When the benefits of travel trump the costs
By Eileen Ogintz
Tribune Content Agency
It’s all about priorities. While 75 percent of us believe travel is too expensive, up more than 10 percent from last year, the vast majority of us report vacations are one of the things we most look forward to.
In fact, according to the latest American Travel Sentiment study from Longwoods International, travelers say they are willing to cut spending in other areas of their budgets to fund trips.
Not only do the vast majority of travelers believe that traveling with friends and family brings them closer together but that they value experiences vs. acquiring more material belongings.
“The most significant thing to me is that over half those surveyed still will prioritize travel over other life and lifestyle choices … that amount is virtually unchanged from a year ago despite gas prices and inflation being higher!” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International.
Personally, I was glad to hear that as we are heading out to St. Louis this weekend for a gathering with my husband’s siblings and their kids – the first time in many years everyone will be together. No one in the immediate family actually lives in St. Louis. It just proved a central location with plenty to do. (St. Louis offers one of the last free zoos in the country!)
Whether you are an empty-nester seeking a kid-free getaway, grandparents who want some quality time with young grandchildren or just looking for a new adventure or experience, we have gathered fall getaways options with our colleagues at Family Travel Forum that won’t bust your budget, whether you have a day or two or a week or more.
Look for special deals. October brings the return of the 16th annual Kids Free San Diego. Take advantage of the deals, free admission and added perks offered by San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours, and transportation companies to kids 12 and under. That includes the world-famous San Diego Zoo, 18 museums in Balboa Park and SeaWorld San Diego.
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Washington, D.C., likely has more free attractions than most other cities and this fall is a particularly good time to visit the nation’s capital. After four years of construction, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will reopen Oct. 31 as the easiest-to-access American space for the presentation of outdoor sculpture. On Nov. 11, the National Air and Space Museum will complete a renovation that began in 2018, with 20 galleries reimagined for immersive learning. The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, honoring those who served in the 1990-91 Gulf War, will be dedicated on Oct. 24, The newly reopened National Geographic Museum of Exploration features an immersive view of wildlife and visitors can now explore what’s under the Lincoln Memorial, where images of historic events are projected onto the foundation.
There are more than 150 local Oktoberfest celebrations hosted across the United States and Canada each year, according to Germanfoods.org. The historic event in Munich, Germany, runs from September 19 through October 4, 2026, local American versions take place in almost every state from mid-September through October. My Wanderlusty Life lists the Best Oktoberfests in All 50 states, and Tulsa Oktoberfest (Oct. 22 to 25) is one of the largest in the country.
With sky-high gas prices impacting airfares and road trips, you might want to stick closer to home if you want to travel on a budget. That could include getting your kicks on Route 66 as the “Mother Road” crosses eight states – 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. You can ogle all the neon, stay in a funky motel or maybe a tepee and savor a soft-serve ice cream as Route 66 celebrates its centennial this November. Consider a train trip. Kids 2 to 12 ride 50 percent off on Amtrak when traveling with an adult. (Check here for other Amtrak deals, including half off for up to five traveling in Northern California.
It doesn’t cost anything to get out and enjoy fall foliage.(Check out AccuWeather’s 2026 fall foliage forecast ) Go apple picking or pick out your own pumpkin at a nearby farm. Find pick-your-own farms nationwide using the U Pick Farms Directory or the U-Pick Farm Planning Guide. Remember, most working farms restrict pets for food-safety and livestock reasons.
If you live near New England, head to Western Massachusetts where you can get lost in Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm, or spend a fall weekend at Silver Bell Farm with pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, farm animals, cider doughnuts and hot cider, for example.
In Kohler, Wisconsin, less than an hour from Milwaukee and less than 2.5 hours from Chicago, Flora Fields offers a nine-acre corn maze hayrides, pumpkin patch, and ways to experience the fields after sunset.
Celebrate Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation by experiencing a new “first” that originated in the city. There will be a free celebration each of the five Saturdays in October, beginning Saturday, October 3. A Once Upon A Nation storyteller shares the true tale of that week’s First, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, special presentations and more.
Many festivals are free. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month until Oct. 15 with events across the country, including Phoenix. The 2026 theme,“Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” emphasizes the role of Hispanic Americans in driving progress and innovation.
Free Fall Baltimore invites travelers to experience a month of free events, performances, gallery tours, museum visits, and workshops among 100 free activities and more than 50 participating organizations and artists.
San Antonio hosts the nation’s largest Dia de los Muertos, honoring the lives of loved ones through colorful altars, art installations, music, dance, culinary experiences, and community gatherings across the city.
Where will you go?
(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)
©2026 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.