Fall is the most fleeting season — a brief, golden pause between the chaos of summer vacations and the frenzy of the holidays. As the weather cools, it feels natural to slow down: layer on a sweater, sip something warm and admire the scenery as the world turns amber. For many Americans, the best way to experience peak fall is to go find it.

Fortunately, it’s also one of the best windows to travel (unless, of course, you head to Salem, Massachusetts, or the most popular leaf peeping spots on TikTok).

"Traveling in October is what the thinking traveler does," said author and travel writer David Coggins. "The crowds go away, kids are in school."

Stacy H. Small, founder of the Elite Travel Club, appreciates the more casual nature of fall travel. Unlike big summer vacations that can take mon

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