For many parts of the United States and Canada, temperatures are starting to drop, the holidays are around the corner, and fall is in full swing. It’s the time of year when bed and breakfasts start filling to capacity, and leaf peepers rejoice.
To generate ideas and discover destinations, enroll today in the North America Destination Specialist Course. And for an exciting look into one of the most popular fall foliage destinations, register for Vermont—A State for All Seasons, October 17 at 12:00 pm (EST), presented by Katharine Ingram, Trade and Partner Relation for Vermont Tourism. For those of you with Premium Access, these learning opportunities are included at no charge as part of your benefits.
As you consider fall foliage vacations, you may have some favorite places you send clients for optimum viewing. Certainly, what often springs to mind is Mount Mansfield—Vermont’s highest peak—which provides sensational views of Lake Champlain on a clear day. To get there, be sure to take the winding and beautiful drive near Smugglers’ Notch for jaw-dropping scenery! Keeping in mind the varying reopening dates, operating hours, and availability of attractions and accommodations, it is imperative to do your research.
In addition to Vermont, there are many dazzling fall-color destinations across North America for your clients to soak up nature in all its glory. Here are five worth considering:
From a cruise ship or riverboat. Oceania Cruises and other cruise lines provide charming and picturesque views of the northeast coast up through Canada. And your clients may spot lighthouses and humpback whales as a bonus along the way. This year, your river cruise lovers might find it fun to revel in the vibrant fall colors along the banks of North American rivers or the Great Lakes from the deck of an American Queen Voyages riverboat. Sunset cruises—with a glass of wine in hand—are particularly delightful.
From a car. This common mode of transportation becomes uncommon when your clients are taking it for a spin in Washington state through the majestic Cascade Mountains, Olympic Mountains, and every scenic byway in between. And there are many spots in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia that offer eye-popping views of changing leaves. Enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail at the Granville Island Hotel at day’s end.
From a train. Pennsylvania is lovely in the fall, and train travel can be a restful yet exhilarating option for taking in the fiery seasonal hues. Time it right, and your clients can enjoy an enchanting fall excursion on the New Hope Railroad—departing from the Witch’s Hat Train Station—through beautiful Bucks County.
On foot. What better way for clients to immerse themselves in nature than by hiking, backpacking, or camping in the Blue Ridge Parkway? Moseying anywhere along the 384 miles from Asheville, North Carolina to Charlottesville, Virginia offers your clients plenty of dramatic scenery, sparkling mountain streams, and a multitude of birds and wildlife for alert visitors. And they may be able to pick apples, spot elk, indulge in outstanding barbeque or listen to talented Bluegrass musicians along the way.
In a chair lift or hot-air balloon. A birds-eye view of the leaves in New England would be astonishing. Floating 500 to 1,000 feet above apple orchards, forests, and lakes offers boundless views and unlimited photo opportunities. And a champagne picnic among the treetops would be the ideal spot for a romantic wedding proposal!
Once you have settled on the region and the mode of transportation, be sure to weave in some local festivities, like pumpkin carving. Your clients’ relaxing, restorative, and refreshing itinerary will be complete!
Finally, if you are just starting out in the industry, The Exploring the World Geography Digital Textbook—included in the 2023 Magellan Gold Award Winning TRIPKIT®––is filled with extensive and detailed information that will immediately help you suggest your clients’ next destination.
