It’s hard to imagine that autumn is on the horizon with all the heatwaves the West is experiencing right now, but believe it or not, fall is nearly here. And while summer vacation may be what most associate with travel, autumn travel can be a rewarding, if not underrated, season to log some miles.
For fall of 2025, we’re seeing a shift toward more mindful, budget-conscious, and wellness-focused travel, with destinations and experiences that celebrate both comfort and connection. From intimate music festivals in wine country to Nordic-inspired spa retreats closer to home, the fall travel landscape is all about quality over quantity, sustainability over spectacle, and meaningful experiences that don’t break the bank. Here are the eight trends that will shape your fall getaways.
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Fall Music Festivals Take Center Stage
Summer gets all the love with Coachella and Stagecoach, but savvy music lovers know that fall festivals offer something special: smaller crowds, cooler weather, and often more intimate settings. This season, micro-festivals are having their moment, combining great music with spectacular autumn backdrops.
One festival on our radar is the new Midway Getaway, perfectly positioned in Napa Valley’s wine country, right when the vineyards are at their most photogenic. The timing couldn’t be better—fall is already the ideal season to visit wine regions, and now there’s even more reason to make the trip with headliners like Bonobo, Bob Moses, and more.
In San Francisco, RISE with Rufus Du Sol promises to be a highlight, while Portola Festival is bringing serious star power with LCD Soundsystem, Moby, and The Prodigy headlining. These festivals prove that autumn can deliver unforgettable musical moments without the summer festival chaos.
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Cost-Conscious Dupes
With travel budgets tightening, savvy travelers are discovering the concept of “destination dupes”—stunning locations that offer similar experiences to their more expensive counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Think of ideas like getting your Amalfi Coast fix on Catalina Island, for instance.
This trend isn’t just about saving money; it’s about discovering hidden gems that often provide more authentic experiences than their overcrowded, overpriced inspirations. Smart travelers are doing their research, finding those off-the-beaten-path destinations that deliver Instagram-worthy moments and meaningful memories without the premium price tag.
Tanveer Badal
Longevity Tourism Takes Root
The wellness travel trend that launched 2025 has evolved beyond simple spa weekends to embrace longevity tourism—travel focused on extending both lifespan and healthspan. This fall, destinations are rolling out programs that combine cutting-edge health diagnostics with restorative experiences, from thermal springs to forest bathing. Immersive retreats at Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort and the Modern Elder Academy are great examples, where guests pay a premium for bonafide biohacks that provide a longer, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
Travelers are seeking out destinations that offer comprehensive wellness assessments, personalized nutrition programs, and activities scientifically proven to promote longevity. It’s travel with a purpose that goes far beyond relaxation—it’s about investing in your future self while exploring beautiful places.
Thomas J. Story
Dog-Friendly Travel Goes Mainstream
Pet parents are no longer willing to leave their four-legged family members behind, and the travel industry is finally catching up. Recently I flew with JSX with my senior Shiba Inu Bento for the first time, and it highlighted just how much the landscape has changed.
The launch of Bark Air and other pet-focused airlines signals a major shift in how we think about traveling with dogs. These services offer not just the practical benefit of keeping families together, but also the comfort and peace of mind that comes with pet-centric travel experiences. For many travelers, the slight premium for pet-friendly accommodations and transport is worth avoiding the stress and cost of pet-sitting services.
Photo courtesy of Fjord
Nordic Spa Retreats Bring Hygge Home
The Nordic wellness philosophy is finding its way to American shores, offering a more accessible way to experience Scandinavian-style relaxation. Our recent feature on Fjord in Sausalito showcased how this newly opened spa brings authentic Nordic traditions to the Bay Area, complete with saunas, cold plunges, and the Danish concept of hygge.
This trend extends beyond individual spas to entire retreat experiences. Companies like Eleven Experiences and resorts like Alyeska are incorporating Nordic wellness principles into multi-day programs that combine the mental health benefits of contrast therapy with stunning natural settings. It’s wellness travel that feels both luxurious and grounding.
Thomas J. Story
Return to Maui
West Maui is ready for its comeback moment. With Aero launching new service from LAX in partnership with Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea this fall, getting to the island has never been easier, and the destination is welcoming back visitors with open arms and exciting new developments.
The Royal Lahaina has undergone a complete transformation, featuring new restaurants and a revamped spa that honors the island’s natural healing traditions. This isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about creating experiences that celebrate Maui’s unique culture and environment while supporting the local community.
The island is specifically seeking the return of mindful travelers who understand the importance of responsible tourism, visitors who want to contribute to the community while experiencing the unparalleled beauty that makes Maui special.
Murray Cohen
Domestic Destinations Shine
Economic uncertainty has travelers looking closer to home, and domestic destinations are stepping up to meet the moment. National Parks across the West are particularly compelling in fall, when cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable and clearer skies create perfect conditions for stargazing.
This trend toward domestic travel isn’t just about saving money—though the economics certainly make sense. It’s about rediscovering the incredible diversity and beauty that exists within our own borders. From the changing aspens in Colorado to the dramatic coastlines of California, fall domestic travel offers experiences that rival any international destination, with the added benefit of supporting local communities and reducing your carbon footprint.
Thomas J. Story
For the Love of Leaf Peeping
The technicolor landscapes that occur when leaves change color in the fall are an absolute heaven for all lovers of autumn, especially photographers. And while the East Coast gets a lot of love when it comes to leaf peeping, there are plenty of places here in the West that really deliver. Varieties of native oak, maple, aspen, and alder put on a spectacle this time of year, particularly in our parklands. The natural instinct is to turn to National Parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, but thankfully there are slightly less-touristed areas worth exploring, too, particularly in the North and Eastern regions of the Sierra. You can check out some of our favorites here.