By Vacation Intel
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By Vacation Intel
Fall is one of the most underrated times to travel. Summer crowds thin out, prices soften in a lot of destinations, and a specific set of places genuinely come alive once the leaves turn or the harvest season starts. Here is where that fall window is worth planning a trip around.
We break down what makes fall a good time to travel and share our picks for destinations that are at their best this time of year.
Why Fall Is a Great Time to Travel
Fall sits in the shoulder season for most of the Northern Hemisphere’s biggest destinations, meaning fewer crowds and often noticeably lower prices than summer, without giving up much in the way of good weather.
Foliage Season Has a Short Window
Peak fall foliage typically lasts only 1-2 weeks in any given region and shifts earlier or later year to year depending on weather. If leaf-peeping is the goal, build some flexibility into your dates or check regional foliage reports closer to your trip.
Harvest Season in Wine and Food Destinations
Grape harvest (‘crush season’) runs through September and into October in most Northern Hemisphere wine regions, and a lot of wineries open up harvest-specific tours and tastings that are not available the rest of the year.
Our Picks: Best Fall Escapes
Toronto & Niagara Falls
Ontario’s fall foliage is a genuine draw on its own, and the region pairs well with a stop at Niagara Falls, where the mist and changing leaves along the gorge make for a dramatic fall visit. Our Toronto & Niagara Falls travel guide covers the best time to go.
Tuscany
Tuscany’s harvest season brings grape and olive picking, fewer summer crowds, and a countryside that turns gold and amber – arguably its most photogenic season. Our Tuscany travel guide has the details.
Ireland
Ireland’s countryside stays green well into fall, and the crowds and prices that build up over summer ease off noticeably by September and October, making it a smarter time to visit the same castles and coastal drives. Our Ireland travel guide covers where to base your trip.
California Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma hit crush season in fall, with harvest tours, grape-stomping events, and a countryside blanketed in changing vineyard colors. Our California travel guide covers the wine country region alongside the rest of the state.
New England
New England’s fall foliage is the classic US leaf-peeping trip for a reason – a road trip through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in early-to-mid October delivers some of the most reliably vivid color of any US region.
Vacation Intel Tip
For foliage-focused trips, plan your dates around your destination’s typical peak week, but book your lodging even earlier – the best fall-foliage properties sell out months in advance regardless of how the leaves are actually looking that year.
Need Help Choosing?
Still deciding on your fall trip? Reach out to our team and we will help you compare destinations and pricing for your travel dates.