Best Fall Getaways: AAA's Top Travel Tips
We're just days away from fall, which means it's time to plan your fall getaway. AAA has released its latest recommendations on where to go and when. FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas has the scoop.
NEW YORK – With just a few days after autumn, AAA says now is the perfect time to plan your next road trip north.
In New York, the Adirondacks, Catskills, Thousand Island-Seaway, Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes and Greater Niagara regions are beginning to show the first signs of fall colors.
Here are some tips from AAA on how to plan your next fall excursion:
JUMP TO: When will fall foliage peak in our area? | Is fall the best time to travel? | BEST FALL DESTINATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES | THE MAIN NATIONAL DESTINATIONS OF AUTUMN
Margaret Gould of Whittier, Calif., photographs fall foliage in Washington Park on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
“We know a lot of people enjoy seeing the colors of fall when the leaves turn from green to orange, red and yellow. And it becomes very, very vibrant in our area,” said AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair.
Sinclair said foliage will peak in most areas around mid-October.
Explorefall.com reports The estimated date for the leaves to peak in New York is November 8. Right now in New York, there is little to no color.
As the leaves begin to change color, fall is the perfect time to travel, whether it's a road trip or a flight.
“This time of year is known as shoulder season in travel, which means warmer weather, fewer crowds and better prices,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
Gas prices
Not only have temperatures dropped, but so have gasoline prices.
AAA said gas prices have been falling since late July, thanks in part to a relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season.
Drivers renting cars for their fall road trips are getting better deals, with domestic rental rates down 5% and international rates down 15% this season, AAA said.
Car trips
Drivers who rent cars for their fall road trips are also getting cheaper rates, according to AAA.
The cost of renting a vehicle nationwide is down 5% and 15% for international car rentals, AAA said.
If you are planning a road trip, be aware that as the season changes, there is a chance of more rain and the leaves eventually falling.
AAA warns that wet leaves can pose risks similar to driving on ice.
They also recommend finding a safe place to stop and look at the leaves.
“We usually tell people that in shady areas, the sun can't dry the roads. These leaves end up on the road at the bottom of the hill, for example, and they collect water, which can make the road very, very slippery,” Sinclair said.
Travel by plane
AAA says domestic flight bookings are up 1% and international flight bookings are up 3%.
“AAA booking numbers show that more people are flying this season, both domestically and internationally, and many travelers are taking fall cruises to enjoy the foliage in Alaska and New England!”
According to AAA, travelers are paying about the same price as last fall. The average price for a domestic round-trip ticket is $660, while an international round-trip ticket costs an average of $1,315.
Fall foliage is seen at Shequaga Falls in the village of Montour Falls, New York, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 03: People stand under trees in fall colors in Central Park on November 03, 2022 in New York City. Leaves around parts of Central Park have changed colors while much of Long Island and upstate New York are past peak.
New York is one of AAA's top fall destinations, but what other places made the list?
- Orlando
- Boston
- Seattle
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Fort Lauderdale
- Honolulu
- Atlanta
- Rome
- Paris
- London
- Vancouver
- Dublin
- Athens
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Venice
- Lisbon
