One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked that pertains to fall foliage travel, is “When is the Best Time to see the changing of the leaves?”
See oranges, yellows, reds, purples and browns burst into bloom in the autumn, painting a colorful backdrop to the white steeped villages of New England, the dramatic seascapes of Maritime Canada and the magnificent Rocky Mountains.
Keep in mind, fall colors can be affected by wind, temperature and moisture. Mother nature can be unpredictable, so try to make your trip for other sites & events around New England, as well as the changing of the leaves. The peak travel season is typically mid-September to early October. We normally suggest after Sept. 23rd through mid-October. Peak fall foliage in New England works its way down from the north. The further north you go, the earlier the peak. Many popular tour itineraries include Vermont, New Hampshire (Kancamagus Scenic Highway) and Massachusetts (the Mohawk Trail.)
Choose from various escorted tours and cruise itineraries to gain the full experience of what New England has to offer. As the season nears, there are many “Hotlines” to get up to date information on the changing of the season. Tauck has a foliologist/naturalist that gives updates on their hotline: 800-214-8209 starting in early September.
Other State Hot Lines & Web Site:
Maine: 800-533-959 https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/index.shtml
Mass: 800-227-MASS https://www.massvacation.com/explore/seasons/fall-foliage/
Vermont: 1-800-VERMONT
New York: 800-225-5697 http://www.iloveny.com/home.aspx
Connecticut: 800-CT-BOUND http://www.ct.gov/dep/search/search.asp?qu=fall+foliage
Planning Seasonal Travel: What the Timing Really Means
Thirty-five years of booking travel has taught our team at Atlas Travel Center something important about seasonal vacations: the difference between a trip that exceeds expectations and one that disappoints often comes down to how far in advance you start planning. Peak travel windows — holidays, spring break, summer school breaks — fill up faster than most travelers expect. The clients who get the best rooms, the best cabins, and the best rates are almost always the ones who called us six to twelve months ahead.
Seasonal travel also has nuances that aren’t obvious from the calendar. “Holiday pricing” at some Caribbean resorts kicks in weeks before Christmas and lasts well into January. The most atmospheric Christmas markets in Europe sell out accommodations by October. Thanksgiving weekend flights can cost three to four times what the same route costs the Tuesday before. Our advisors know these patterns deeply and help you time your booking to avoid the premiums.
What Makes Seasonal Travel Worth It
Despite the planning lead time required, seasonal travel delivers experiences that are impossible at other times of year. The atmosphere of Europe during the holiday season, the energy of Caribbean ports during New Year’s week, the blaze of color along New England’s foliage routes in October — these are genuinely once-a-year moments that justify the extra coordination. Our job is to make sure the logistics don’t get in the way of the experience.
Start Planning with Atlas Travel Center
Contact our team to discuss seasonal availability for the destinations and travel styles that interest you. Atlas Travel Center has been planning seasonal travel since 1987 — CLIA-certified, ARC-accredited, and A+ BBB-rated. The earlier you reach out, the better the options we can lock in for you.
