Foolproof Fall Travel with These Packing and Planning Tips

Travel patterns shift with the seasons — do you know how to plan for safe and successful fall trips? Weather-wise, it’s smart to be aware of storms any time you’re flying to a destination. Atlantic hurricane season can carry through November and, as we all found out last year, our region is no stranger to snowfall. Consider buying travel insurance— in addition to providing coverage for things like medical expenses and lost baggage, its biggest perk is peace of mind from unforeseen circumstances. Also think about choosing refundable fares, which are more flexible when it comes to rerouting and rescheduling. Finally, stay up to speed on social media: Get travel updates directly from your airline or sign up for AccuWeather’s free severe weather alerts for specific zip codes.

If you’re driving, remember that, while fall foliage is beautiful, wet leaves on the road can be as slippery as ice. What’s more, fallen leaves can obscure traffic lines and pavement markings, which is particularly difficult when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Driving conditions can also turn dangerous as overnight temperatures drop, so keep an eye out for morning frost and icy spots, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas on roadways. Finally, deer can pose a problem as they change their travel patterns (thanks to the onset of breeding and hunting seasons) and are most active during the morning and evening. It’s always a good rule of thumb to take your time, use caution, increase your following distance, and drive during the daylight when visibility is best.

While it may be a relief that hot forecasts are gone with the summer, the gorgeous fall weather can be unpredictable. Your best shot when packing for a trip is to plan for many conditions and layer clothes as often as possible. Definitely invest in a light jacket, which can both moderate the temperature and shield you from unannounced showers. Finally, fall months also mean low-season rates for certain destinations: Mexico, the Caribbean, and warm states like California and Hawaii usually have better hotel deals during this shoulder season. But once winter hits (usually by December) expect prices to jump for the snowbirds.

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Sponsor content is created for IBX by Philadelphia magazine as a marketing collaboration with IBX. This material is intended for reference and information only and should not be used in place of advice from a doctor or suitable qualified healthcare professional.