New England and Beyond
How to sell fall foliage tour programs around the world

Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color throughout New England with travelers flocking to the area to catch a glimpse of this colorful splendor. While New England is considered the “mecca” for leaf-peepers, destinations around the globe offer travelers breathtaking fall foliage. From the spectacular colors of Japan’s revered Golden Route to the autumnal brilliance of the Canadian Rockies, fall’s natural beauty is evident in many corners of the world.
The tour operator members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer travelers unparalleled access to many of the world’s most spectacular – and sometimes unexpected – destinations for fall’s glorious change of seasons. This October, why not think ahead to next year and consider a trip for your clients to one of the world’s less expected fall foliage destinations? Of course, New England is always beautiful as well, so USTOA members also offer a wide range of itineraries throughout the northeastern United States.
With vibrant colored leaves showcased against great backdrops such as the Great Wall of China, autumn provides a favorable time of year to travel in China and Japan, in addition to the U.S. and Canada. Here is a sampling of fun 2015 fall foliage itineraries from USTOA members for your clients to enjoy:
CHINA
Explore vast landscapes and epic monuments on Abercrombie & Kent’s 12-day “China: Life Along the Yangtze” journey, which visits cosmopolitan Hong Kong, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall of China, and the terra cotta warriors in the ancient city of Xian. Travelers will enjoy the vibrant fall colors on a four-night cruise through the fabled Three Gorges aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Priced from $4,995 per person based on double occupancy, the journey is available for departure September 4, 11, 18 and October 2, 9 and 16, 2015. www.abercrombiekent.com
Ritz Tours’ “China Scenic 12 Days 10 Nights” tour showcases China’s natural scenery without missing its cultural and historical wonders. In addition to visits to Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai, the itinerary includes a scenic cruise along the Li River, allowing guests to witness emerald rice fields, karst peaks and conical hills aglow with fall color. Available Sept. 11 and 25, Oct. 9 and 23, and Nov. 6, 2015, the tour is priced from $1,799 per person, double occupancy, land only. www.ritztours.com
JAPAN
“From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps,” an 11-day small-group journey from Alexander + Roberts reveals the autumnal splendor of Japan’s revered landscape. Highlights include a visit to the picturesque Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park, dining with Geisha in Kyoto, seeing a pottery demonstration at a local studio in Kanazawa and tasting regional sake in Takayama. Available Sept. 27 and Oct. 18, 2015, prices start at $4,999 per person based on double occupancy. www.alexanderroberts.com
CANADA
Explore the rugged Canadian Rockies and take in fall foliage with the eight-day “Best of the Canadian Rockies” package from Tauck. Packed with breathtaking scenery (viewed from both the ground and a helicopter), adventure, and natural history, the itinerary includes exploration of Banff, Jasper and Yoho national parks. Available Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015, prices start at $3,690 per person, double occupancy, plus air. www.tauck.com
From the European-styled, Old World elegance of Quebec City to the thundering magnificence of Niagara Falls, Collette’s eight-day “The Best of Eastern Canada” offers an enriching cultural experience among the country’s most wonderful fall foliage. Guests will learn about maple syrup making at a local sugar shack, cruise through the spectacular unspoiled 1000 Islands and dine on regional cuisine. Priced at $2,049 per person, double occupancy, land only, the package is available for departure September 6, Sept. 27 or Oct. 4, 2015. www.gocollette.com
NEW ENGLAND
On the “Classic New England: Fall Foliage Tour” from Go Ahead Tours, visit New England’s historic sites under a canopy of color. Relive the birth of the nation, from the cobblestone streets in Boston to the battle greens of Lexington and Concord, before traveling up the coast to Maine to explore the fishing villages and trading centers where the country grew prosperous. Available Sept. 28 and Oct. 3, 10, 12, 17, and 24, 2015, prices for this eight-day journey start at $2,014 per person. www.goaheadtours.com
For more information about tours and packaged vacations, visit www.ustoa.com. And, remember that when booking with USTOA Active Members, you also get the assurance of knowing that they are held to the highest standards in the industry with our $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Visit www.ustoa.com for complete details.
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