Would you like to travel somewhere this fall? It is better to check your assumptions with your luggage.
Unrealistic expectations are the biggest mistake travelers make. Something like “the weather is going to be good” (don’t count on anything, given the strange circumstances this year). Or “that place will be empty” (no, not in 2024). Or, “It’ll be cheaper” (unlikely!).
“Fall is a very unpredictable season when it comes to travel,” said Jay Turnavan, founder of Jayway Travel. “I’ve witnessed some of the strangest decisions travelers make during this time of year.”
Oh, and before you ask, “Who do you call a fool?”, let me point out my own stupidity.
When I traveled to Scotland in early autumn, I foolishly didn’t wear a jacket and only brought a long-sleeved shirt. What was I thinking? It was so cold that it might snow. And there was a road trip to Connecticut to see the fall foliage – on a weekend when everyone else had the same idea.
And when it comes to price, I’m almost constantly in a state of sticker shock these days.
But it doesn’t have to be you. Here are the five biggest fall travel mistakes people are making this year.
Fall Travel Mistake #1: Not preparing for the crowds.
Remember, this is the busiest year for travel in modern travel history. So if you think there’s an “off” season for something, think again. Congestion will be worse than ever.
“The stupidest thing I did during my fall travels was drive down New Hampshire’s scenic Kancamagus Highway on a long weekend in October,” recalls Victoria Yoa, a photographer from Tampa. “Today is my busiest day. I should have known better.”
Yore said it took him two hours to drive just a few miles Sunday. The autumn leaves are spectacular, but everyone seems to know that. Experts predict that this fall’s craziness will extend beyond the weekend, and in some places, big shoulder season may not even come.
Where are the crowds? Check out one of our fall foliage maps, like this one from Explore Fall. You can use the sliders to decide where the leaves change and when everyone gathers.
Fall Travel Mistake #2: Poor budgeting or no budget at all.
You’ve probably heard that travel prices, especially airfares, are going down. (Indeed, flight prices haven’t been this affordable in years.) But one of the biggest mistakes you can make when traveling in the fall is assuming things will stay the same. is. Because they almost certainly won’t.
As we head into the busy holiday travel season, airlines, rental car companies, and hotels raise prices to accommodate increased demand. Experts say you should book your trip now to take advantage of lower prices or budget a little more for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.
Budgeting is one of the most boring aspects of traveling, and I’ll be the first to admit that. But budgeting apps like Pocketguard and Trabee can help you set a realistic budget and avoid overspending.
Fall Travel Mistake #3: Assuming the weather will be nice.
Kevin Shahnazari, a frequent traveler and financial advisor in Vancouver, Canada, said he double-checks whether he’s dressing for the weather after an embarrassing trip to Chicago last fall.
“I came to the Windy City with nothing but a light business suit, perfect for the mild fall weather we had just left,” he recalls. “As soon as I stepped into the city from O’Hare, I was greeted by biting winds and near-freezing temperatures. My light suit did nothing to protect me from Chicago’s notoriously unpredictable falls. It didn’t help.”
Shahnazari said he believes the situation will get worse as climate change makes the weather more unpredictable. (In fact, we are coming off what is expected to be one of the most active hurricane seasons in years.)
“So flexibility in wardrobe and mindset is more important than ever,” he says.
By the way, you can prepare for severe weather with protection from companies like WeatherPromise and Sensible Weather.
Fall Travel Mistake #4: My plans went horribly wrong!
I’m not sure what it is about fall travel that brings out the stupidity in us, but I’m definitely part of this group. Somehow, you forget all the wise advice you used when planning your summer trip and end up in serious trouble.
And I’m not the only one who does. So was Kevin Mercier. Last fall, he decided to tour the French countryside and take photos for a travel website.
“I had grand plans to visit several charming villages in one day, but I had no idea how much driving time it would require,” he recalls. “I was so absorbed in taking pictures and admiring the beautiful scenery that I lost track of time.”
You can probably guess what happened next. His rental car was empty, but coincidentally the phone signal went out, leaving Mercier stranded in the dark.
“Luckily, a kind local farmer came to my rescue,” he says. “He towed my car to the nearest village where I could get help.”
A competent travel advisor can help you plan your trip correctly. You can find an expert on the American Association of Travel Advisors site, or use Google Maps to make sure you have enough time to travel between destinations. (Of course, this works any time of the year.)
Fall Travel Mistake #5: Ignoring Caution
Perhaps I don’t need to tell you that we are heading into a contentious presidential election. No one knows what will happen, but there are several places where situations can become dangerous. I’m not just talking about the possible riots in the United States on November 6th, but also the anti-American sentiment directed at Americans abroad during that time. And then there’s Inauguration Day, but that’s beyond the scope of this story. (Don’t get me started on politics, this is a travel column!)
Security experts say it is more important than ever to review government advice at this time. There are Department of State travel advisories for international travel. I also like to check out US Government Advisors published by Australia, Canada, and the UK. If you have a problem brewing here, you’ll probably find it there.
It would be downright foolish to ignore warnings, especially at a time like this. And I have to admit, I’m going to the Middle East this fall, so I’m not going to make that mistake. Otherwise, we might not have travel columnists to make fun of, and what fun would that be?
Before you pack up and head out into the great unknown of fall, remember this. A little planning goes a long way this fall. Avoid the crowds, budget wisely, pack a jacket and plan your gas breaks. Otherwise, you might end up shivering in Scotland or stranded in the French countryside, wondering where you went wrong.
