Make the Most of Fall Travel with These 4 Tips

It's everyone's new favorite season to travel: fall. With it comes cooler temps, less crowds, and lower prices-what's not to love?

If you're planning a trip this fall, here's what to know to make the most of it:

1. Where to go leaf peeping in the U.S.

Leaf peeping is all about timing. And-*checks calendar*-some destinations are already nearing peak colors. Fortunately, you can be in the know about where and when to go with this fall foliage prediction map. It shares a week-by-week forecast of when the leaves will change and peak colors will be on show.

Simply toggle the slider to the dates you have in mind for a leaf-peeing trip, and reference the color-coded guide to gauge when you can experience foliage at its most colorful.

2. Where to get in the spooky spirit

Love Halloween? Want to plan a fall trip with a spooky twist? Here are a few destinations to consider:

Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley-an easy Amtrak or Metro North train ride from NYC-is ripe with fall activities that range from festive to downright frightening.

On the festive end, opt for a jaunt through Van Cortlandt Manor when it's dressed up for The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. That is, covered in thousands of hand-carved jack o'lantern displays, including life-sized dinosaurs and a Pumpkin Planetarium.

As for frightening? You've heard of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, right? You can visit the real village of Sleepy Hollow, New York. Or, head to nearby Tarrytown where author Washington Irving lived. His historic home will be decorated for the season.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is one of America's spookiest cities thanks to its historic cemeteries, reported ghost sightings, and famed voodoo-practicing residents. Take a ghost tour-via trolley, hearse, or on foot (there's even a haunted pub crawl)-to learn about the city's dark past and access some of its most haunted locations.

Stowe, Vermont

While you might think of Vermont as the quintessential leaf-peeping destination (and it is!), you can also experience the supernatural side of the Green State. In particular, head to Emily's Bridge in Stowe-its namesake is said to haunt the bridge and all those who dare to pass.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you love parades, New Orleansshould be on your fall destinations list. Enter: the Krewe of BOO! Halloween Parade. This annual Halloween parade features floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and walking krewes-all marching through NOLA's historic French Quarter. This year, the parade takes place on Saturday, October 25th.

3. How to get ahead of travel disruptions

Never mind haunted houses-there's nothing more frightening than travel plans gone awry.

As you plan your fall trip, ensure that you have the right tools to help you anticipate travel disruptions-and get your trip back on track. TripIt Pro Risk Alertsnotifies you when a potential disruption may impact your trip-even before they result in a flight delay or cancellation. These proactive alerts keep you in the know, so you can make informed decisions and stay agile as unexpected situations arise.

4. Where to prioritize your health and well-being

The holiday season is inching closer-and for many, the stress that comes with it. Why not plan a getaway before the Christmastime chaos?

TripIt survey data released earlier this year found that relaxation-focused trips are the most popular and accessible choice for Americans. In fact, 65% of Americans took one in the past year.

Need some ideas for planning a getaway? You could plan:

1. A fitness-focused trip

First, consider what interests you. Is a yoga retreat, with daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness workshops, right for you? Or, maybe you'd prefer something more adrenaline-pumping. Consider a resort like Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah, that offers hiking, mountain biking, as well as a robust calendar of fitness classes and activities.

Active Escapes offers multi-day fitness retreats in nearly a dozen awe-inspiring locations. Think: group fitness classes, like boot camp-style or HIIT workouts, paired with water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and surfing.

2. A retreat to reconnect

Communal-focused retreats can center on shared activities, like yoga or hiking, as well as more curated experiences. Intrepid Travel, for example, offers multi-day small group tours focused on themes, like cycling, festivals, food, sailing, wildlife, and more.

3. A digital detox

Consider booking a getaway to a hotel or resort with dedicated digital detox initiatives. The Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills, New York, lets guests opt in to their "Unplug and Play" package. In return for their screens, they're given a Polaroid camera and a list of device-free activities. Or, opt for a digital detox at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There, your concierge unburdens you of your personal devices, as well as any screens in your room, helping you focus on being present with your travel companions.

Need more ideas? Check out these 5 wellness travel trends to try in 2025.