Top 5 Beach Destinations To Travel To in the Fall If You’re on a Budget
Looking for a relaxing, beach getaway but not trying to go broke paying for it? Hey, we get it. With inflation hovering way above the Federal Reserve’s target rate and the job market in free fall, many travelers are foregoing their vacations altogether.
Here’s a better idea that won’t disappoint the kids: hold off on a summer getaway and, instead, hit the sand and sun in the fall. Traveling during the shoulder season means lower prices and less crowds — and that sounds like a win-win!
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Here are five top beach destinations to travel to this fall if you’re on a budget.
1. Pismo Beach, California
If you want to hang ten in the California surf without the prices associated with Malibu or Santa Barbara, check out Pismo Beach. In the fall, budget hotels can be found as cheap as roughly $120 per night. Plus, fresh and delicious seafood comes without the pricy, fine dining markups. Emma Rhoads of Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau said visitors can traverse a number of free hiking trails, pay $20 for a wine tasting in Edna Valley or fork over just $50 an hour to explore Oceano Dunes on an ATV.
Per Rhoads, flights run $200 to $250 roundtrip for travelers coming from the west coast and roughly $400 to $450 from other U.S. cities.
2. Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, Mexico
If you’re itching for the bohemian village charm of the Mexican Pacific Coast, Joe Cronin, president of Internation Citizens Insurance, recommended checking out Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. The risk of fall hurricanes accounts for the steep discounts, however, so consider travel insurance.
Cronin stated budget-friendly hotels and beachfront properties can be found for $40 to $70 per night while mid-range hotels can be found for $80 to $120; a full meal at a local restaurant runs $10 to $20 while street tacos and casual seafood stands cost only $5 to $10 per person; jeep excursions to the Sierra Madre foothills cost approximately $60 to $90 per person while boat tours to Los Arcos Marine Park typically cost $40 to $70 per person.
Per Cronin, flights cost roughly $300 roundtrip from major U.S. hubs.
3. Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico
Due to the aforementioned hurricane season, September and October are also the most affordable months to visit these locations on the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
According to Johan Siggesson, travel expert and wildlife photographer at Johan Siggesson Photography, all-inclusive resorts start at just $80 to $150 per night per person — with deals for two people for three nights costing roughly $358 to $640 total; budget hotels can be found for $25 to $60 per night with mid-range hotels running $70 to $120 per night. Additionally, street tacos cost $2 to $5 each, entry to most cenotes (underground, fresh water caverns) costs $10 to $25 and admission to Chichen Itza runs approximately $35 for international visitors.
Per Kayak, roundtrip flights from Miami cost between $320 to $450 per person during the fall.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Demand drops significantly after Labor Day, making fall a great time to take advantage of deals in Myrtle Beach. Per Orbitz, budget hotels cost $60 to $90 per night while mid-range hotels cost $90 to $140 and casual, sit-down meals can be found for $15 to $18 a person. Visitors can enjoy public beaches as well as the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.
Per Expedia, roundtrip flights from LaGuardia during the fall months begin as low as $300.
5. Mancora, Peru
Andre Robles of Voyagers Travel Company recommended Mancora, Peru, for an affordable beach vacation that boasts surfing, nightlife and exceptional wildlife — and offers quite the contrast from Peru’s cold and foggy, Southern coastline. Per Robles, local lunches run $3 to $5.50 per person, whale watching tours run $21 to $40 per person and budget hostels and camps cost only $9 to $22 per night.
Per Robles, roundtrip from Miami to Lima from September to November costs roughly $390 per person.
Editor’s note: Rates and fees are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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