looking at you, Vermont) can still be packed on weekends. Go Tuesday through Thursday, and you’ll find cheaper rates and way less competition for the best table at dinner.

5. Have a bag ready for impulse purchases

Fall travel means stumbling across farm stands, local markets, and tiny bakeries you’ll never find again. Having a couple of reusable bags on hand makes it easy to haul home apple cider donuts, fresh bread, or a bottle of wine you couldn’t resist.

6. Bring something that makes any room feel like home

Small comfort items make such a difference when you’re staying somewhere new. A travel candle, your favorite tea, or an essential oil roller can make your hotel room feel instantly cozier. After a long day in the crisp air, it’s nice to come back to something that feels like home.

7. Don’t overbook yourself

Fall isn’t the season for jam-packed itineraries. Some of my best travel memories are the unplanned ones, like stumbling across a tiny museum, spending an hour talking to someone at a farmer’s market, or sitting with a coffee while watching leaves fall. Leave space in your schedule for these moments.

8. Don’t be shy about asking for upgrades

Fall is shoulder season in a lot of places, which means hotels and airlines are more likely to say yes if you ask nicely about an upgrade. It doesn’t hurt to try! You might end up with a better view or extra space.

9. Think about colors when you’re packing

If you want photos that don’t look like everyone else’s Instagram feed, consider what you’re wearing against all those reds and golds. Deep blues, creams, and black create beautiful contrast. And shoot in the late afternoon when the light makes everything glow. 

10. Plan for nights in

Not every night has to be dinner reservations and nightlife. Sometimes the perfect fall night consists of picking up ingredients from a local market, opening a bottle of regional wine, and just enjoying being somewhere different. Bring a good book or download some podcasts, and you’ve got yourself the perfect fall night without leaving the room.