Fall is one of the best travel seasons of the year. The summer crowds start to thin, temperatures become more comfortable, and some destinations put on their best show of the year. The catch? Many of the best fall trips need to be planned well before the leaves start changing. This week we’re looking at a few destinations worth booking now.
Badlands National Park: Cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring much more enjoyable than during the heat of summer. The dramatic landscapes seem even more striking under fall light, and wildlife is often more active.
New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage Hikes: New England’s most famous season doesn’t last long. Waterfalls, mountain views, scenic drives, and vibrant foliage make September and October one of the best times to visit the White Mountains. → Read the guide
Acadia National Park in Fall: Acadia combines rocky coastline, colorful forests, and crisp ocean air. Fall brings fewer crowds than summer while still offering excellent hiking and scenic drives.
Ireland Road Trip: September is one of the best months to explore Ireland. The summer crowds begin to fade, the weather is often still mild, and the countryside remains incredibly green. → Read the guide
Italy in September: Warm weather, harvest season, and fewer tourists make September one of the best times to visit many parts of Italy. It’s often the sweet spot between summer crowds and cooler fall temperatures. See all our guides to Italy
If you’re planning a fall trip, now is the time to start paying attention to flights.
A few general guidelines:
September travel is often best booked 1–3 months in advance.
October foliage destinations tend to fill earlier, especially in New England.
International trips for September and October often have the best selection when booked several months ahead.
Midweek departures are frequently less expensive than weekend flights.
Set fare alerts early, even if you’re not ready to book yet.
The most popular fall destinations rarely get cheaper as peak foliage season approaches.
Fall weather can be unpredictable. One day may feel like summer while the next feels like winter, especially in mountain destinations. Layers are your best friend, and checking local conditions before heading out can save a lot of frustration.
Booking Platforms: We almost always compare multiple booking sites before making a reservation. Prices, cancellation policies, and room availability can vary more than you’d expect. Get All the Resources we use to Plan Travel
I provide my own travel advice and gear recommendations based on my experience, but please do you own safety research. Links in this newsletter may be affiliate links.
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Viator – this has lots of tour options often run by local guides.
Get my Guide – I usually search both viator and Get my guide for tours
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Have fun out there,
Gretchen
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