“Autumn is proving to be an increasingly popular travel period as U.S. vacationers look beyond the traditional high season in search of new experiences, fewer crowds, and lower prices – with the latter the top priority for 36% of Americans when planning trips, according to HomeToGo’s 2025 Travel Forecast,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert.* “With rural locations accounting for 79% of searches for fall stays in the U.S., the demand for breaks surrounded by seasonal scenery is clear, and we hope HomeToGo’s Fall Foliage Index helps travelers find their ideal destination for leaf peeping this year.”
2025 Fall Travel Report: Seasonal Statistics and Top Trending Destinations
Destinations in the U.S. account for two-thirds (68%) of searches for fall trips among American travelers – a +6% increase in comparison to 2024, according to HomeToGo demand data. The top trending domestic list comprises leaf peeping alternatives to New England, such as Colorado’s Evergreen and Georgia’s Mineral Bluff, coastal and lakeside locations including Mystic in Connecticut and Lido Key in Florida, and spots surrounded by nature yet easily accessible from larger hubs, like Arizona’s Oro Valley and California’s Solana Beach.
| Top Trending Domestic Destinations for Fall 2025 | |||
| Rank | Destination | State | Year-Over-Year Search Increase |
| #1 | Oro Valley | Arizona | +779% |
| #2 | Evergreen | Colorado | +710% |
| #3 | Kanab | Utah | +423% |
| #4 | The Galena Territory | Illinois | +397% |
| #5 | Celebration | Florida | +343% |
Looking abroad, American travelers planning international trips are prioritizing island retreats in locations across Europe and Asia. Thailand’s Ko Chang and Karon, Palawan in the Philippines, Crete in Greece, Funchal in Portugal, and Alghero in Italy all appear on the top trending destinations list. Elsewhere, scenic city break spots such as Edinburgh in Scotland, Verona in Italy, and Málaga in Spain are capturing the attention of U.S. tourists.
| Top Trending International Destinations for Fall 2025 | |||
| Rank | Destination | Country | Year-Over-Year Search Increase |
| #1 | Crete | Greece | +560% |
| #2 | Funchal | Portugal | +518% |
| #3 | Ko Chang | Thailand | +446% |
| #4 | Torremolinos | Spain | +433% |
| #5 | Alghero | Italy | +402% |
Additional key takeaways surrounding American travel behavior for fall include:
- Autumn vacationers are journeying an average distance of 1,404 miles to reach destinations, staying for a notable average duration of 12 days.
- Breaks with family and friends are popular, with the average travel group size recorded at four guests, representing a 9% increase year-over-year.
- In the U.S., the median nightly per-person price for a fall vacation rental is $89, in comparison to the worldwide median nightly price of $53 per person.
Fall Foliage Index: The Best Destinations in the U.S. for Leaf Peeping
With fall foliage season on the horizon, HomeToGo has identified the top locations in which travelers can soak up autumn’s vibrant landscapes. Featuring both hidden gems and classic hotspots, the 2025 Fall Foliage Index ranks 75 spots based on four factors: the median cost of nearby vacation homes, how well the destination flies under the radar, the scenic punch of its autumn landscapes, and the variety of plant species putting on a show.
The list stretches coast to coast, from Camden’s coppery coastlines in Maine to Ashland’s ember-lit hills in Oregon — but it’s a location in West Virginia that secured first place:
| Top Destinations for Fall Leaf Peeping | ||||||||
| Rank | Destination | State | Median Nightly Price Per Person | Affordability Score | Hidden Gem Score | Scenic Score | Flora Score | Total Score |
| #1 | Harpers Ferry | West Virginia | $77.59 | 9.08 | 8.89 | 9.06 | 7.68 | 34.71 |
| #2 | Ely | Minnesota | $60.32 | 9.45 | 9.52 | 6.71 | 8.86 | 34.54 |
| #3 | Brevard | North Carolina | $87.00 | 8.88 | 8.44 | 7.02 | 10.00 | 34.34 |
| #4 | Manchester | Vermont | $80.04 | 9.03 | 7.80 | 9.30 | 7.83 | 33.96 |
| #5 | Ashland | Oregon | $77.29 | 9.09 | 7.15 | 8.70 | 7.88 | 32.82 |
Here’s a glimpse at what travelers can expect in the top five leaf peeping spots:
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: Set at the point where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac, Harpers Ferry offers a scenic front-row seat to the changing season. Travelers can enjoy exploring the surrounding ridgelines, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are laced with trails and picturesque drives ideal for fall colors.
- Ely, Minnesota: Tucked into the northern reaches of Minnesota, Ely is a gateway to the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest. In autumn, visitors can look forward to seeing maple and aspen trees dominating the landscape, turning backcountry drives and lakeside hikes into full-scale color studies.
- Brevard, North Carolina: On the edge of Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is surrounded by high-altitude forest known for its extended leaf season. Here, leaf peepers are invited to enjoy the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway or nearby mountain vistas for long-range views over the Blue Ridge in transition.
- Manchester, Vermont: Flanked by the Green Mountains and surrounded by hardwood forest rich in sugar maple and birch, Manchester is a standout for early autumn color. With nearby drives along Route 7 or up to Equinox Skyline Drive, fall vacationers can experience wide valley views and dense forest canopies in flux.
- Ashland, Oregon: Ashland’s foothill location at the edge of the Siskiyou Mountains delivers a blend of oak, maple, and conifer in autumn tones. With the surrounding Rogue Valley and drivable access to forested hills, autumn aficionados can discover fall color in the Pacific Northwest.
*Survey insights are based on research conducted by HomeToGo among a sample of 800 respondents in the United States. To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 or older. The survey was carried out online between September 3, 2024, and September 5, 2024. Respondents were able to select multiple answers across a number of questions.
Tags: Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo
