Fall foliage trips are fun and memorable, but can also be costly. This truly is "high season" in places like New England, where quaint inns are booked years in advance and at top-dollar rates. One key to savings is planning, and there's no better place to start than About.com Go New England Foliage Central.
If you'll be ushering a high school student to some college visits, Amtrak offers a deal through Dec. 20 called the Campus Visit Program. The fare discount is one half-price companion rail fare with the purchase of one regular (full) adult rail fare. The student must be a junior or senior in high school and visiting colleges with a parent or guardian. Check the terms and conditions for blackout dates and other restrictions.
U.S. National Parks are less crowded in fall, and you can find savings opportunities through Fee Free Discounts. More than 100 parks that usually charge admission are free to enter on Sept. 24 and Nov. 11-12. For example, Xanterra South Rim is offering one free ticket for every purchased ticket for the West Rim Sunset Tour, a gift shop coupon for 20 percent off purchases and free apple pie with the purchase of an entrée for every restaurant guest visiting on any of these four days.
Death Valley becomes a bit less searing in the fall, and Furnace Creek Resort offers a "Downhill Bicycle Tour Package" that includes two nights' room accommodations and Hells Gate downhill Bicycle Tour for two people including bikes from $467/person.
Price Edward Island might not be the first place you think of when considering a golfing vacation, but Golf Coastal Canada offers three-night all-inclusive golfing deals from $570 CAD per person, based on quad occupancy.
Rail passes in Europe are sometimes much cheaper during the less-traveled fall season. Rail Europe offers a deals page that is worth checking as you plan fall travel.
Adventure travelers should look at GAP Adventures, where there are more than 50 tours priced under $995 USD. Among the destinations: Costa Rica, Thailand, Turkey and Peru.
If you're looking for a Six Flags amusement park adventure, be sure to buy your tickets online, print them at home and skip the ticket lines.
Don't forget to check out Deals of the Week for late-breaking travel bargains throughout the season.
