TravelPulse Podcast: Fall 2024 Travel Trends

As astrotourism continues to take off, more travelers are planning trips on Earth based on night sky events—from solar eclipses and rare supermoons to the annual Perseid meteor shower. And while many of us mourn the early sunsets that fall brings, the extra hours of darkness offer an opportunity to tune into the celestial movements above.

Autumn is a big season for hotels, especially those that represent the winds of change. In New York City, Standard International debuts its latest hotel concept, The Manner—which feels less like the hedonistic Standards of yore, and more like any of the city’s growing number of fabulous private-members clubs. Across the country in California, a beloved Laguna Beach icon enters an exciting new chapter. Salt Lake City is finally getting a new lifestyle hotel—just in time for another ski season. And the country’s first ultra-sustainable, “carbon positive” hotel opens its doors in Denver to set an example for hotels everywhere. There’s a lot happening, and a lot to explore—where will you go first? These are the most exciting new hotel openings of fall 2024.

Wyndham Rewards is welcoming fall with not one but two promotions. And they're stackable, so you can potentially save money and earn bonus points on your next paid stay.

Late-day sunlight bounced off the rapids in the river below. The water sang different notes as it splashed up and over rocks. As I cycled along the riverside path, heading downstream just like the current, the flowing water and the route it carved over eons along the valley floor presented an ever-changing landscape.

In fall, there’s no better place to enjoy leaf peeping than one of our 62 national parks. While some parks light up in winter and others bloom in full each spring, these 11 national parks are ideal for an autumn visit. The once-green trees and shrubs burst into a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to golden yellows and deep purples. The colors are bright, the crowds are light, and if you make it to two you’re doing it right. These are the best national parks to visit in the fall.

There are plenty of amazing leaf-peeping opportunities in the US. A romantic road trip to see the covered bridges of New England is one, taking an air balloon ride to see the foliage from above is another. But the most relaxed and nostalgic way to experience fall in all its glory is by train. There are multiple vintage railroads in the United States that will transport you back in time while you admire the fall colors, but few do it as well as the East Broad Top railroad.

The leaves are turning, which means it’s time to get in the car and enjoy one of nature’s greatest shows. One thing that can quickly sap the serenity is inching along in traffic, as several thousand people pick the same leaf-peeping spot that you do.

Marriott Bonvoy is making it easier to plan a fall getaway for less with a flash sale that has up to 20 percent off stays around the world.

Sep 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Spirit Airlines is embracing fall with a great sale that has one-way flights starting as low as $40.

I had the pleasure of working at Disney World, and fall is my absolute favorite time of year to be in the parks. 

Sep 18, 2024 • 8 min read