A recent Expedia report showcases a surge in air travel popularity this fall, with five U.S. destinations in particular experiencing substantial growth in flights.
But where are these trending locales, and what boosts them to becoming desirable travel spots for enchanting autumn getaways?
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah takes the forefront of these locations with a whopping 155% surge in flights this fall compared to the same time last year.
The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 15 miles from the city’s captivating History District, with roundtrip airfares costing a reasonable $130 from JFK at the time of writing.
As summer’s heat reduces, Savannah transforms into an autumnal haven, welcoming tourists with cool breezes, fewer crowds, and plenty of open-air adventures.
Tourists can immerse themselves in thrilling ghost tales in time for Halloween through the city’s timeless squares. Moreover, they can venture into Savanah Underground‘s eerie lore, broadening their knowledge of the city’s haunting legends while being spooked at the same time.
Among the tales of the supernatural, Savannah hosts a myriad of tours. The Bull Run Walking Tours offer travelers the opportunity to explore 300 years of Savannah through a two-hour-long journey, whereby moss-covered oak trees, restored architecture, and the fall season can be easily and enjoyably admired.
Savannah’s event calendar also becomes jam-packed with entertainment as the leaves turn. Music fanatics can enjoy lively beats at the Savannah Phil Harmonic, Savannah Jazz Festival and more.
Be sure to also check out these 10 hidden gems in Savannah when venturing there.
Seattle, Washington
Second, Seattle, Washington, has a whopping 71% increase in flights from September to November compared to last year. Return flights to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport cost an affordable $100 – $150 from many major airports across the country.
Seattle is excellent once the weather drops cooler, making fall the perfect time to visit. Tourists can explore the city’s farmer markets, whereby the season brings in fresh products like pumpkins, yams, and apples, before cooking up a storm without breaking the bank.
Drinkers can enjoy Pumpkin Spice Beer wherever they turn, with Seattle Cider Company and Two Beers Brewing Company being fine brewery choices.
Although, for tourists to truly immersive themselves in the fall season, strolling around the exquisitely designed Japanese Garden and the Washington Park Arboretum is highly recommended. Here, they can experience a color explosion of reds, oranges, and gold with fewer crowds.
Halloween lovers should also brace themselves and explore the Georgetown Morgue Haunted House for the fright of their lives — or check out the corn mazes and pumpkin picking to embrace the spooky season (without the emotional scars!).
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
In third place (alongside Salt Lake City) is Yellowstone National Park, witnessing a 50% spike in flights this fall. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is an hour and a half from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, with domestic return flights costing a little more, around $190 – $230 (but totally worth the price nonetheless).
Once hopping into a rental car or bus to hit the national park, tourists will be amazed by the picturesque scenery — especially when grasses and leaves turn vivid shades of oranges and gold.
After the summer, the masses of travelers have returned home, making the forthcoming season the perfect time to visit here. Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon becomes even more spectacular as autumn paints the terrain with even warmer colors than before.
Hiking in the fall is also the perfect time. Bright foliage can be admired wherever travelers turn, and wildlife can also be found, including elk, bears, deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, and moose.
Bison start migrating in the fall, with paths commonly leading them to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar, the Old Faithful area, and sometimes to the park’s neighboring Montana farmland — a unique experience one must encounter.
Moreover, fishing lovers will find fall is the perfect time for catching large trout, particularly in southwest Montana. As water temperatures cool, fish leave their hiding spots, becoming more responsive and aggressive to anglers’ flies.
Another plus side includes adventure seekers still being able to partake in numerous activities — rafting trips, camping under the stars, rodeos, horseback rides, and more — regardless of the air having a chill.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Also boasting a 50% rise in flights this fall is Salt Lake City, Uta. Salt Lake City International Airport is a civil-military airport located approximately 4 miles west of Downtown Salt Lake City. Return airfare prices typically cost a low $100, making it a suitable location for most.
Salt Lake in fall is a festive celebration rather than just a season. The lush golden scenery offers postcard-worthy snaps, while various activities across the city provide unforgettable moments.
Hiking takes on an enchanting aura as autumn graces Salt Lake. The air retains a comfortable temperature while the scenery diversifies, presenting early snowflakes.
Trails await all types of travelers, from city trailheads to nearby canyons. Moreover, despite ski resorts typically being confined to winter months, Salt Lake offers skiing fun all year round.
Alongside stunning natural wonders, Salt Lake salutes the seasonal switch the liberations, gastronomy, and entertainment, with Oktoberfest offering live music, beer sampling, and friendly faces of like-minded individuals — a truly remarkable encounter all must experience.
Boston, Massachusetts
Lastly, Boston is already beckoning with a 45% increase in flights this fall. Boston Logan is a world-class airport, with return flights ranging from $107 – $140 from many major U.S. airports.
Boston is a lively urban treasure, inviting exploration perfectly enjoyable in autumn. The city’s renowned historical legacy of four centuries blends effortlessly with modern vitality. This fusion is presented in its architecture, vibrant artistic scene, and assorted cuisine — all against a backdrop of the season’s natural beauty and mild weather.
During the fall, one of the best activities to explore is the Boston Freedom Trail Walking Tour, enabling travelers to enter America’s fight for independence. When touching base at the Old State House and the Boston Massacre Site, each journey intriguingly unravels the city’s revolution.
Nonetheless, to fully admire the fall foliage, the stunning Boston Public Garden is worth a visit, where orange, gold, and russet hues can be respected, and Instagram-worthy snaps can be taken.
As the air becomes crisper and leaves begin to fall and turn, all five of these U.S. destinations offer memorable experiences this fall. Historical and modern pursuits, and unique outdoor explorations, make these places ideal for embracing autumn and creating lifelong memories.
