It is hard to believe, but peak travel season is already underway for 2025! If you have not booked your annual getaway, you may fear that you have missed your chance to mark those top-ticket places off your bucket list. We are here to tell you that while time is ticking, you can still visit the destinations you have only imagined this year.
Our catalog of escorted and independent tours travel to customer-favorite locales across six continents, putting inspiration at your fingertips. Whether your travel dreams take you across the United States, into Canada or beyond the Atlantic to Europe, these are our recommendations for the top last-minute destinations for 2025.
Last-Minute Destinations in the United States
Albuquerque
Brimming with Southwest ambiance, Albuquerque (ABQ) is a living patchwork quilt of culture. This New Mexico city is surrounded by desert yet is an artistic hub and a place where history and tradition meld with everyday life, with the city dating to 1706. All these things make ABQ a destination in and of itself, but its most renowned attraction is its International Balloon Fiesta.
Come along for a nine-day journey featuring this highly sought-after annual event. After traveling from Chicago to Grand Junction, Colorado, aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr, discover Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and the historic lines of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad before entering New Mexico. Spend time in Sante Fe, a city even older than Albuquerque, dating to 1610, and then relish a full day of Balloon Fiesta activities, from Dawn Patrol in the wee hours to the Night Glow after the sun sets for the day. As the hundreds of multi-patterned balloons take to the air between these events, you will see why people come from around the world to stand witness. This tour is filled with Southwest wonder and sells out every year. Don't miss your chance!
The Great Lakes
Where else in the United States can you feel as though you are beside the sea while, in fact, being fully landlocked than the idyllic Great Lakes? This region is popular throughout the year, with summer making Lake Michigan appear like the Caribbean, with its crystalline blue waters, and autumn adding a magnificent contrast - peppering in shades of yellow, orange and red to the surrounding foliage.
This fall, come along to see Wisconsin and Michigan at their finest while discovering the Great Lakes and Mackinac Island. Travel from Chicago to Milwaukee on Amtrak's Hiawatha before reveling in the romantic scenery of Door County. The route continues north through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada, before coming to a pinnacle on Mackinac Island. Enjoy timeless elegance in a car-free setting during a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel - home to the longest front porch in America - before traveling down Michigan's West Shore to Sleeping Bear Dunes and discovering automotive roots in Detroit. The Great Lakes are filled with beauty and history, and space remains to uncover it for yourself.
New England
Quaint towns, Revolutionary history and breathtaking seaside views make New England one of the top last-minute destinations for 2025. The states that make up this region are brimming with varied landscapes to uncover and sites dating to the founding of America. The only thing that can make these already impressive accolades better? Fall foliage. World-renowned fall foliage.
This autumn, join us for a leaf-peeping adventure in the East, uncovering New England in the Fall. A nine-day, multi-state adventure, this journey uncovers Boston's history and then travels inland to the White Mountains for scenic rail adventures on the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the North Conway Scenic Railroad. Traveling back down the coast, experience fall in infamous Salem before continuing to New Bedford, Plymouth (and its iconic Rock), Newport and Providence in Rhode Island, and Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. This is a comprehensive look at autumn in New England's most spectacular regions, but if you wish to make your journey even more impressive, you could look to the Colors of New England, Québec and Montreal.
After beginning in Boston, embark on a scenic rail journey along Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and see fall foliage from above on the Stowe Gondola in Vermont. Crossing the border into Canada, spend time exploring cultural Montreal and the French allures of Québec City before marveling at autumn's influence on Montmorency Falls. The route then turns back to the United States, taking us into the heart of fall foliage country in the White Mountains and along the legendary Kancamagus Highway. Perennial favorites with our customers, these tours offer an incredible conclusion to the vacation season and are selling fast.
Canadian Gems for 2025
Eastern Canada
If we had to pick one thing to love about Eastern Canada, it is how quickly the views change. From the charming Maritime provinces, such as Nova Scotia, to the booming metropolises sprinkled throughout the province of Québec, Eastern Canada is awash in beauty that is evident throughout the year but especially in autumn. Because this is such a diverse region, we have designed many ways to see it, allowing you to fall in love however best suits you in 2025.
Immerse yourself in the Highlights of French Canada and Nova Scotia while traveling by long-distance overnight train, VIA Rail's Ocean. This eight-day journey begins amongst the culture of Montreal and then utilizes VIA Rail's Corridor Service to travel to Québec City, North America's only remaining fortified city north of Mexico. Wander amongst its historic streets and see Montmorency Falls in all its autumnal glory before VIA Rail's Ocean guides the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where fall foliage frames incredible destinations like Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg.
Alternatively, you could make your sightseeing in Montreal and Québec City a rail and cruise adventure, taking to the St. Lawrence River in Québec City and sailing to quintessential Eastern Canada destinations like Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ship then crosses international waters, stopping in Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine, before docking for the final time in Boston. This cruise offers fall foliage viewing in a truly unique way, making it one of our top seasonal tours.
Of course, with the proximity, you could also combine your time in Eastern Canada with a trip through New England's top fall foliage regions, as seen above. Some of the best departure dates for these vacations are still up for grabs, but they won't be for long.
Top Recommendations for Traveling Abroad This Year
Scotland
If castles, lochs and rich traditions beckon to you this year, look no further than Scotland. This is a land heavy with lore, whether you are traversing the ancient cities, the heathered Highlands or the fishing villages along the coast. Its scenic backdrop sets the tone for marvelous vacations at any time of year, but Scotland takes on a distinctly cozy feel during the fall when wool tartan scarves start appearing on necks and the countryside bursts to life with fire-hued foliage.
And luckily for you, space still remains in September on our best-selling tour, Edinburgh, the Highland and Islands. Take advantage of late-booking deals on airfare, and watch as autumn colors Scotland on a round-trip journey from the capital, Edinburgh. This vacation follows the scenic West Highland Line through the Highlands to Fort William and sails to the picturesque Isle of Mull. Cruise Loch Linnhe and iconic Loch Ness - keeping an eye out for Nessie - and ride trains like the Jacobite Steam Train, aka the "Harry Potter Train," and the Kyle Line toward the coast. Get a better look at history while visiting Urquhart and Eilean Donan Castles and a taste of the region's culture during a customary Scots evening, complete with bagpipe music, dancers, traditional dress and authentic Scottish food. This last-minute tour is not one to miss.
Italy
It is no secret that this country tops many a bucket list - and for good reason! Italy's natural scenery is spectacular, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the spellbinding Amalfi Coast, and its cities are rich with culture, history and mouthwatering culinary offerings. Each region has a distinct essence, making a trip through Italy an experience like none other. This year, beat the heat of summer, and take your time wandering through Italy's most iconic destinations with fewer crowds by booking an Italy vacation in the autumn.
Last-minute deals on airfare make the perfect companion for our range of vacations, which highlight Italy in all the best ways. Travel from the Top to the Toe of Italy, exploring iconic cities like Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Sorrento and Pompeii before traveling to Sicily by train to see Mount Etna and the ancient Greek city of Taormina. Alternatively, you could embark on a Grand Tour of Italy, which begins in the ancient capital, Rome, and then ventures into the tranquil landscapes of Tuscany to Florence, Pisa and Lucca before finishing up in the "Floating City" of Venice.
If you still crave warmer weather, book a last-minute fall vacation for 2025 in Southern Italy & Sicily to spend 12 days in Mediterranean climates. Experience the history of Rome and the preserved scenes of Pompeii, cruise along the Amalfi Coast, and travel deep into Southern Italy to Matera and Alberobello. End the trip on the island of Sicily, staying in a beachside resort and exploring Mount Etna, Taormina and the Valley of Temples, amongst other destinations. Or - even better - combine your Italian dream vacation with the Highlights of Europe. Enjoy a tasters menu of world-class cities, including London, Paris and Lucerne in the Swiss Alps before traveling to Italy's most atmospheric destinations. See Venice, the Renaissance gems of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the beautiful artwork and architecture of Vatican City.
No matter how you experience it, Italy is a must-see, and our last-minute vacations open the door to a range of possibilities.
