Jetsettersblog

While New England is considered the “mecca” for leaf-peepers, destinations around the globe offer travelers breathtaking fall foliage. 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, often with last-minute savings.

With vibrant colored leaves amongst great backdrops such as the Great Wall of China, autumn provides a favorable time of year to travel in China and Japan. Programs include:

Highlights of China

Explore the vast landscapes and epic monuments on this customized package from Abercrombie & Kent that takes travelers to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall of China, the terra cotta warriors in the ancient city of Xian, and cosmopolitan Shanghai. Travelers will enjoy the vibrant fall colors on a three-night cruise through the fabled Three Gorges aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, a Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice. Price: $5,925 per person, double occupancy, dates of availability Oct 7-18, Oct 14-25 and Oct 28-Nov 8, 2011. www.abercrombiekent.com

Japan Sampler

This eight-day small group journey from Tokyo to Hakone and Kyoto by General Tours World Traveler reveals the autumnal splendor of Japan’s revered Golden Route.

Highlights include a special visit to Kodai-ji Temple with a Buddhist monk including a Zen meditation experience, and Kimono demonstration.

Price: regularly $3,744, now only $3,144 per person ($600 savings) when booked and paid-in-full for the Oct 13 – 20, 2011 departure. www.generaltours.com

Nine-day Japan Classics/Six-day Japan Kanto

Super Value Tours is offering more than 40% savings on two packages that capture the Japan’s spectacular fall foliage.

Starting from $2,199 + $400 tax, the nine-day Japan Classics explores the best highlights of Japan. Tours available Oct 15, Oct 27, Nov 5 and Nov 19. Starting from $1,119 + $300 tax, the 6-day Japan Kanto provides a great introduction to Tokyo and its surrounding sites including Mount Fuji and the oceanfront Atami hot springs. Tours available Oct 6 and Nov 5, 2011. www.supervaluetours.com

NORTH AMERICA

The Best of Eastern Canada

From the European-styled, old world elegance of Quebec City to the thundering magnificence of Niagara Falls, The Best of Eastern Canada nine-day tour Collette Vacations offers an enriching cultural experience amongst the country’s most colorful fall foliage. Package available for departure on Sept 11, 25, 29 or Oct 2, 5, 9, 2011; priced at $1,949 per person (land only). www.collettevacations.com

Best of the Canadian Rockies

Explore the rugged Canadian Rockies and take in fall foliage with the Best of the Canadian Rockies package from Tauck. Packed with breathtaking scenery, adventure and natural history,

Best of the Canadian Rockies includes exploration of Banff, Jasper and Yoho national parks.

Prices start from $2,790 per person, double, plus air; available Sept 2, 4, 9, 16, 23, 25 and 30, 2011. www.tauck.com

A Voyage Along the Columbia & Snake Rivers: In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

This seven-day journey from Lindblad Expeditions explores the vast diversity of the Pacific Northwest from lush farmlands to dense forests and stark desertscapes to historic river routes. Weekly departures available from September 17 – October 29, 2011; rates begin at $3990 per person, based on double occupancy. www.expeditions.com

NEW ENGLAND, U.S.

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.

To celebrate several USTOA members are providing special offers and discounts on select fall foliage tours.

Special Offers

Go Ahead Tours is offering $500 savings per couple on any Coastal New England Fall Foliage tour dates when booked by August 31, 2011.

From the site of the Boston Tea Party to the maritime culture of Portland, this seven-day tour highlights the Northeast’s natural beauty and starts at $1,759 per person. Package available Oct 1 or Oct 8, 2011. www.goaheadtours.com

Globus is offering $200 off per couple on the Classic Summer & Fall Foliage nine-day tour from Boston to Boston and Fall Foliage Getaway nine-day tour from New York to Boston. Priced from $1979 (not including discount), Classic Summer & Fall Foliage is available Sept 29 and Oct 1, 2011.

Priced from $2,099 (not including discount, Fall Foliage Getaway is available Sept 23, 27, 29 or Oct 1. www.globusjourneys.com

Brendan Vacations is offering a 10% discount on the Autumn Colors package for booking made by August 29. Visiting Boston, Springfield, Ludlow/Plymouth and Woodstock, VT; Pinkham Notch, NH; and Bar Harbor, ME, Autumn Colors is priced at $1,875 per person and available with daily departures Sept 17 – Oct 8, 2011. www.brendanvacations.com

For additional USTOA Fall Foliage packages and tours, visit http://www.ustoa.com/2009/Pressroom/ConsumerReleases/files/08-17-2011%20-%20Fall_Foliage.pdf

For more information on USTOA member companies, visit www.ustoa.com,  or consult your travel agent.