Fall Foliage Travel

The canonical autumn trip. Vermont's peak moves south: the Northeast Kingdom peaks late September, the central Green Mountains first week of October, the Bennington/Brattleboro south second week. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire (34 miles) is the postcard drive. Stay at Twin Farms in Barnard or the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Book 6+ months ahead; New England hotels go to 90%+ occupancy the entire month of October.

Kyoto's momiji season is roughly as spectacular as its sakura season, with crowds that are denser (foreign tourists return) but hotel rates slightly cheaper. The temples are the draws — Eikan-do (its illuminated evening viewings are transcendent), Tofuku-ji (the Tsutenkyo Bridge), Jingo-ji temple in the western mountains. Weekdays much less crowded than weekends. Book hotels 4-6 months ahead.

Quebec's autumn is as spectacular as Vermont's but 30-40% cheaper on hotels, restaurants, and tours. Charlevoix (2 hours north of Quebec City) has whale-watching (beluga, fin, minke) concurrent with peak colour. The Laurentians (Mont-Tremblant area) are the driving circuit. Quebec City itself with its 17th-century walled core is its own draw. French-language hospitality makes it feel distinct from a New England trip.

Seoraksan National Park in the northeast (near the DMZ) peaks mid-October — red and yellow pop against granite. Naejangsan National Park in Jeolla-do (south) peaks late October/early November. Both are less internationally-touristed than Japan; day trips from Seoul possible but staying at a park-adjacent pension gives early-morning access. Combine with a Seoul city-break.

The Dolomites in fall: larch trees turn gold, the jagged limestone peaks remain visible (pre-snow), and the hiking infrastructure is fully operational (before November closures). Alta Badia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, or Val Gardena as bases. Stay at Alpine lodges that cater to both Italian and Austrian-Italian guests. The Lago di Braies lake is photographed constantly; go early morning or skip for the lesser-known alternatives.

Scotland's autumn is warmer than its reputation suggests (10-14°C) and produces genuinely dramatic scenery — golden larch forests, copper beech hedgerows, and the loch-side villages at their most photogenic. Pitlochry in Perthshire is the base for the Enchanted Forest sound-and-light installation (mid October). Whisky distillery visits are at their most atmospheric.