As colder temperatures sweep across the country and the leaves are set aflame with color, the U.S. settles in with the arrival of autumn in all its pumpkin spice-scented glory. Many think of fall’s predecessor or its successor as the ideal times to travel for various reasons, whether summer beach vacations or the winter holidays. However, the fall season has its own charms to offer any vacationer looking to get away. Here are just a few of the top places to travel for a full fall experience:

Northeast Region: Montpelier, Vermont—There many locations throughout the various regions of Vermont with world famous views of the changing leaves. Whether you choose to conquer one of the many hiking trails the Green Mountain state has to offer, enjoy one of its eclectic art events, or tour its scenic byways, Vermont has something to offer for everyone. For more information on places to visit in Vermont during the fall season, including two maps for the current conditions and forecasting the fall foliage, click here.

West Region: Washington—
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its landscapes among other things. Therefore, the fall season is a prime time to visit the region, particularly the state of Washington. Set the stage at the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway:“[c]olorful sights include the vibrant yellow larches of Ross Lake, the golden-grassy farmland of Winthrop and blazing yellow-red maple vines in Leavenworth,” according to ExperienceWA.com. In addition to scenic overlooks along these and the many other drives, Washington offers hiking opportunities, like Wallace Falls near Gold Bar, as well as fall festivals, such as Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth. To learn about other scenic drives in Washington for your next fall time excursion, check out this article.

Midwest Region: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota—According to Travel Channel, Minneapolis-St. Paul offers a plethora of fall fun opportunities. The area offers a “scenic leaf-peeping drive” using either the Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis or Summit Avenue in St. Paul. If you prefer to get closer to nature, Minnesota’s Fort Snelling State Park and Afton State Park give hikers and bikers that chance. To learn more about the different autumn scenic views, sports activities, shopping and more — click here.

Southwest: The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona—The Grand Canyon National Park is hailed as one of the country’s most popular parks with approximately 5.9 million people visiting the 277 mile wonder last year alone, according to National Geographic. U.S. News & World Report suggests that the best times to visit the park are either in the spring between March and May or in the fall between September and November. During the fall, the temperatures cool down and the summer crowds disperse, leaving more hotel rooms and trails available as you enjoy the beauty of the Canyon. To plan your trip the Grand Canyon National Park, visit the National Park Service website here.

Southeast: New Orleans, Louisiana—New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, “keeps locals and visitors busy with countless events from late September through November…,” according to Travel Channel. From the city’s own Oktoberfest or its famed Oak Street Po-Boy Festival to the Louisiana Seafood Festival and the Voodoo Music Festival, the city has something for everyone to enjoy during the fall season. For more information about the best times to travel to the Big Easy, check out this article from U.S. New and World Report.

Outside of this list, there are many places across the United States that offer fall enthusiasts spectacular views of the changing leaves, traditional hay rides, fall festivals, Halloween celebrations and more. Wherever you travel, USI Travel Insurance Services is here to help protect not only your travel plans, but also your experience. For information on how Travel Insurance Services can protect your trip, visit our website here.