Autumn marks the end of the vacation season and foreshadows the coming of more frigid temperatures, but it can still bless road warriors with warm and sunny skies, vivid natural beauty, and great deals on, perhaps, the best road trip of the season.

The road calls to you, but where will it lead? It's not romantic or spontaneous, but plan ahead for your fall road trip. Good planning is bound to save you money. Check out the internet to find great, inexpensive locations to visit. Fall is prime season for wine tasting tours, antiquing, local festivals and fairs. If you are in the West, you are likely to find a rodeo or two. In the Midwest or northeastern United States, the biggest draw is the landscape itself. The forested hillsides transform into brilliant impressionist paintings of crimson, gold and pumpkin. Not to be outdone, the aspen of the Colorado Rockies turn to liquid sunshine in autumn.

If there is a special destination you have been putting off due to cost, now may be the time to make that trip! For many popular destinations, off-season pricing begins after Labor Day, or just a bit later in the month. Along with off-season pricing, popular locations may offer fall specials and package deals to close out their high travel season.

Once you know where you are going, it's time to think about how you are going to get there. The condition of your vehicle is crucial to the success and overall enjoyment of your vacation. There's nothing exciting about it, but regular maintenance of your vehicle, be it car, truck, bike or RV, will save money in the long run. Have a trusted mechanic do a regular tune-up, change your oil, and check your tires. If your vehicle is running efficiently, you will save dollars at the gas pump and help keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Figure out where you are going to sleep ahead of time. If you are planning to stay in hotels, make reservations. Try to find good deals and don't forget to use your discount cards and credit card points if you have them. Spontaneity is fun and freeing, but more often than not, costs you money. Consider camping for part, or all, of your trip. A campground site costs $10-$15 per night versus $50-$75 or more per night for a cheap hotel room.

Think about what you plan to eat. Pack snacks and drinks in a cooler to cut down on the expensive purchases at convenience stores. Picnic when, and if, you can. Breakfast is an easy meal to eat on the road. Cereal bars, fruit, and even the occasional doughnut, will pack easily and can last several days. Gas station coffee is cheaper, but if you can't live without the latte, bring your own cup and perhaps save a few pennies. Also pack a refillable water bottle, it's greener for the environment and your wallet.

Having a plan for activities. Adventures can be experienced and memories made without spending loads of money. Enjoying a packed bottle of wine, pulled off to the side of the road to watch a sunset can be as romantic as dinner for two at an exclusive five-star restaurant. Throwing a football or playing hide and seek at a public park, or even a highway rest stop, can be great family fun for no cost. Just remember to pack the wine, folding chairs and the football, or whatever you might need for your favorite activities.

And finally, spend money on the really good stuff. When you do plan ahead to save money on your great fall road trip, perhaps there will be money in the budget to do something really special. Look for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and go for it, because you never get those moments back. Reserve a little dough for the opportunity to be spontaneous, it could make a good vacation into the best trip of the season!