For many people, travel is a great way to unwind and recharge. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive. According to a recent report from Squaremouth, the cost for the average vacation is expected to rise 25% in 2025 compared to 2024.
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While this increase has caused a lot of people to rethink their vacation plans, that doesn’t have to be the case. With a little planning, you can reduce how much it costs for things like airfare, hotels and even meals. This means you’ll be able to take that well deserved vacation this fall without blowing your budget.
Keep reading as we’ll walk through four travel hacks that you can use to save money on your fall vacation.
Hack No. 1: Book an All-Inclusive Vacation
When most people think about all-inclusive vacations, they only see the high price tag. However, these vacation packages can be a great way to save money. Instead of paying for your hotel, meals and drinks individually, you’ll know the full cost of everything before you even leave for the airport. This helps to eliminate any potential surprises.
“We sell a lot of packages because it is the ‘easy button’ for traveling to Panama,” said Cari Mackey, owner of Morrillo Beach Eco-Resort. “Our packages streamline not only the planning process, but create a well-rounded experience incorporating everything that we want our guests to experience (nature, adventure, culture) all wrapped up into one price that has a discount built in.”
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Hack No. 2: Take Advantage of Shoulder Season Travel
Many of us plan our trips around our daily schedules, from work to when our kids have time off from school. Unfortunately, that usually means traveling during times of the year when crowds are high and the cost is expensive.
If you have the flexibility, traveling during the fall “shoulder” season can help avoid most of the crowds and save money on everything from airfare to hotels.
“Traveling to Panama during the late fall or early winter can have many advantages,” said Mackey. “Not only are the crowds going to be significantly less, but the weather can be ideal, and the prices are more budget-friendly.”
Hack No. 3: Use Flight Deal Alerts and Flexible Search Tools
For most people, airfare can be one of the most significant expenses when traveling. Luckily, paying full price isn’t necessary.
Tools like Going.com and Dollar Flight Club track prices for airfare and alert their members when prices drop. This can help you save hundreds of dollars compared to what these flights might normally cost.
However, to fully take advantage of these lower prices on flights, it’s crucial to be flexible in terms of when you want to fly. Simply flying in the middle of the week instead of over the weekend can help you find significantly cheaper flights.
Additionally, be open to where you begin your trip. Flights from a nearby airport could be cheaper than flying from your home city. For example, even though I live in Denver, I always consider flights out of Colorado Springs or Cheyenne, Wyoming. It’s a short drive, and both have been known to offer cheap flights.
Hack No. 4: Cut Transportation Costs Once You Arrive
Using taxis or rideshares can help you get from one place to another quickly, but the costs can add up fast. Instead, consider using public transportation if it’s available. While it might take a little more planning to get around, the savings can be significant over a weekend or a week-long trip.
If you’re traveling to a large city with an extensive train or bus system, look into rail passes or city transport cards. These frequently offer unlimited rides over several days, which can save you a lot if you’re trying to see as much of the city as possible.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Hacks To Save Money on Travel in Fall 2025
