As people across the United States of America and around the world say goodbye to summer and welcome the fall, it can be challenging figuring out what fun places there are to visit during the brisk, fall days. Americans seem eager to travel more. Travel spending for 2015 may be up as much as 8 percent according to a Travel Pulse survey from Nov. 26, 2014. If you enjoy actively engaging in new communities and cultures, tasting delicious foods and drinks or simply seeing the beautiful sites of another place, here are the top 7 ½ travel destinations for the fall that you should look into for your upcoming fall break, much needed vacation from work or a sheer getaway!
Warning: After reading this you may find yourself wanting to clear your calendar for the next month.
7 ½ = World’s Largest Corn Maze
According to Richardson Farm, “Many farms have cool corn mazes, but none can live up to the size and detail of the Richardson Farm Corn Maze with it’s five separate maze games winding through 33 acres of live corn.” There’s a major trend in pop-culture corn mazes as this adored activity is becoming an increasingly larger business for the modern day farmer.So, if you are up for the challenge of being lost in lots of corn — or if you simply love the maze design of the 2015 Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, then be sure to check out this corn maze.
FYI: This was only considered one-half of a whole travel destination because I am not a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks — Pittsburgh Penguins are the best!
7 = Apple Picking
One activity that makes fall a home in the hearts of many people is through the beloved activity of apple picking. According to Huffington Post, apple picking is a popular activity nationwide because “almost all 50 states have pick your own (“PYO”) apple picking orchards.” So get dressed in comfy, cute clothes and head out to stroll through fields lined with various types of apples with the option to choose whichever apples you want. Whether you like red apples, green apples, sweet apples or sour apples make sure you take part in this festive fall tradition. Plus, you can make delicious apple pies, apple crumbles, apple cider and more with the apples that you pick — yum!
6 = Caribbean Cruises
Don’t be too quick to pack away your tank tops, bathing suits and sandals — just because summer is gone doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the sunshine until next year. Take a break from the brisk, fall weather and say hello to the beautiful Caribbean warmth. Since last year, a Caribbean cruise was ranked as the number one international destination for fall travel according to a survey done by Travel Leaders Group. Alongside this data, they said that about 61 percent of millennials are traveling to the Caribbean by air or sea. The sunshine, sand and state of relaxation makes the Caribbean a destination definitely worth looking into when booking your next escapade.
5 = Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Do you enjoy listening to live music, hanging out with people and conversing over a pint or two? If so, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is the place for you. Even though Guinness sales are down, this has not affected the popularity of Ireland’s premier Jazz event. This event runs from Oct. 22 to Oct. 26 in the beautiful and picturesque southern capital of County Cork. This event attracts visitors from all over the world and never fails to deliver to its thousands of guests.
4 = Brugge Chocolate Festival
From October to November, chocolate lovers can experience chocolate heaven in Bruges, Belgium, by attending the Chocolate Festival. According to the European Rail Guide, chocolate lovers cannot miss this festival because “everything [to] do with chocolate is demonstrated” and a variety of activities can be done such as “just stick to tastings, drinking at the chocolate bar, or taking part in a workshop where you will learn the secret to making those cutesy chocolates.” Even though Germany sells more chocolate abroad, Belgium has continued to hold its title of being the World Capital of Chocolate which is a hard title to continually be given year after year especially with chocolate being loved by so many worldwide. This festival celebrates the deliciousness of Belgian chocolate and celebrates the scrumptious sweet a plethora of people savor. Whatever your sweet tooth desires, that craving will be more than satisfied at this festival!
3 = Adirondack Region
If you enjoy being outside, being active and taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the world, then pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots and start walking through the beautiful Adirondack region located in the northeast part of upstate New York. With the growing, popular trend of wellness travel being enjoyed by a large number of people, a hiking vacation is ideal because it creates the perfect active getaway. The Adirondacks not only have numerous different hikes you can choose from, but they have tons of fall events happening in the upcoming few weeks that you have to consider taking part in.
2 = Dijon International and Gastronomic Fair
If you love tasting high-end foods and delicious drinks, then clear your calendar from Oct. 30 to Nov. 11 and book a plane ticket to Dijon, the capital city of the Burgundy region in eastern France. The town of Dijon is one of France’s main wine-producing cities and is the host for the International Gastronomy Fair for the 85th year. Many people visit because of their passion for gourmet mustard, which is one of the world’s fastest growing condiments. Alongside this, according to Burgundy Today, “over 200,000 visitors are expected, with 580 exhibitors, making this one of the top ranking food fairs in France.” Whether you are a professional in the kitchen or an amateur cook, this fair will have something catered to you. Prepare to have your taste-buds run wild!
1 = New York City
As we say goodbye to summer and welcome the fall, it’s hard not to think about all the treasures fall brings about — boots, sweaters, flannels and the adored festive favorite, the pumpkin spice latte. Have you ever dreamed of wearing your beloved fall attire, drinking your warm pumpkin spice latte and having a day in The Big Apple? If so, this is just the place for you to travel. In a recent study done by AARP, amongst the immense selection of U.S. destinations that are on travelers’ lists for this year, New York sits in the top three. Alongside this, travel industry powerhouse, Travel Leaders Group, states that, “New York City ranks as the top domestic destination for travel during the remainder of 2015 – a spot typically held by Orlando or Las Vegas.” New York City “is an incredibly vibrant, world-class city for leisure and business travelers alike.” CEO Barry Liben stated that, “from the fall right through the holidays, it’s nothing short of spectacular” in the lively, unique New York City.
Whether you are planning on staying stateside or venturing around the world to visit another country or take part one of these incredible festivals, whatever you choose to do — have a blast and enjoy the fall season to its fullest.