It’s becoming some travelers’ favorite time of year. The weather is cooler, the air is crisp, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are taking over your favorite cafes.
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to look for your next trip. Some of us choose to keep the adventure going and jet off to Europe, while others prefer to stay closer to home.
Both are great choices, and it really depends on what you’re looking for in a getaway. To give an idea, Expedia recently released its Fall Travel Forecast featuring the top trending destinations in the U.S. this fall.
The data was obtained by viewing traveler’s bookings for vacation rentals on Vrbo through the end of October.
Some places may surprise you, and others you may already have on your fall travel wishlist.
These are the top 7 trending destinations in the U.S. this fall:
7 – Blue Ridge, Georgia
Google ‘Blue Ridge Georgia’ and the first image to pop up are sweeping views of rolling hills full of fall colors.
This small town tucked away just outside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is a treasure. It makes for the perfect fall getaway to rent a cabin and enjoy the outdoors.
There are scenic hiking trails on the outskirts of town near the beautiful, calm Blue Ridge Lake. If you happen to be a wine lover, the Serenberry Vineyards is an awesome place to spend the day where visitors love the “ambiance of the outdoors”.
6 – Hamptons, New York
This celebrity hotspot may be full of unfathomable mansions, but this magical region of New York can be enjoyed by the average Joe too.
The Hamptons are a gorgeous fall escape, not only put on the map by celebrity influence but its natural beauty of colorful fall foliage and nice beaches.
Located along the coast east of New York City, the Hamptons don’t have to be your main destination. It can easily be reached for a fun-filled day trip from the Big Apple.
5 – Cape May, New Jersey
You won’t find party-going fist-pumpers here. This charming town on the southern tip of the Cape May peninsula is an awesome escape to enjoy all that fall offers.
There are stunning views of the New Jersey coasts and historic Victorian-style houses throughout the small town.
Walking around Cape May will immerse you in the town’s charm, and fall may be the best time to visit. Weather hovers between the high 50s and mid-70s, perfect to enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte and all the fall colors.
The Washington Street Mall and Morey’s Pier are the perfect spots to peruse the town in the cool weather.
4 – Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine is one of the most underrated states in the nation, but those who come here are never disappointed.
This scenic coastal town northeast of Portland is a gem perfect to explore in the fall. This town can be a destination worth visiting on its own but also serves as a gateway into the stunning Acadia National Park.
Whether you want to enjoy the seaside cafes, indulge yourself in fresh lobster, or venture off into the gorgeous fall colors of Acadia, you can’t go wrong visiting Bar Harbor.
3 – Asheville, North Carolina
This increasingly popular artsy city west of Charlotte is absolutely breathtaking in the fall. Travelers can enjoy the art scene and beautiful architecture year-round, but the mountains come alive with color in the fall.
This region of North Carolina is one of the best to take the backroads and immerse yourself in the endless trees of red, orange, and golden-yellow leaves.
2 – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod can be jam-packed with tourists in the summer months, so many travelers can’t wait to visit in the fall.
There are crowds, cheaper stays, and the same beautiful beaches. But these aren’t the only draws to Cape Cod in the fall.
For a charming beach town, you might be surprised by the fall vibes of this place. There are some scenic spots with eye-popping fall foliage, and the weather is just what fall travelers are seeking.
Expect temperatures in the 50s to 70s to November.
1 – Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The top trending destination for fall is the mountain town of Gatlinburg, along with nearby Pigeon Forge.
This dynamic duo offers picturesque rustic fall colors throughout the Smoky Mountains. Between the 2 towns, there are ample ways to have a fun time experiencing the fall season.
You can choose from a variety of cabins to stay in, spend the day at theme parks such as Dollywood, and stay at a fun hotel like Margaritaville.
Crowds dwindle down in the fall, and the weather gets cooler, perfect for exploring the mountain scenery and Douglas Lake.
