Hi Reader,

Fall is one of my favorite times to travel — cooler weather, changing leaves, smaller crowds, and great deals! Whether you’re chasing vibrant foliage, squeezing in a warm beach getaway before winter, or cheering at a stadium game, there are plenty of amazing destinations to explore this season.

Here are a few Travel Must Do’s for your fall travel list.

🏔️ Best Fall Destinations to Visit

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

This is one of the best spots in the country for fall colors — and if you’ve followed Travel Must Do’s, you know I have several blog posts on this area! Check out my guides to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains for top attractions, cozy cabins, and scenic drives through the park.

👉 Read my Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg posts on TravelMustDos.com

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

If you love winding mountain roads, charming overlooks, and small-town vibes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is breathtaking in the fall. Stop in Asheville or Blowing Rock for local food, cozy inns, and fall festivals.

3. New England Road Trip

October is the perfect time to visit Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Think covered bridges, pumpkin patches, and charming towns lined with maple trees. Leaf peeping doesn’t get much better than this!

4. Coastal Getaway

Fall can still be beach season — without the crowds!
Some of my favorite fall coastal escapes include:

• ​Hilton Head, South Carolina – Quiet beaches and golf.
• ​Gulf Shores, Alabama – Warm water and lower hotel prices.
• ​San Diego, California – Great weather and ocean views year-round.
• ​Maui, Hawaii – Shoulder season deals and fewer tourists (plus it’s whale season soon!).

5. Cruises in October

Fall is one of the best times for cruises, especially in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska (before they wrap up for the season).
If you’re wondering where to cruise this time of year, check out my recent post:
👉 Best Cruises in October – Where to Sail This Fall

6. Sporting Events and Stadium Adventures

Fall also means football season! Whether you’re heading to college or NFL games, or even a big soccer match abroad, it’s the perfect time for a stadium trip.
If you’re planning to tailgate or attend a game, check out my Benable list of stadium gear — it includes everything from clear backpacks and portable seats to water bottles and ponchos.
👉 See my Stadium Gear List on Benable​

🎡 Favorite Fall Events & Festivals

Fall isn’t just about the scenery — it’s also festival season! Here are a few to add to your must-do list:

• ​Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (New Mexico): Over 500 hot air balloons fill the sky each October. It’s a photographer’s dream. This one's on my bucket list!
• Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany, or Leavenworth, Washington): Raise a stein, enjoy live music, and sample delicious pretzels and sausages. This one is on my list as well!
• ​Great Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival (Tennessee): Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge go all out with autumn décor, seasonal treats, and events.
• ​Salem Haunted Happenings (Massachusetts): The ultimate destination for Halloween lovers — parades, costumes, and haunted tours galore.
• ​Fall Foliage Festivals (New England): Nearly every small town celebrates with arts, crafts, and apple cider.

💡 Travel Tip

Pack in layers! Fall temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, especially in mountain regions. And if you’re attending a game, check the stadium’s bag policy — some allow only clear or very small bags.

🧳 My Recommendation

If you’re planning a fall trip — especially to stadiums or outdoor destinations — I recommend bringing this portable stadium seat. We used it at the Rose Bowl last year and it made all the difference!
👉 Shop My Favorite Stadium Seat​

🌍 Stay Connected

I’ll be sharing more fall travel inspiration and upcoming holiday trip ideas soon. Be sure to follow my Facebook page so you don’t miss any new posts:
👉 Travel Must Do’s on Facebook​

Or if you want to join in the conversations or ask any questions, join my Facebook group Come Travel with Me(lodie)​

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,
​Melodie

P.S. Some links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping keep Travel Must Do’s going!

P.P.S. If you’re new here, welcome! You can explore all my travel guides at travelmustdos.com.