8 reasons to look forward to travel this fall
Though the last day of summer isn't technically until Sept. 22, for many, the end of summer — and all that comes with it — arrives the Tuesday after Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer.
Long weekends, playing hooky for a day at the beach, backyard barbecues, late-night ice cream runs while the sun is still out: There are few things sweeter in life than summer traditions.
Though I personally enjoy those experiences, growing up in the Midwest and living in New York City and Washington, D.C., since then has also led me to associate summer with humidity and heat (not ideal for someone who sweats excessively).
My lifelong attempt to find cooler weather has led me to Chicago which, ironically, is one of the best places in the U.S. to be for the summer — a reward achieved only after surviving winter and spring, when it routinely snows through April and is cold enough to still require coats in May.
Regardless of where I live, I always look forward to the best season, which is fall, in my humble opinion.
For people like me who prefer the start of fall more than any other time of year, it's with great pleasure I present to you this list of reasons to love fall travel. (Or, depending on your perspective, reasons not to be miserable that summer is ending.)
You can take road trips to enjoy the fall foliage
From charming towns in the Berkshires to Stowe, Vermont, the Northeast tends to come to mind when you think of fall foliage. There's likely a spot to admire the leaves near where you live, though. Mackinac Island, Michigan; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and even the Napa Valley in California – there's no shortage of places to see leaves turn across the U.S.
From the best small cities and towns in the U.S. to hit when the leaves change to 10 great train rides that are perfect for leaf peeping, there are plenty of destinations to consider for your autumn bucket list and beyond.
The kids have gone back to school
Although I am a childless millennial, I can imagine the sigh of relief parents breathe when sending their children back to school.
One of my favorite parts about the start of the school year was, of course, back-to-school shopping. This can be a win-win for all involved since there are many ways to use points and miles to maximize your back-to-school purchases. (And, of course, you don't have to be going back to school yourself — or sending your children back to class — to enjoy the discounts in this sale season.)
Make sure you always make the most of your shopping purchases. Use welcome bonuses for new travel rewards credit cards, leverage spending categories that yield bonus earnings on cards currently in your wallet and use online shopping portals that reward you for bonus earnings on top of the regular earnings for the purchase.
Fall is the northern lights season
If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, fall is a great time to check that item off. You can travel to one of the Nordic countries (Iceland, Norway, Finland or Sweden) or stay a bit closer to the U.S. (Alaska, Canada). However, heading above the Arctic Circle is your best chance for viewing the auroras.
Depending on the location, viewing periods for the aurora borealis begin in late August and continue through mid-May.
Given the growth of popularity among tourists seeking a view of the northern lights, we recommend using points and miles to help lessen the costs of such a trip, as TPG senior credit card reporter Ryan Smith did last year to see the lights in Luleå, Sweden.
Read more: How to plan your first visit to a national park
There’s no better time to explore the national parks
I'm planning my first trip to visit a national park as an adult this fall. One reason for that is because the 400-plus National Park Service parks in the U.S. tend to be most crowded during the summer months.
Not only do you have a better chance of beating the crowds by waiting to visit a national park until the fall, but the potential for cooler weather may also yield a more pleasant experience overall.
As a bonus, Saturday, Sept. 22 is the 29th annual National Public Lands Day. It's one of five "Fee-Free Days" per year, where entrance fees to all national parks (and other public lands) are waived. National parks are also free on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.
It’s officially the shoulder season
Just as there tend to be fewer people at national parks in the fall versus the summer, there's less demand for travel overall in the fall, partly because families aren't traveling as much with their children back in school.
This is good news for travelers who have the flexibility to travel during the fall, particularly for those of us looking for deals, whether they be in cash, points or miles.
This concept is known as shoulder season, which is generally from September to November and January through April. In addition to deals, these periods of offseason travel also promise cooler weather and thinner crowds.
You can seek out autumnal flavors
Could there be anything more autumnal than apple picking? Where there are apples, you can typically find apple cider donuts, spiced apple cider, hard cider and many other apple-themed delights. Anything to do with food is reason enough to travel for me.
And, as always, Starbucks plans to release everyone's favorite fall beverage in late August this year, when it's likely still going to be too warm outside to enjoy it fully.
Nonetheless, an August pumpkin spice latte (that's PSL for short) delivery date means you'll have even more time to drink your daily dose of autumnal goodness.
Read more: How I booked a trip to see the northern lights with points and miles
Europe is on sale
This summer has brought a mess when it comes to traveling, with canceled and delayed flights — resulting in mountains of lost baggage at airports — along with soaring airfare.
As is the case in the U.S., tourist season wanes in Europe come fall, too. This means you could find good flight deals to the continent this fall, including several European cities that are best experienced in the fall, from Mediterranean beaches to wine regions.
You don’t have to love fall to love fall travel
If you've made it thus far and are still not convinced that fall is the best season to travel, rest assured there are plenty of great reasons to hit the road that have nothing to do with foliage, pumpkin spice lattes or puffy vests.
Personally, I am of the mindset that fall is the best time to travel, regardless of destination, thanks to the generally cooler temperatures and fewer people — which really is a win-win.
Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.