No Way: Where New England Ranks in Fall Vacations for 2022

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.

I'll just start out right now by saying I'm shocked.  Maybe it's naïveté or ego, but when it comes to fall travel destinations, New England isn't all that this year.

I'd like to say I'm fine with that because it means less traffic, not as many slow campers and mobile homes, and fewer lines, but I feel guilty even thinking that.  Tourism is crucial economically, and when it comes to pride, we love to show off our autumn love.

According to Travel and Leisure Magazine, around 65% of Americans are traveling for a fall getaway or full-on vacation for 2022, and when it comes to sweater weather, Americans don't want it this year.

Yup, the magazine says Las Vegas is the most popular destination this year.  Okay, I get it for those quick holidays where you just let loose in the adult playground of America.  It's a fun place for a couple of days.  I've been twice in my life and had a blast. There are lots of freebies when you do the Vegas thing, too so that's a perk. Plus, it's hard not to find a hotel, so it's an easy, one-stop shop vacation.

Okay, so is New England next for our incomparable changing of the colors and gorgeous drives, quaint towns, apple cider donuts, and pumpkin festivals, while sporting chunky sweaters or our favorite tall boots?

Nope, we didn't even make the list this year, according to Travel and Leisure.

Americans’ appetite for vacations is not fading with the end of summer. Despite inflation, cities like Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando top US travelers’ lists this fall, destinations across Europe and Asia are also beginning to trend year-over-year for many Americans planning their next trip.