The October Escape
September 22, 2026
“One Monday, two holidays—and time to start planning.”
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October may be one of the most underrated months to get away—and if you’re thinking about taking advantage of it, now is the time to make plans. With October only weeks away, popular fall destinations, scenic hotels and weekend flights can become harder to book as foliage season approaches. Summer crowds may be gone, but autumn travel certainly isn’t. According to AAA Northeast’s analysis of TSA data, October recorded the largest year-over-year increase in domestic airline passengers in 2025, suggesting that more travelers are discovering what many of us already know: fall can be a terrific time to travel.
This year brings an interesting calendar coincidence. Monday, October 12, 2026, is Columbus Day in the United States and Thanksgiving Day in Canada. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October, while some states and communities recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or alongside it. The Government of Canada lists Thanksgiving on that same Monday. For many travelers, the long weekend creates an excellent opportunity for a quick autumn escape.
The choices are plentiful. Head to New England, the Appalachians or the Great Lakes for fall foliage; spend a few days hiking; visit a harvest festival; or try a mountain town such as Aspen, Telluride or Stowe before ski season arrives. Canada offers another possibility, with destinations such as Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa particularly attractive in autumn. But don’t wait until October to decide. If you want a prime hotel, convenient flight or a room in a popular foliage destination, start looking now. Sometimes the best spontaneous-looking getaway is the one you quietly planned a few weeks ahead.
The Takeaway: Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving both fall on October 12 this year. If a long fall weekend sounds appealing, start planning now—October will be here before you know it.
