Fall travels are some of the best. The produce is fresh, the weather is cooler, and everyone seems to be just a little bit cheerier as we slowly ramp up to the holidays.
But packing for fall does take some special considerations. Dropping temperatures mean you’ll need more layers, especially if you plan any long hikes or other outdoor adventures.
So what do you need to make sure is on your list of fall travel essentials?
From clothes to shoes and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
How to Pack for Fall Travel
Your fall travel essentials list will depend on your destination and planned fall activities. After all, some parts of the country are a lot chillier than others during this transitional season.
At bare minimum, however, you’ll want a jacket or a coat for each camper on board. You’ll also want several days’ worth of outfits with layers for each person.
If you’re going to be outdoors, choose lightweight, moisture-wicking materials that will help keep you warm and dry even if you’re sweating. If you’re planning on taking a long walk around a city or hiking through a scenic natural park, you’ll also want to make sure you have some sturdy shoes.
Here’s a sample packing list for fall travel in cooler parts of the country. If you’ll be spending time exploring a city instead of hiking and doing outdoor activities, you can add in trendier pieces, more accessories, and more fashionable footwear including boots.
| Category | Parents | Kids |
| Clothing | Layered tops (long and short-sleeve shirts, sweaters) Jacket Comfortable pants Warm socks Hat and gloves Scarf Pajamas | Layered tops (long and short-sleeve shirts, sweaters) Jacket Comfortable pants Warm socks Hat and gloves Scarf Pajamas |
| Footwear | Hiking boots or sturdy shoes Casual shoes for RV | Hiking boots or sturdy shoes Casual shoes for RV |
| Outdoor Gear | Binoculars Camera Backpack Water bottle Sunglasses Snacks Travel mug or thermos | Small backpack Water bottle Sunglasses Snacks |
Packing Tips for Fall Travel
Now that we’ve talked about what to pack for fall travel, let’s touch briefly on another issue: Actually packing it!
Unlike during summer travel, the stuff you need to bring for fall is bulky. Sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, and rain boots all take up lots of space, whereas simple cotton dresses and swimsuits don’t!
But that’s one of the best parts about traveling by RV: You have ample room to bring all you need with you for your journey — and honestly, room for more than a few things that you don’t. Overpacking is a common problem for RV campers.
In order to ensure you’ve got enough, but not too much, fall wear for each camper, check out your planned itinerary and ensure that every member of your party has at least one outfit for each day, with a few backup outfits or extra outfits if special activities are planned. One or two extra pairs of underwear and socks are never a bad idea (and take up almost no room at all) — but there’s no reason anyone needs to bring more than one coat or pair of hiking boots!
Fall Travel Trends
So now that you know what you’re going to bring for your trip and how to pack it, let’s talk about the really fun stuff… where should you go?
Here are a few of the best fall break vacation ideas for everyone from families to couples.
Many RV rental companies and campgrounds also run autumn specials, since it tends to be a slower time of year for travel than the busy summer months. You might be able to find special October vacation packages, which is the perfect excuse for a fall break vacation. After the summer but before the holidays, you’ll have many campgrounds and destinations all to yourself to explore!
Still not sure where to go? Well, the northeast is an autumn classic; nothing’s quite like seeing the leaves change in Vermont, upstate New York, and New Hampshire. There are also a variety of exciting fall harvest festivals taking place across the nation.
There are also plenty of warm places to visit when the temperatures start dropping, even in October. In the USA, you could head to a coastal area in Florida or southern California — and if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even head south of the border into Mexico.
No matter where it takes you, fall travel in the United States is a special and unique joy you simply can’t emulate anywhere else — and now, you know you’re good and prepared for it.
Happy fall travels!
