FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As autumn approaches, HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, has released two data-backed studies: a 2025 Fall Travel Report crunching the data to reveal the world’s top trending destinations for fall trips among Americans, and a U.S. Fall Foliage Index to guide vacationers in search of superlative leaf peeping locations. With an overall +27% year-on-year increase in searches for fall retreats recorded via HomeToGo, the season is quickly growing as a prime time for breaks both at home and abroad.
Autumn is proving to be an increasingly popular travel period as U.S. vacationers look beyond the traditional high season in search of new experiences, fewer crowds, and lower prices — with the latter the top priority for 36% of Americans when planning trips, according to HomeToGo’s 2025 Travel Forecast. With rural locations accounting for 79% of searches for fall stays in the U.S., the demand for breaks surrounded by seasonal scenery is clear, and we hope HomeToGo’s Fall Foliage Index helps travelers find their ideal destination for leaf peeping this year. Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert.*
2025 Fall Travel Report: Seasonal Statistics and Top Trending Destinations
Destinations in the U.S. account for two-thirds (68%) of searches for fall trips among American travelers — a +6% increase in comparison to 2024, according to HomeToGo demand data. The top trending domestic list comprises leaf peeping alternatives to New England, such as Colorado’s Evergreen and Georgia’s Mineral Bluff, coastal and lakeside locations including Mystic in Connecticut and Lido Key in Florida, and spots surrounded by nature yet easily accessible from larger hubs, like Arizona’s Oro Valley and California’s Solana Beach.
Looking abroad, American travelers planning international trips are prioritizing island retreats in locations across Europe and Asia. Thailand’s Ko Chang and Karon, Palawan in the Philippines, Crete in Greece, Funchal in Portugal, and Alghero in Italy all appear on the top trending destinations list. Elsewhere, scenic city break spots such as Edinburgh in Scotland, Verona in Italy, and Málaga in Spain are capturing the attention of U.S. tourists.
Additional key takeaways surrounding American travel behavior for fall include:
- Autumn vacationers are journeying an average distance of 1,404 miles to reach destinations, staying for a notable average duration of 12 days.
- Breaks with family and friends are popular, with the average travel group size recorded at four guests, representing a 9% increase year-over-year.
- In the U.S., the median nightly per-person price for a fall vacation rental is $89, in comparison to the worldwide median nightly price of $53 per person.
For the full 2025 Fall Travel Report, including trending destinations, an interactive map, location descriptions, and methodology, visit www.hometogo.com/fall-travel-report-2025.
Fall Foliage Index: The Best Destinations in the U.S. for Leaf Peeping
With fall foliage season on the horizon, HomeToGo has identified the top locations in which travelers can soak up autumn’s vibrant landscapes. Featuring both hidden gems and classic hotspots, the 2025 Fall Foliage Index ranks 75 spots based on four factors: the median cost of nearby vacation homes, how well the destination flies under the radar, the scenic punch of its autumn landscapes, and the variety of plant species putting on a show.
The list stretches coast to coast, from Camden’s coppery coastlines in Maine to Ashland’s ember-lit hills in Oregon — but it’s a location in West Virginia that secured first place:
Here’s a glimpse at what travelers can expect in the top five leaf peeping spots:
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: Set at the point where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac, Harpers Ferry offers a scenic front-row seat to the changing season. Travelers can enjoy exploring the surrounding ridgelines, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are laced with trails and picturesque drives ideal for fall colors.
- Ely, Minnesota: Tucked into the northern reaches of Minnesota, Ely is a gateway to the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest. In autumn, visitors can look forward to seeing maple and aspen trees dominating the landscape, turning backcountry drives and lakeside hikes into full-scale color studies.
- Brevard, North Carolina: On the edge of Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is surrounded by high-altitude forest known for its extended leaf season. Here, leaf peepers are invited to enjoy the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway or nearby mountain vistas for long-range views over the Blue Ridge in transition.
- Manchester, Vermont: Flanked by the Green Mountains and surrounded by hardwood forest rich in sugar maple and birch, Manchester is a standout for early autumn color. With nearby drives along Route 7 or up to Equinox Skyline Drive, fall vacationers can experience wide valley views and dense forest canopies in flux.
- Ashland, Oregon: Ashland’s foothill location at the edge of the Siskiyou Mountains delivers a blend of oak, maple, and conifer in autumn tones. With the surrounding Rogue Valley and drivable access to forested hills, autumn aficionados can discover fall color in the Pacific Northwest.
For the full Fall Foliage Index, including the ranking, an interactive map, destination descriptions, and the complete methodology, visit www.hometogo.com/united-states/#fall-foliage-index.
For more information on HomeToGo, visit HomeToGo.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following HomeToGo on Instagram @HomeToGo and LinkedIn @HomeToGo.
*Survey insights are based on research conducted by HomeToGo among a sample of 800 respondents in the United States. To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 or older. The survey was carried out online between September 3, 2024, and September 5, 2024. Respondents were able to select multiple answers across a number of questions.
About HomeToGo
HomeToGo is the SaaS-enabled marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, listing millions of offers from thousands of trusted partners, including Booking.com, Vrbo and TripAdvisor.
From vacation homes, cabins, beach houses, apartments, condos, house boats, castles, farm stays and everything in between, HomeToGo combines price, destination, dates and amenities to find the perfect accommodation for any trip worldwide.
Founded in 2014, HomeToGo operates localized apps & websites in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia-Pacific. HomeToGo also operates brands such as Agriturismo.it, AMIVAC, Casamundo, CaseVacanza.it, e-domizil, EscapadaRural, Kurzurlaub, Kurz Mal Weg, Tripping.com and Wimdu. To learn more, visit www.hometogo.com or download the HomeToGo app.
