Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone National Park. Xanterra operates lodges at the park.
Xanterra Travel Collection
Fall is a great time to travel to the U.S. National Parks and other scenic destinations, as the summer crowds have gone back to school or work. Now the Xanterra Travel Collection, which has been providing travel experiences for almost 150 years, is sweetening the pot with a fall sale on destinations from the National Parks to the Mediterranean.
Xanterra is best known as the leading U.S. National Parks hospitality operator, with operations in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Death Valley.
Some of this fall’s deals start at the Grand Canyon. Fall brings a sense of tranquility to the South Rim, as summer crowds thin out and the canyon’s majestic walls are lit by a softer golden light. Cooler temperatures make the canyon perfect for hiking just as panoramic views are at their most stunning.
Xanterra’s El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Kachina Lodge, located just steps from the Rim, or Maswik Lodge, in the nearby Ponderosa pines, all open during fall. For just an extra $18 per night per person, Xanterra’s Bed & Breakfast Package prepares you for a big day outdoors with a delicious breakfast for two at the Canyon Star Steakhouse.
Xanterra also operates the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a journey through the golden landscapes of northern Arizona. One of the components of Xanterra is the old Fred Harvey company, founded in 1876. Fred Harvey set up a famous chain of restaurants and hotels at railroad stops with service by wholesome young single women, known as Harvey Girls. The company opened its Grand Canyon property with the El Tovar Hotel in 1905. Like Xanterra today, Fred Harvey became the primary concessionaire for the Grand Canyon after it was designated a national park in 1919.
Grand Canyon Railroad steam train with black locomotive. Passengers travel on the restored rail carriages.
Xanterra Travel Collection
Today’s Grand Canyon Railway passengers ride on a lovingly restored car, hear folklore and tales from the crew, and are entertained by characters and musicians who bring the Old West to life. Xanterra’s Canyon Rails Getaway Package will save you up to 25% on train tickets and meals at The Fred Harvey Restaurant, and also nets you a $20 Gift Shop Certificate.
Another journey to the Southwest will take you to Death Valley National Park, at 3.3 million acres the largest national park in the continental United States. Death Valley temperatures average 105 degrees in July, and in fact set a world record of 134 degrees in July of 1913 at Furnace Creek.
Fall is a much different story; November averages a much more temperate 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as Death Valley comes alive. Visitors can explore spring-fed oases, hike dramatic volcanic craters, and tee off at the world’s lowest-elevation golf course, all while staying at Xanterra’s The Oasis at Death Valley.
Fall is a great time for seniors to travel and avoid the crowds. Xanterra is also rewarding guests 50+ at The Ranch at Death Valley with special senior rates. The salt-and-pepper crowd can save 10% for 1 night (SENIOR), 20% for 2 nights (SENIOR20), or 30% for 3+ nights (SENIOR30). Of course, some blackout dates apply, such Nov 21–29, 2025 and Dec 20–31, 2025 for the SENIOR20 rate.
Golfers will enjoy Xanterra’s Death Valley Autumn Offer, giving you a chance to shoot your lowest score at the lowest golf course on Earth. The Unlimited Golf Package features overnight accommodations at either The Inn at Death Valley or The Ranch at Death Valley, unlimited golf for two people, and more.
The Oasis Ranch at Death Valley National Park.
Xanterra Travel Collection
Yellowstone National Park is another classic, historic national park. Autumn shows off aspen trees in fall colors of orange and yellow, framing the park’s famous steaming geysers like Old Faithful. Wildlife sighting are at their peak, with buffalo roaming and the elk mating. Best of all, the often clueless summer crowds trying to handfeed buffalo are gone.
Xanterra’s Autumn Adventure Package includes three elegant nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, one night at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, all meals, one welcome gift per adult, in-park transportation, and a Certified Interpretive Guide. The double occupancy rates per person is $2,229. But you’ll have to hurry—package dates are October 19-23, 2025.
For those who like it a bit chillier, Xanterra also has special fall packages at Glacier National Park’s Cedar Creek Lodge.
Xanterra also operates Windstar Cruises, which offers a number of autumn Mediterranean cruises when the crowds are smaller and the weather temperate. Windstar offers luxury, yacht-style voyages through the Greek Isles, the Amalfi Coast, and other Mediterranean regions. The small-ship cruises offer gourmet cuisine by world-renowned chefs, personalized service, and experts leading cultural excursions.
Xanterra is offering complimentary All-Inclusive experience on voyages departing through March 2026, a value of up to $1,350 per couple on a 7-night cruise. The all-inclusive package includes such goodies as shipboard Wi-Fi, unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities.
The lobby and fireplace at the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Xanterra Travel Collection
And if you’re the kind of person that likes to wait until the last minute to make an exciting travel decision, Xanterra division Holiday Vacations has unveiled new Last Minute Travel Deals, offering travelers savings on a variety of global getaways.
link