This Country Just Dethroned Mexico As the No. 1 Fall Destination for Americans — and It Has Stunning Foliage, Too

For the first time in more than a decade, Italy has surpassed the U.S. and Mexico as the most popular fall destination for American travelers.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it's no surprise that American travelers are setting their sights on fall adventures. According to travel insurer Squaremouth, fall travel for Americans has increased by eight percent this year compared to 2023.

So, where are Americans heading this season? For the first time in more than a decade, Italy has surpassed the U.S. and Mexico as the most popular fall destination for American travelers. In a country that has given us everything from Prada to prosecco, your destination in Italy really doesn’t matter — but here are three fantastic places to consider.

While Rome is a timeless favorite, fall is particularly suitable for exploring historical sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain. The cooler weather and reduced tourist crowds, especially early or late in the day, make sightseeing more enjoyable. For travelers seeking to stay inside a modern masterpiece, the Singer Palace Hotel is an excellent choice. This boutique art deco property, situated just steps from the famed Via del Corso and Piazza Venezia, is housed in the nearly century-old former European headquarters of the Singer Corporation and features 29 luxurious rooms, a chic rooftop restaurant, and a stunning cantilevered original marble staircase.

Sicily is well known for its vibrant food scene, which takes on bold new flavors from the fresh autumn harvest of truffles, grapes, olives, eggplant, pomegranates, and chestnuts. The island is also dotted with charming, historical, and architecturally rich towns, from Palermo to Noto.

Not to be missed is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples, near Agrigento, a city recently bestowed the Italian Capital of Culture for 2025. For a restful stay near Agrigento, the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia, a sustainable wellness property, offers 90 spacious sea-view rooms, four swimming pools, and farm-to-table dining emphasizing zero-mile produce. Guests can partake in wellness activities such as yoga, guided nature hikes, and invigorating spa treatments at the resort’s 13-room luxury spa.

On the heel of Italy lies Puglia, a region containing the longest coastline in mainland Italy. Flanked by the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, Puglia is famous for its whitewashed towns like Alberobello, medieval castles, and unique trulli houses. Once primarily a destination for Italian travelers, the region has now captured international attention with its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, and luxury accommodations, such as Masseria Torre Maizza, a beautifully restored 16th-century farmhouse with lush gardens, a golf course, and an elegant pool.

Rounding out the top five fall destinations are Mexico, a perennial favorite for Americans; the U.S.; Great Britain; and Spain. To learn more about the study and to see the top 10 list, visit squaremouth.com.

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