With Columbus Day right around the corner, it’s time to start planning for that last annual getaway before the holiday season starts. October is a great time to travel for plenty of reasons: The leaves are starting to change across the country, the weather is starting to become bearable and airfares are starting to drop.

It’s the perfect formula for budget fall travel, as well as a great way to stock up on some good memories before the miserable winter cold sets in. Here are some of our favorite travel picks for 2010.

Oregon, Oregon, Oregon
We can’t stop talking about Oregon at SuiteTrip and for good reason: It’s America’s Greatest Hits in one 350-mile-wide state. They’ve got the mountains at Mount Hood National Park and the vibrant culture in Portland. They’ve got the deep forest in Deschutes National Forest and the vast Pacific coast. Everything that one could ever want as a tourist can be found in Oregon. The magnitude of the state’s brilliance is underscored in the autumn, as beautiful maple trees contrast against the lush green conifers and the shimmering inland lakes.

Out and about in New England
If the east coast is more your style, however, it’s always safe to stick with the classic trip through New England. With deep, deciduous forests stocked with layers of colors and wildlife, you’re guaranteed brilliant views and rich memories. For a unique perspective on the New England outdoors, make sure to also check out the growing industry of bicycle tours. Frommer’s has more info on specific bicycle tours as well as a broad range of respective destination guides.

Start your trip in New York City and head north, or begin at Burlington, Vermont and work your way south, for a bit of city life on either end of your trip.

San Francisco
A recent spate of low airfares to the west coast has made San Francisco well within reach for many a budget traveler this year, and that means one thing: wine country. In addition to temperatures in the valley being more palatable, October and November are shoulder season in this part of the state, which means lower prices and better availability on those sexy, upgraded rooms that are usually out of range.

Europe
We’re also starting to see some respite from the sky-high prices that have been strangling the U.S.-Europe airfare market. Specifically, airfares to both Manchester and London have dropped dramatically this month, with many fares dipping below $500 from the east coast across the pond. It’s also worth checking out the new budget carrier Air Berlin, a future partner of American Airlines that provides excellently priced passage into Dusseldorf.

Appalachian Amazingness
Travelers venturing out later in the season may want to consider the lower regions of Appalachia for their autumn getaways. Stretching through a broad swath of the Virginias and the Carolinas, this region is rife with juicy adventures and sights for the visiting tourist. Check out the Jefferson National Forest outside of Blacksburg, Virginia for a sweet taste of Appalachian culture, or scope out the always fun Asheville, North Carolina if you’re in the mood for vibrant city life.

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Key to this whole operation is getting out of the house and on the road, and to find cheap passage you need to book early. So get your research done in advance and book this week – the closer we get to Columbus Day, the more expensive tickets become!