color for trip

9 Best Color Palettes For Travel Websites in 2023 (+ Examples)

By Kristie Parker

9 Travel Websites with Stellar Color Schemes

We’ve compiled a list of 9 travel agency websites that brilliantly use color to match their brand and make their content pop. We even included one from our own portfolio . 

All of the examples include hex codes so you can use them as inspiration for your own website.

Pack Up & Go

Why We Like This Color Palette:

The standout orange brings a burst of energy, which fits perfectly with the brand’s spontaneous vibe. The clean white offers a fresh, open feel. The calming mint green paired with the deeper green balances things out, giving a sense of diverse landscapes and well-rounded adventures. All in all, it’s fun and adventurous, but still feels grounded – matching the brand perfectly.

The warm terracotta shade is instantly evocative of Italy’s rustic charm and sun-baked streets, pulling you into memories of quaint towns and Tuscan sunsets. The soft greys serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing that beautiful rustic color to truly shine. Then there’s the rich, earthy brown, which feels like a nod to Italy’s deep-rooted history. Combined with the clean white, it feels like a well-curated photo album – some highlights, some understated moments, but all undeniably Italian.

The primary olive green immediately connects with the essence of exploration and nature, perfectly aligning with the adventurous spirit of the brand. The softer shades of cream and muted beige evoke a sense of calm and sophistication. Paired with the deep forest green, it gives a rich, earthy feel, which speaks to Niarra’s commitment to impactful and meaningful travel. With a foundation of clean white, the palette collectively feels purposeful and fresh, mirroring the brand’s travel experiences.

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Beyond the Square

The modern teal stands out, reflecting the contemporary pulse of NYC while nodding to this year’s popular color trend. Paired with a sophisticated gold, it infuses the palette with a touch of luxury, echoing the high-end experiences the city offers. The soft greys provide a calm backdrop. Together, these colors combine the urban sophistication of New York with the contemporary flair that draws travelers to the city.

Travel Local

The standout teal resonates with the idea of fresh adventures and new horizons, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on authentic experiences. The deep navy adds depth and trust, emphasizing the reliability of the local experts.

The soft, near-white hue offers a neutral background, allowing the bolder colors to pop. All together, these shades capture the essence of connecting with genuine, on-the-ground expertise while embarking on global travels.

420jamaica tours

The vibrant yellow, reminiscent of Jamaica’s sun-soaked beaches, partners well with the deep green, channeling the island’s lush landscapes and rich cannabis culture. The striking red injects energy, echoing the vibrant music scene.

Together, these colors not only capture the essence of the all-inclusive cannabis vacation tours but also subtly nod to the iconic Jamaican flag, grounding the brand in its roots. The palette perfectly balances relaxation, cultural immersion, and the unique ganja-themed experiences that 420jamaicatours promises. 

This is actually one of our own designs. We created it for an amazing local travel agent. We’d love to design a visually appealing, client attracting website for you too, find out more about how to work with us . 

Alpaca Your Bags

Why We Like This Palette:

The soft blush pink immediately resonates with romance, perfect for those looking to plan weddings and honeymoons. The different shades of muted blue convey intimate tropical beach intimate getaways. The clean white backdrop provides breathing space, much like the company’s approach to stress-free wedding planning.

Overall, the palette feels romantic yet clear-cut, aligning perfectly with the brand’s specialty in crafting memorable wedding and honeymoon experiences without the fuss.

The sophisticated gold hue speaks directly to luxury, giving an immediate sense of premium, bespoke travel experiences. The dark, grounding greys and blacks resonate with the brand’s depth and vast offerings, from Polar Regions to the South Pacific. 

The light neutral provides a serene base, aligning with the travel agency’s commitment to responsible travel. Together, this palette perfectly balances luxury with responsibility, showcasing Jacada’s unique approach to travel.

The Concierge Group

The soft peach and blush tones scream romance and luxury, fitting for couples looking for that dreamy honeymoon getaway. The subtle aqua blue reminds us of pristine waters and tropical escapes, aligning perfectly with the luxurious overwater bungalows and beachfront stays mentioned.  Altogether, the palette feels dreamy and upscale, encapsulating the promise of an unforgettable honeymoon journey.

The Impact of Color Choices on Travel Websites

After diving into these 9 travel agencies, we’ve seen how each palette, with its careful blend of neutrals and standout shades, can set the tone for a user’s experience. 

Who doesn’t get honeymoon feels from Caribbean beach colors or get lost in the opulence of a luxury European vacation? Colors help get your website visitors excited for a trip before they’ve even packed their bags.

Want to see more color palette inspiration? Check out 7 Best Color Palettes for Therapy Websites in 2023 (+ Examples) , 9 Best Color Palettes for  Accountant Websites , and 9 Best Color Palettes for Cleaning Service Websites.

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25 Best Travel Destinations Color Palettes

July 29, 2024

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Who doesn’t like traveling?

Seriously, there’s nothing better than catching an airplane and just visiting new and exciting places around the world. I love all the things that traveling comes with. Food, nice hotels with huge pools, beautiful landscapes, and I could just go on and on.

There’s so much inspiration as well!

Do you remember a time where you just wanted to bring home a little part of your trip? I believe that all the history, people, and architecture make every single place on the planet MAGIC!

Ever since I started designing and creating tons of cool printables, I’ve been getting tons of inspiration from color palettes, but there are so many different things you can use color palettes for. Here are some examples …

Do you need to makeover a room in your house? Paint is the cheapest fix. And these palettes can help you find the color combinations for you wall, then coordinating colors for trim, curtains,your bedspread and more.

How about new pillows for your living room? Find the color closest to your current furniture color, and add in related colors for pops of bright colors to make your living room look freshly updated!

Do you want to learn to paint? These palettes are perfect. Try abstracts with swirls and designs in these colors that match, and hang them all over your house for a new look that won’t break the bank!

You can use the palettes suggestions for coordinating colors to determine your branding colors for your blog. You can use them to update the colors on your blog to give it a face-lift or to try something new. You can even use the color palettes on various graphic design websites to create eye catching designs in the brightest and newest colors. These new colors can draw people to your blog post graphics and into your blog with their fresh new feel.

You can even use the colors for scrapbooking and design new pages in the most up-to-date colors to make special events for your family. Or create wrapping paper for special days. Or greeting cards to match the paper.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!!

Here are 25  Best Travel Destinations Color Palettes for you to get ideas on how to mix and match colors for anything you need!

Wanna get your creative juices flowing even further? I’ve put together a binder with a TON of color palettes in the shop here . It’s a whopping 560 pages with inspiration from 20+ themes like seasons, holidays, abstract art, flowers, the sky, the ocean, sweet treats, and MORE!!!   You’ll be buzzing with ideas! Get your color palettes binder here .

25  Best Travel Destinations Color Palettes

Planning a party, designing a printable, or just want to decorate your home?

Get tons of inspiration from these 25  Best Travel Destinations Color Palettes!

These complementary color scheme ideas are so gorgeous that will take your breath away.  

• Atomic Steel Blue – #1A385A
• Seagull Blue – #769ABE
• Tomato Orange – #E46F44
• Pink Shell – #E8AA9B
• Plum Violet – #DCD5DC

• Deep Sky Blue – #0160D6
• Surf Blue – #00AAF8
• Orange Red – #F13B13
• Lawn Green – #AAB624
• Faint Gray – #F0ECE9

• Sherpa Blue – #034752
• Dark Salmon – #D47863
• Avocado Green – #64A803
• Summer Blue – #87DCF0
• Sirocco Gray – #6D7779

• Blue River – #2D79B3
• Cardinal Red – #D31E3D
• Daisy Yellow – #FCEA48
• Broccolini Green – #2A6D3A
• Light Wheat – #E7D3B0

• Murky Teal – #022831
• Blue Lagoon – #04566E
• Pastel Green – #689368
• Green Pear – #B4D330
• Blustery Blue – #D8DFE9

• Mystic Blue – #091D36
• Venice Blue – #0B4C84
• Danube Blue – #598EC2
• Blue Iris – #9BC1EE
• Gray Flash – #F0EFF5

• Green Turf – #136912
• Edamame Green – #34A426
• Faded Jade – #48817A
• Boston Blue – #3C8CA7
• Bold Denim – #1B59D0

• Wine Berry – #56202D
• Camelot Purple – #8E3A52
• Damask Orange – #D5603F
• Earth Green – #767E0F
• Frangipani Peach – #FFDEB1

• Blue Dusk – #18305C
• Cove Blue – #737DBB
• Amaranth Pink – #F083BA
• Plum Violet – #BD81BF
• Heliotrope Violet – #D4B8E9

• Elegant Blue – #031136
• Blue Bay – #434A90
• Orange Zest – #FF5903
• Watermelon Pink – #FD6B6C
• Lilac Lily – #C7A2CB

• Lotus Green – #317312
• Green Scallion – #6EBB2D
• Wafer Brown – #DED6C9
• Blue Isle – #24BAEC
• Capri Blue – #166EF3

• Dark Magic Blue – #222222
• Tamarillo Red – #891F11
• Orange Spray – #FE940A
• Lemon Pie – #FDE24D
• Empire Blue – #3A77C7

• Egyptian Blue – #043263
• Peacock Blue – #01AFD1
• Dodger Blue – #239EFE
• Malibu Blue – #7DBAFB
• Blue Daze – #DBE5FF

• Blue Dawn – #001A64
• Pink Hibiscus – #F13E51
• Light Apricot – #FDCDB6
• Pink Cupcake – #E08C9C
• Purple Hyacinth – #80558A

• Dark Cerulean Blue – #035181
• Plantation Green – #264C41
• Green Topiary – #75B459
• Cranberry Pink – #CA5C7F
• Vivid Violet – #C05AC8

• Air Force Blue – #364C75
• Monarch Red – #800B1B
• Romaine Green – #8ABC25
• Marzipan Yellow – #F8E195
• Spring Blue – #B7D1E0

• Deep Elderberry – #06031E
• Regal Purple – #38324E
• Biloba Flower – #AE9CC4
• Rose Bud – #F7A899
• Bold Orange – #FD632F

• Sangria Red – #941B13
• Terracotta Pink – #DB795E
• Swiss Gray – #DCD1CB
• Mink Lilac – #957A8D
• Purple Port – #622648

• Blackberry Purple – #57122E
• Prairie Brown – #AF6E5C
• Silver Sand – #BBBCB7
• Blue Pansy – #7BA5D5
• Woodland Green – #4E6932

• Fiesta Blue – #3CC2F5
• Twilight Gray – #C6CAC9
• Green Basil – #70AC62
• Flamenco Pink – #F65E87
• Sweetcorn Yellow – #FFDB70

• Blue Fountain – #50AAB3
• Burnt Sienna – #EE585A
• Yellow Glow – #F6D377
• Purple Foxglove – #A46A9D
• Lavender Gray – #BBBCD8

• Celadon Blue – #1B729D
• Green Caper – #B1D573
• Saffron Yellow – #EFCB59
• Dolly Pink – #FA9397
• Macadamia Brown  – #D7C6AC

• Blue Nile – #0A3150
• Brick Red – #C52F21
• Golden Syrup – #E39D45
• Ash Gray – #BABCB7
• Jungle Green – #628D34

• Blue Vista – #6890CD
• Effervescent Lilac – #AFA8C9
• Olive Oil – #D9D54F
• Orange Persimmon – #FEA05A
• Arugula Green – #789F2A

• Green Spinach – #2D4C2A
• Safari Green – #5B8B1D
• Satin Gray – #B5AEA8
• Yellow Mousse – #FFDC82
• Medium Carmine – #B23931

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How Color Affects You When You Travel

Whether or not you realize it, color is a huge part of your psychological makeup. As humans, we have emotional reactions to the crackling oranges and reds of a roaring fire on a ski trip , or to the still blues of the sea—color can make us feel calmer, angrier, or more energized. It also provides important cues about our surroundings: Even in a new city, the red of a stop sign tells us to stop; the pigment of a fruit can inform us as to whether or not it's ripe.

“We constantly have neurons firing off when we see different colors,” says Jill Morton , director of the International Color Research Institute, based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

And travel provides a unique way to look at color, too—a break from places you're so used to seeing that you might, by now, overlook. In many ways, color could also be considered an entry point to travel. In a new environment, you might be more attentive to color, spotting sights others—even locals—might miss, says Bevil Conway, Ph.D., an expert in the neuroscience of color at the National Eye Institute . This could give you a sharper eye on a safari or a more thrilling experience upon touchdown in a tropical locale. As you spend time somewhere new, you’ll eventually adapt to your environment, expanding your visual repertoire, helping you to see a place differently as you once did as a newcomer, which could in turn lead to a deeper understanding of it. "There are adaptation effects that take place within a few seconds, other effects that take place over minutes and hours, and other effects that take place over years," Conway says.

Of course, it’s naive to think that one color in all of its many shades and hues, existing both naturally and artificially, will affect every person the same. After all, color associations are often built into us and vary based on age, gender, location, and life experience—a food you ate and disliked as a child, say, or a memorable orange sunset . But there are some somewhat universal reactions to certain hues. Here's how color affects you when you travel, and how to get the most out of the scenes around you—anywhere on the planet.

Jodphur is known as India's "blue" city.

The hues of Iceland's Blue Lagoon , Santorini's bright shores, the Maldives' turquoise waters: The cool color of the ocean or the blues of the sky can be calming, partly because of the associations we have with being outside, says Donald Hoffman, Ph.D., a professor of cognitive science at the University of California, Irvine. Evolutionarily, a source of water is key to survival, too, potentially triggering positive emotions.

Seek it out: When a travel bucket list leaves you stressed, take a break and swim in the ocean on a sunny day. You’ll get a double dose of blue’s serenity paired with the physiologic relief that being submerged in water— without the force of gravity —provides.

Traditionally associated with everything from fire and blood to danger, hunger, and lust, Conway says “red is unquestionably the most salient color out there.” In languages with only a few words to denote color, red is almost always one of the colors with a word . In its brightest forms, as is true for any vivid color, red could also have an energizing effect, says Morton.

Seek it out: Look for red in your travels, and strike up a conversation about the hues you're most interested in, whether it's present in ceramics and pottery throughout Beijing's art district , street art in Berlin , or a vibrant pepper at a food market in Nice. “Red is the color that, reflected in language, we care the most about,” says Conway.

Green is often seen as restorative.

Found in places like botanical gardens , rainforests , Lowcountry waterways , or the leaves of palm trees, green is often seen as a restorative color. Even 40-second “micro-breaks” of green can increase attention, leaving you feeling refreshed, research finds .

Seek it out: Visit a city park or a national one , or head to a nearby forest. Up your enjoyment by doing something that reminds you of positive experiences— running through a tallgrass prairie or a shrubby oceanfront path, if you have fond memories of destination road races, for example. Do this sans your cell to truly soak in the experience. (To really lean into the whole mindfulness-in-nature thing, see if your hotel offers forest bathing .)

The brightest color of the visible spectrum is often found in things that want to be seen, like the taxi cab . Specifically, optic yellow—the color of a tennis ball—is one of the most visible shades out there, says Hoffman. “In contemporary culture, yellow is also associated with the sun and happy faces,” says Morton. But it’s a love-hate color, too, she notes, with a high proportion of people who dislike the color, perhaps due to associations (bananas, if you don't like them).

Seek it out: Plan a leaf-peeping trip: One study that tracked people’s color preferences throughout the season found that while dark yellow is one of the least preferred colors overall, come autumn, preference for the color peaks—especially among aficionados for the season, says Karen Schloss, Ph.D., the study’s author, who researches color cognition. Seeing those colors might conjure up positive feelings about other fall-related activities that make the season so special.

Historically, purple has been associated with royalty and authority, perhaps because it is exceedingly rare. “Purple is an extra-spectral color, so there is no purple in the spectrum,” says Conway. (Even violet is a slightly reddish blue, he points out.)

Seek it out: Look for it in nature— purple sands in Big Sur, California , seashells at beaches worldwide, bluebells in Belgium’s Hallerbos Forest . “Purple requires both long wavelength and short wavelength simultaneously, and in nature, statistically that’s just not going to happen very frequently,” says Conway. Because it's so rare, seeing it in nature could make you feel rewarded, making for a richer travel experience and potentially cementing the experience in your mind.

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A celebrity stylist explains how to select a color palette when packing light for a trip

• Personal stylist Kim Appelt explained how she selects a color palette when packing for a trip. 
• Appelt recommends considering the environment you're traveling to and your personal preferences. 
• Pack mostly neutrals and add a few versatile pieces with a pop of color, she said.

Meet Kim Appelt, a personal stylist who curates looks for celebrities, from red-carpet ensembles to travel fits.

When I got in touch with personal stylist   Kim Appelt , I expected a typical interview. But it didn't take long before she was the one asking questions. 

"What colors do you like to wear? Where is the last place you traveled to? Would you ever wear a white blazer?" Appelt wondered. And as I answered, she gave me custom tips for my own packing list .

Appelt has 12 years of experience in the fashion industry, and she told Insider that she styles celebrities for a variety of occasions, from red-carpet looks to travel wardrobes.

Earlier this year, Appelt released a book, "Style for Everybody," where she explains the basics of fashion and how to create custom looks depending on an individual's lifestyle, body type, and personal style.

Appelt says the key to packing for a trip is to consider your own personal style as well as the environment you're traveling to.

When it comes to selecting a color palette for a trip, Appelt recommends considering three things: location, environment, and personal style. 

For example, if you're going to a hot place, you may want to pack light-colored clothing to keep you cool, Appelt said, adding that you should also select pieces made of lightweight materials, like linen.

Consider the vibe of the location you're visiting too, Appelt said, using New York as an example.

"When I come to New York, I'm typically always in black. New York is a very edgy city," she said. "So I will wear my combat boots and my black jeans and throw on a blazer."

Last but not least, make sure you take your personal style into account and don't bring pieces that deviate from it. 

"If you're someone, for example, who loves athletic wear, you're a very casual dresser," Appelt told Insider. "It is not the time to break out those pieces in your closet that are extremely feminine and full of flowers."

When selecting colors for your palette, Appelt says to start by thinking about what you look and feel best in.

To figure out which colors you look best in, Appelt has two tips. 

"If you hold up the garment to your face in front of a mirror and you feel like you look good, that's a good sign," she said, adding that it's important to make sure the room is well-lit. 

For example, if you have a warm skin tone, like Appelt does, you may find that cool colors wash you out. "If I hold up a blue shirt to my face, I instantly do not like the feeling I get," she said.

Appelt shared an in-depth look at the tests she uses to determine the colors that will look best on you in a YouTube video .

She also suggests thinking about what articles of clothing you get the most compliments on.

"If you have an orange T-shirt that you wear and everyone compliments you when you wear it, that's a good signal that it works for you," she added.

When you know your colors, environment, and personal style, it's time to pack. Appelt recommends starting with neutrals.

When you start packing for your trip , Appelt says it's best to start with neutrals. This includes black, white, gray, tan, beige, navy, olive green, or even leopard print, she told Insider, adding that you can mix neutral colors as well.

According to Appelt, the majority of the clothing you pack for a trip should be neutral. Then, you can add pops of color with a few more articles. 

With mostly neutrals in the bag, it's time to add some pops of color.

According to Appelt, a pop of color should be just that — a pop. 

"My preference is that if you want to use a pop, you use it in a smaller place," she told Insider.

For example, if you're wearing a neutral blazer and neutral pants, you can add a pop of color with a tank top, shoes, a purse, a scarf, or a hair clip, Appelt said.

"The colorful piece should be something that you can pop on in many outfits," she added. "The key to having a wardrobe that is very flexible and that you can put together quickly is having pieces that work at least three different ways."

Then she gave me an example using my favorite color — orange.

"Imagine an orange scarf you can throw on with a pair of jeans and throw it on with either an army jacket or a jean jacket," she began. "Same thing with an orange tank top. You can layer that under a blazer or any type of coat with neutral pants or a skirt."

No matter what colors you choose for your next trip, the more flexible your pieces are, the easier it is to pack light without feeling like you're wearing the same thing every day.

By the end of the interview, Appelt and I were scrolling through each other's Instagrams. And I noticed that while she repeated specific articles of clothing, like the white blazer above, her outfits looked completely different in every picture, thanks to their flexibility to be used in different ways. 

This made me realize that I can pack lighter than I have been while traveling and still have a variety of looks, as long as I'm smart about the articles — and colors — I select. 

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more .

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The Colors of Travel

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Blue (Santorini, Greece)

Purple (provence, france), green (cliffs of moher, ireland), yellow (izamal, mexico), pink (lake hillier, australia), gold (jerusalem, israel), gray (yosemite valley, ca), orange (sahara desert, morocco), black (vik, iceland), white (valdez, ak), we recommend.

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The Best Watercolor Travel Sets for Artists Who Love Traveling

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

If you are flying 38,000 feet off the ground or on a train running miles away from your hometown, you have the perks of a wanderer: to take delight in bright blue skies, red-orange sunsets, and breathtaking landscapes.

However, for an artist who moves places, every trip is worthwhile when you capture these picturesque sights and draw them in your sketchbook using a brush or pencil. For a vast spectrum of colors and artistic effects, perhaps you go for the best watercolor travel set. But the next question is, what should you look for when choosing a portable watercolor set?

• First of all, a watercolor travel kit should be portable and compact enough to put away in your luggage or pocket. A gawky and bulky watercolor set would be too cumbersome to carry around and probably end up in disarray.
• Furthermore, it is significant to consider what a travel watercolor kit consists of. Besides the color palette, does it include a travel-friendly brush or a sponge? Does it come with a handy carrying bag for hassle-free storage? Although the accessories and tools depend on your preferences and needs, a complete mini watercolor set only delivers the essential tools.
• Another crucial part is the overall quality of colors. A small watercolor set should not present substandard pigment quality and blend- No matter how compact it is or how few the color options are, the pigments should be vibrant, blendable, and lightfast.

Not all artists travel by plane. But if you do, make sure you get a TSA-approved watercolor set. Aside from that, there is much more to learn in this comprehensive guide and review. I will show you the in-depth guidelines, as well as the top-pick products that best suit your artistic demands.

Sakura XNCW-24N

Winsor & Newton 390640

Lightwish MeiLiang

Table of Contents

1. Sakura XNCW-24N Koi Watercolor Pocket Field Sketch Box

2. winsor & newton 390640 cotman water colour paint, 3. lightwish meiliang watercolor paint set, 4. artsy watercolor paint set, 5. meeden 4336971288 watercolor paint set, 6. jerry q art jq-124 watercolor travel pocket set, 7. artistro 432 watercolor paint set, 8. sennelier 10-131605 french artists watercolor travel set, 9. artify ‎4336953153 watercolor field sketch set, 10. winsor & newton 390658 cotman watercolor brush paint set, what to look for when buying watercolor travel sets, what is the most reliable watercolor travel set brand, can you fly with watercolor paint, how do you do a watercolor travel journal, what is included in a watercolor travel set, top 10 watercolor travel set reviews.

From its size to quantity, you can tell that this Sakura Koi watercolor travel kit is thoughtfully curated for painters or artists who love traveling. It features a compact size and sleek design that you can easily fit inside your bag or even your shirt pocket.

Impressively, this small set has the essential tools for basic watercolor painting, with a water brush (refillable) and a half-pan watercolor set.

The colors are formulated to present beautiful and vivid hues. Aside from that, the highly pigmented shades blend well to create a wide range of colors.

Moreover, it uses no ordinary brush; it is a refillable water brush that lets you paint without using a container with water.

Since you can fill it up with water, you can simply take it out of your pocket or bag and are all set for a painting session! You can paint effortlessly even when you are on a plane, on a train, or sitting by the park for Plein air painting.

In addition to that, this kit comes with a detachable pegged palette where you can mix your favorite colors. When you are all done, you can just place it back inside the kit for hassle-free and neat storage.

I also want to emphasize the base pull-down ring at the back of the watercolor set. Although it is just a small detail, I found the ring is quite useful if you want to keep the palette steady as you hold it. While it keeps the watercolor kit from sliding off your palm, the ring also helps you paint comfortably wherever you are.

• Compact and sleek design
• Includes a water brush tip and a detachable mixing palette
• Fits perfectly in bag or shirt pockets
• Highly blendable and pigmented colors
• Has a base pull-down ring for easy holding
• Paint blocks need stronger adhesion to prevent from falling out

For professional quality watercolor set brands, Winsor & Newton is among the ones that always come to mind. The colors deliver high-quality pigments that explicitly showcase your art with vibrant hues and artistic painting effects. Plus, the colors in the palette blend impeccably well.

This pocket watercolor set includes 12 Cotman Watercolors that render good transparency to create beautiful washes. I also noticed that these colors have intense tints and uniform consistency that lend an excellent layout of colors.

Therefore, even though these are half-pan watercolors, there is no need to build the colors to achieve their vividness. A few dabs and strokes can already create rich watercolor tones.

Aside from that, I appreciate the addition of white in the range. Although the white tone of the paper serves as a brilliant backdrop for watercolors, the white pigment can ramp up the drawing or watercolor art with highlights and subtle color mixtures.

All these amazing features come in a small watercolor palette that can fit inside your shirt or bag pocket. The longest side is roughly six inches and just a tad bigger than a card! Even when you open it, the upper side has partitions where you can mix colors.

• A half-pan watercolor pocket set that offers brilliant colors
• Pocket-sized watercolor travel kit for superior portability
• Designed with a mixing palette in the lid
• Includes a small brush
• The brush is too small and slightly difficult to use

The best thing about this MeiLiang traveling watercolor kit is the great color selection that does not break your bank. With just a slight difference from the price of the Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor paint set, you can indulge in a wider color range with this one.

Right before that, the first thing that caught my attention was the metal case. Contrary to most portable watercolor sets I have seen on the market, this one uses a sturdy case that keeps the pan secure.

Even when you stack in your fully packed luggage, there is no need to worry about breaking or damaging your watercolor palette.

Besides that, the flip cover works as a mixing palette as well. Similar to the Sakura Koi watercolor travel set, this one also has a metal ring under the case for steady and hassle-free painting.

When it comes to the color quality, I must say that it is pretty impressive since they are highly pigmented and fluid. This allows you to create glazing effects and revel in smooth watercolors without any chalky or grainy textures after drying.

Moreover, it features a compact size, perfect for traveling. It is long but has a sleek and slim design that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Another useful addition is the refillable watercolor brush that makes painting a lot easier and mess-free. I can simply take it out and paint it on my watercolor travel journal whenever and wherever I like.

• Offers a wide selection of highly pigmented colors
• Creates beautiful glazing effects that without grainy textures when dried
• Comes in a sturdy metal case
• Slim and sleek design
• Includes a water brush
• The brush has some loose bristles

The highlight of this Artsy Watercolor paint set is the innovative pocket design. The first time I saw it, I did not think it would have 42 colors! This artistic palette comes in different trays that you can fan out to see the vibrant array of assorted colors.

Every tray has color labels at the bottom to help you identify which colors to use. I find this useful since some colors, particularly the orange and red shades, look a bit identical. Thankfully, there are no duplicates in the colors, allowing you to mix and play with various combinations.

Moreover, these beautiful pigments are lightfast and vivid, allowing you to showcase watercolor artworks with their amazing color quality. Mixing the colors is not a problem at all since they are highly blendable. Plus, they dry quickly, preventing any ink pooling and grainy textures.

When you are done painting, you can simply slide each tray back to its palette for storing. This leaves you an ultra-compact and portable watercolor set that you can fit in your shirt or bag pocket.

One of the best things I love about this set is the water brushes. Unlike some portable watercolor paint sets that only have one water brush or paint brush, this one includes three water brushes. They work as backup brushes in case you like mixing a lot of colors or filling up your watercolor journal with your travels.

In addition to that, this set has a sponge where you can dry and clean your brushes after painting.

• Innovative compact design for enhanced portability
• Offers an array of pigmented colors
• Highly blendable and quick-drying
• Includes three water brushes and a sponge
• Intuitive pan display and labels to identify and view all the colors
• Color pans are not replaceable

Comparing this beside the Artsy watercolor paint set, you can see some striking similarities with the innovative pan display, color labels, and even the painting tools. Moreover, it comes at an affordable price range.

If you look closely at these palettes, the differences fall under the brush and color selection. Both have 42 colors but this one has darker tones in neutrals, greens, and blues. When you mix them with water, the colors beautifully blended, presenting rich and artistic watercolor washes.

As I work with these watercolors, I also noticed that they dry quickly and can resist fading as well. Curated with a vast array of colors, this palette allows you to create an endless range of vibrant hues for artistic and colorful artwork.

With regard to its design, this travel watercolor paint set does not fail to impress with its unique palette design. Similar to the Artsy portable watercolor kit, you can fan out the palette and swipe out to different tabs to find the color you need. Aside from that, there are color labels to easily identify the shades.

When you put everything away, it shifts into a lightweight and compact palette that you can slip inside your bag or pocket. Another sweet treat is the addition of four different water brush sizes that you can use for fine to broad applications. Not to mention the addition of a sponge to clean and dry your brushes.

• Ultra-lightweight and compact palette design
• Offers a great selection of pigmented watercolors
• Quick-drying and lightfast colors
• Includes four refillable water brushes in various sizes
• Does not have a hard case or cover to protect the palette

It can be a bit challenging for a beginner watercolor artist to find the best watercolor travel set to start with. With that said, this Jerry Q Art pocket set has the tools an amateur artist needs when traveling and painting with watercolors.

Sifting through the details, this pocket watercolor set features a slim and sleek design for enhanced portability. Once you open the lid, it is pretty awesome to find an array of beautiful colors along with the necessary painting tools. This includes a water brush, a small sponge, and detachable mixing pans.

For a beginner, I bet these tools and color selection are more than enough to start with a watercolor travel journal. Since everything is compact, there is no trouble putting them away in a small pocket in your shirt or bag.

Though it is made of plastic, it is surprisingly sturdy. I also like how the lid closes tightly, keeping the palette secure and protected whenever you travel.

While that already sounds impressive, the colors do not fall short of their quality and performance. The brilliant colors have a nice amount of pigment, revealing a bright and stunning spectrum of colors. Furthermore, these watercolors are highly blendable, making it much easier to create washes and preserve some translucent watercolor effects.

One more thing I noticed is the ceramic calligraphy tray. I did not know what to use it for but I think it would be useful for artists who practice calligraphy art.

• A portable and great quality starting watercolor kit for beginners
• Sleek and slim design for hassle-free transportation
• Brilliant color selection; very pigmented hues
• Highly blendable colors that can create vibrant washes
• Includes a water brush, a calligraphy pan, a sponge, and a removable mixing tray
• No color labels; difficult to find matching watercolor replacements

At first glance, I could already tell that this watercolor paint set would be an exquisite gem. Right from its vibrant mint metal box and dainty artwork details, ARTISTRO did a great job of making this kit to be aesthetically pleasing as possible. I even love the elegant metal lid lock that looks like the one you see on classic musical boxes.

Upon opening the watercolor palette, everything inside is even more fascinating. You can see all 48 vibrant colors arranged into a neat and beautiful layout – ranging from light to dark tones.

On the upper part of the lid is an organized space for the essential painting tools. This includes a water brush pen, a sponge, a drawing pencil, an eraser, a watercolor brush, and a swatch sheet. Plus, there are small watercolor sheets as well. As a beginner, I sincerely do not think there is anything else to ask for!

The palette is a combination of pigmented fluorescents and metallics, rendering unique, vibrant colors. When mixing the colors, I can tell that the watercolors are highly blendable, producing rich washes and artistic textures. Mind you, the binder is thick and a bit gelatinous, causing the watercolors to create grainy or granulated textures and finishes.

With that in mind, some artists might not fancy such grainy textures. However, this allows you to create artistic effects and colors besides smooth and colorful washes. I find this an amazing trick to amplify watercolor artworks. Aside from that, the exclusive water brush pen and original brush make blending and layering effortless.

On the other hand, the size is not as compact and slim as the previous watercolor sets on the list. It is a bit bulky though it can still fit well in your bag. And since it is a metal tin case, it can protect the palette from damages.

• Offers vibrant and pigmented colors that can produce washes
• Creates granulated textures for unique and artistic effects
• Includes essential painting tools for convenient travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case for added protection
• Suitable for advanced and professional artists
• Not the ideal option for beginners
• Slightly bulky compared to other compact watercolor sets

I have always been hunting for the best watercolor paints for professionals. But my curious self has always wanted to try other reputable brands other than Winsor & Newton. Thus, Sennelier was my next target, and I am glad I did give it a shot.

I hear a lot of amazing things about this brand, particularly the superb quality of watercolors. However, I admit that the price tag is the least attractive thing. But the question is, what is so special about it? To concur with the reviews and rumors, it was definitely the pigmented colors that I have seen the best so far.

Unbeknownst to many, the highlighted ingredient is honey. This helps preserve the longevity and quality of colors, making them impeccably brilliant and luminous at the same time.

As expected, the colors give off vivid hues that blend nicely in a beautiful shade. Even with simply dampening the colors, it is easy to obtain pigments and render bright washes and representations of what every color should be.

In terms of portability, this half-pan watercolor palette is small and slim, providing an ideal size for traveling. Plus, it comes in a sturdy metal case that secures all the colors.

• Impeccably brilliant and pigmented colors that easily blend
• Creates vivid strokes and washes even with just a few dabs
• Very compact and sleek design for hassle-free storage and travel painting
• Comes in a sturdy metal tin case
• Excellent color longevity
• No brushes included

Another budget-friendly option for watercolor travel sets is this one from Artify. This mini kit gives amateur watercolor artists a chance to try great quality watercolor without breaking their banks. I know for sure because I have seen the quality pigments that produce an imaginative and endless range of colors.

Impressively, the colors blend well and deliver vibrant hues when mixed with water. Therefore, making washes and artistic effects would not be a problem. Aside from that, the watercolors dry quickly, preventing any messy spills that can bleed through paper.

How about the size? I must say that this set is the perfect fit for your pocket whether it is a bag or your shirt. The plastic case is sturdy, securing the palette from any damage.

In addition to its portable and innovative design, I think the removable palette is genius. Not only can you arrange the colors according to your preference, but also reuse and wash them should you ever need to. Plus, the mixing tray is detachable and can be placed anywhere within your reach.

Some artists might not find this a big deal but I was impressed by how thoughtful the manufacturer designed the palette this way. Thus, it can accommodate left and right-hand painters.

Moreover, three brushes and two sponges complete this watercolor travel kit. The ring at the back of the base keeps the palette convenient to hold. Hence, this makes painting and traveling fun and easy to do!

• Removable and customizable mixing tray to accommodate left and right-hand painters
• Compact design
• Includes essential painting tools (three brushes and two sponges)
• Designed with a base ring for comfortable painting sessions
• Some paints break easily when not properly stored

When it comes to Winsor & Newton, I have nothing to expect but satisfying results in terms of color blends and vibrancy. Luckily, this Cotman Watercolor Brush Pen set is not so different from my favorite watercolor sets from this brand.

First of all, the size of this half-pan set ensures hassle-free storage when you are traveling. It is so dainty that you can fit inside your shirt pocket or mini compartments in your bag. When it is closed, it presents an understated yet sophisticated design that you can take out for a quick paint session anywhere you go.

As soon as you open the lid, the upper space provides partitions where you can mix different colors. Afterward, my eyes took me to the color labels that are neatly presented to help you organize and identify colors. Since the pans are replaceable, the color labels are crucial when finding matching shades.

As usual, Winsor & Newton did it again with this impressive array of colors. They deliver quality pigments even with just a few dabs, allowing you to create vivid washes and artistic watercolor effects.

Aside from that, the water brush pen is a handy addition to this set. It lets you paint without dipping into the water and start with your painting right away. And since it is refillable, you can simply fill it up whenever you have to. The clear barrel or reservoir lets you know how much water you have used.

• Creates vibrant color blends and watercolor effects
• Designed with color labels for easy identification
• Has a mixing tray to blend colors
• Includes a water brush pen
• Very compact
• Water flows heavily sometimes

Portability and Storage

When looking for a travel watercolor set, it is reasonable to consider whether it is compact enough to put away in your pocket or luggage. Since you will be moving from one place to another, it will not be practical to add some unnecessary weight to your things.

With that said, you must have a portable set that you can easily take out or put away and keep in mind that a complete travel painting kit does not need to be big and bulky. Fortunately, some brands offer foldable watercolor palettes and travel-friendly sizes that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag.

Accessories and Tools

A set consists of a variety of tools and accessories that will provide you with a complete setup for painting on the go. For a watercolor travel set, it should at least include a portable and refillable water brush. Since you will be traveling by air or land, this type of brush dispenses water as you paint, allowing you to paint right on the spot conveniently.

There is no need to fill up a container or cup with water, which can end up quite messy while traveling. Just fill the brush up and you are all set to paint anytime and anywhere you want. Some sets also include a pencil, a sponge to dry the brush, and a paint palette for mixing colors. Others have multiple refillable brushes for versatile applications.

Pigment Quality

Many artists use watercolor because it can spruce up drawings and sketches with an array of vivid colors. Aside from that, it can add unique effects to your artwork, especially if you love working with mixed media.

Therefore, it is important that you have high-quality pigments so as to deliver a vibrant spectrum of colors. No matter how few the color options are, a lightfast and premium quality watercolor palette can exhibit promising results.

Color Selection

The color selection all depends on your preferences and needs. But since watercolor travel sets usually have limited options, it would be better to stick with the primary shades. They typically come in sets of 9 or 12.

Lucky you if you can have more options without comprising the storage properties and portability. Some brands offer more than the usual colors that come in 24, 36, 42, 48, or more packed in a foldable or compact case.

Blendability

Watercolor is among the versatile art media that allows you to mix and blend colors, creating a custom color selection for your artwork. A watercolor travel kit homemade palette usually has that, presenting your favorite shades and mixtures.

A portable or mini travel watercolor palette should also let you do so despite the limited amount and selection of colors. Moreover, the excellent blendability allows you to maximize your palette and achieve your desired color combinations. Hence, you can browse the reviews or test the watercolor set for seamless color gradients.

TSA Approved (Transportation Security Administration)

This is a mandatory factor to consider for those who are planning to fly with their watercolor sets. Airlines provide specific and detailed regulations about the items that you are allowed to bring in a carry-on.

In general, TSA has restrictions on liquid watercolors. Every tube of watercolor paint should be no more than 3.4 ounces, and all wrapped in clear zip-top bags. For dry watercolor palette sets, they are relatively much easier to bring on a plane since they come in compact and convenient sizes.

It is quite hard to tell because there are a lot of amazing brands that offer excellent watercolor travel sets. However, Sakura is by far the most reliable brand for great quality watercolor sets that feature assorted colors and essential tools. Plus, they come at a reasonable price range. But if it is about budget-friendly decent watercolor sets that have a wide array of colors, I would go for MEEDEN.

On the other hand, Winsor & Newton and Sennelier are my favorite brands for professional quality watercolors. They might be relatively more expensive than other brands but they have a reliable lineup of portable watercolor sets that let you paint like a pro.

Yes, you can as long as your watercolor paint palettes and sets do not violate the TSA’s regulations and restrictions. As mentioned, TSA is lenient with dry watercolor travel sets because of their small and convenient size, allowing you to bring them on a carry-on without any trouble.

The first thing you can do is list your itinerary. Jot down where you would go first and the places you would probably pass by. Sometimes, you can be spontaneous and draw the scenes and unforgettable memories you would like to record and remember. Thus, Make sure to bring a travel or portable watercolor journal or drawing book with you.

Like a travel photo journal or album, a watercolor travel journal lets you record memories, events, and beautiful sights, but with a different method – painting. For example, you can paint the dinner or lunch you have had, a beautiful sunset, or even the view from your hotel or train. As you capture these events, you can doodle around your drawings or write what your painting is all about.

Apart from the watercolor palette, a watercolor travel set usually includes a small or a refillable water brush. Although not necessary, some sets have a sponge to dry the brush, small partitions for water (in case water brushes are not available), and additional water brushes for versatile and effortless painting sessions.

Moreover, the tools and accessories in a watercolor set vary from one brand to another. Check the composition of a painting set you will buy to ensure you get the essential tools for your watercolor paintings.

The best watercolor travel set is not just about the portable size but the quality of pigments and essential tools as well. It is quite amazing how you can document everything you see when you travel, and a watercolor travel set helps you do that. This is the reason why you deserve to have the best watercolor kit that can beautifully capture and paint landscapes and even mundane sights when you wander around.

This list has jotted down the top picks for portable watercolor sets on the market. Besides their popularity, the brands mentioned offer reliable and excellent quality watercolor sets that are worth trying. Hope this helps!

Art has always been a part of my life; it influences my upbringing and later my career choice. For me, it is always a part of my parenting technique. So for whichever purpose that you come to art, you can start here with us.

The Best One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (Plus More Options!)

Here’s my guide to the best one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. New England is a classic American destination, the perfect place for a road trip.

As a born/bred/educated New England girl myself, I think New England is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful places in the fall.

Country roads wind through dense forests, stone walls, covered bridges, and idyllic farm properties.

Orange, red, and gold colors explode, rippling across the mountains. It’s the stuff of dreams.

If you want to escape the crowds and fall back into nature, I recommend adding a New England road trip to your USA bucket list .

Here’s my sample one week fall foliage itinerary, taking in the best fall colors in New England. I also give you plenty of options for extending your New England road trip if you have more vacation time.

In this 7 day New England itinerary, I spill the beans on the must see scenic spots in New England to experience the festival of colors, where to stay and eat, the top hikes, and photography inspiration.

You’ll start in the historic New England city of Boston and then head to the Berkshires, Vermont, and New Hampshire. I think New Hampshire and Vermont are the best place to see fall foliage, though I may be a tad biased.

If you have more than one week for your New England fall road trip, I give you some other options in Connecticut and Rhode Island to extend your time in this rural playground.

You can easily turn a 7 day fall foliage road trip into a 10-14 day itinerary for New England and stay longer in each place.

Overview Of One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary In New England

• Day 1 : Boston MA
• Day 2 : Berkshires MA
• Day 3 : Dixville Notch State Park NH
• Day 4 : Stowe Vermont
• Day 5 : Smugglers Notch NH
• Day 6 : White Moutains NH
• Day 7 : White Mountains NH
• Extra Time? Add Burlington Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island

One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary For New England

Let’s begin the leaf peeping! Here’s where to go for fall foliage with one week in New England.

Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts

Begin your 7 day fall foliage road trip by flying (or driving) into Boston . Beautiful Boston Massachusetts is one of my favorite city in the United States. And fall is the perfect time to visit.

The country’s oldest city, Boston is steeped in American history. Boston played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

Boston’s sometimes called the “hub of the world” or the “cradle of liberty.” The city was the source and inspiration for key ideas that shaped America.

READ : 3 Day Itinerary for Boston

Boston has a great foodie scene, wide open green spaces, quaint neighborhoods, and first rate museums. The prettiest neighborhoods, lit in colors in the fall, is Beacon Hill .

And Boston’s got loads of gorgeous fall foliage. To see the colors, head to Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, the Boston Esplanade along the Charles River, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay.

You can book a historic walking tour . The hop on hop off trolley bus takes you to Boston’s top attractions. You can also see check out the colors on a fall foliage lunch cruise .

After touring the city, pick up your rental car. Now, it’s time for some classic new England fall foliage. If you want to skip the big city altogether on this fall foliage trip, just add in one of my bonus destinations instead.

Where To Stay In Boston:

If you opt for downtown, I like the small  XV Beacon  or the  Klimpton Nine Zero Hotel. You could also splurge at the  Ritz Carlton  or the  Four Seasons .

The  Inn at St. Botolph , the  Lenox Hotel , and the  Hilton  in Back Bay are also nice options and central too.

If you can’t resist historic Beacon Hill, check out  The Boxer ,  Liberty , or the elegant  Whitney Hotel .

Where To Eat In Boston:

Barcelona Wine Bar, SVR, Yvonne’s, Beehive, Giacomo’s, Sarma, and o ya

Day 2: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires are a beautiful rural region of western Massachusetts that’s made up of 30 bucolic villages with some top tier leaf peeping, museums, and restaurants.

It’s a place of fall foliage glory In New England. The Berkshires are full of winding roads with rolling meadows and trees ablaze.

For some of the best fall foliage scenery in the Berkshires, take Route 7 and 8 from Great Barrington to North Adams (1:10 hours without stops).

You’ll go past storybook farms, wooden barns, and stone walls. And through the cute towns of Stockbridge, Lee, Lennox, and Pittsfield.

Stockbridge and Lenox are the two prettiest towns in the Berkshires, and make a great base for exploring. Stockbridge is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum and some of the Berkshires’ beautiful Gilded Age castle-cottages.

Lenox is home to The Mount , Edith Wharton’s home, more iconic properties, and fantastic restaurants.

The quaint town of North Adams is an arty town with an eye catching row of multi-colored Victorians called The Porches. If you’re in the mood for a museum after some leaf peeping, there are couple really good ones.

Try the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum (in nearby Adams) or the spectacular Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art .

The Notch Road leads to Mt. Greylock State Reservation . You can drive up to the summit for Massachusetts’ highest viewing point.

There are plenty of marked hiking trails that start from the parking lot. Click here for the online trail map.

Then descend back down, exit the park, and take Route 7. This will take you to the small town of Lanesborough, where you’ll see pastures and horse farms. You can pick your own apples at Lakeview Orchard .

Near Route 7, you can also visit the home of Edith Wharton in Stockbridge. On your way back to North Adams, you can stop in Cheshire at the Whitney’s Farm Market.

Here’s my complete guide to the Berkshires .

Where To Stay In The Berkshires :

In Lenox, you can check out the intimate Wheatleigh resort fashioned as a Florentine palazzo. The Seven Hills Inn is a historic property on beautifully landscapes grounds with cottages.

In Stockbridge, you can stay at the historic Red Lion Inn or the Inn at Stockbridge , a charming B&B.

Where To Eat in the Berkshires:

Gramercy Bistro, Nuedel, Grazie, Mezze, Bistro Zinc, or The Portico at the Wheatleigh

Day 3: Dixville Notch State Park, New Hampshire

On day 3 of your 7 day fall foliage itinerary, get up early and drive 4.5 hours north to Dixville Notch State Park to venture into New Hampshire. Dixville Notch is a very small area. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in unadulterated beauty.

The main road through Dixville features rolling hills and stunning scenery, including beautiful Lake Gloriette. Once there, hike the famed Table Rock Trail. You’ll need to pull off the shoulder and park on Route 26.

Table Rock Trail is a 1.5 mile out and back trail, with a relatively steep 700 feet climb. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over gorgeous Dixville Notch from above. If you’ve timed it right, you can even enjoy the sunset from your perch.

Another trail leaves from the parking lot of the Whittemore Family Cemetery on Google Maps. The trail winds its way through a vibrant forest, leading to a cute little bridge and stream. When you’re done hiking, head back to the nearby town of Colebrook for dinner and shut eye.

Where to stay : La Maison Bleue du Lac, Mohawk Cottages

Where to eat : Black Bear Tavern, Parsons Street, Wilderness

Day 4: Stowe, Vermont

Wake up early, grab some breakfast at Mostly Muffins in Colebrook. Then drive 2 hours west towards Stowe Vermont.

Along the way, you’ll pass scads of beautiful fall foliage and adorable rural towns, like the memorable Island Pond in Brighton.

Spend the day exploring the charming town. Where mountainous Stowe really shines is its hiking trails, with a range of options to suit every level of experience. Some take you to towering peaks, others end in waterfalls.

For beautiful fall views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, you can ride the ferry across Lake Champlain.

Another option is taking the Gondola Sky Ride at the Stowe Mountain Resort, for more beautiful aerial mountain views.

When you’re done hiking, snack on some apple cider donuts. Stowe also has a romantic and picture perfect downtown.

Its white steepled church is the focal point. Tiny Main Street is filled with boutiques, crafts stores, and antique shops. There are libraries, museums, theaters, and cultural organizations to keep your entertained.

Where To Stay In Stowe:

Stowe has some very nice hotels. The best option is the Topnotch Resort , with pools, a spa, and saunas. The Lodge at Spruce Peak is another good option. It’s at the base of Stowe Mountain and has awe inspiring views of the area’s lakes and peaks.

You can also check out the Trapp Family Lodge , with old world Austrian charm.

Where To Eat In Stowe :

Plate, Cliff House, Bistro at Ten Acres, Green Goddess Cafe

>> Click here to book a brewery tour in Stowe

Day 5: Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont

Day 5 of your one week New England fall foliage itinerary will be a busy one.

Wake up early and head 20+ minutes to the famed Smuggler’s Notch, detouring off Route 100 to Route 108. This magnificent area has a road that goes through a gap between two mountains (termed a “notch”).

Smuggler’s Notch is similar to Dixville Notch. But it’s even more stunning. The mountains on either side are massive.

There are many beautiful twists, hairpin turns, and massive boulders in the road. Unfortunately, there aren’t many places to stop and take photos. But there are two parking lots, at the Welcome Center and upper end of the notch.

From Smuggler’s Notch, drive south to Pomfret, Vermont. Take Cloudland Road south from Pomfret to Woodstock. You’ll drive along cute dirt roads lined with fall colors, rolling hills, and quaint farms.

If you’re hungry, stop in Woodstock for lunch at Mangalitsa or the Prince and the Pauper Restaurant.

Stop for a photography break at Sleepy Hollow Farm in Woodstock Vermont. It’s a great little stop that captures one of New England’s most photogenic farm properties now Instagram famous.

Sugarbush Farm is another local farm property that you can visit. Their maple syrup is famous.

Now, it’s time to head back to New Hampshire. At the base of the White Mountains, the town of Lincoln makes a good base for touring this area.

Then you don’t have to move every night. Lincoln is a creative foodie town, so plan on some fine dining there after your days of hiking and leaf peeping.

Where To Stay Near Lincoln: Omni Mt. Washington , Sugar Hill Inn , Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain , Red Sleigh Inn B&B

Where to eat : The Common Man, Gypsy Cafe, La Vista Italian Cuisine

Day 6: White Mountains, New Hamsphire

On day 6 of your one weeks fall foliage tour of New England, you’ll drive the sinuous Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains.

It’s one of the most beautiful fall foliage drives in New Hampshire . You can drive the road with this self guided audio tour .

Be prepared to pump the brakes frequently. You’ll be dazzled by the incredibly epic roadside views on this 34 mile stretch of highway.

There a few places to pull over, providing great photo opportunities. Continue east until you hit the Rocky Gorge Parking Lot. Here, you can take a walk along the Swift River and get views of the beautiful Falls Pond.

From Rocky Gorge, backtrack a short distance to drive up Bear Notch Road. Bear Notch features a scenic drive along a mountainside and more roadside pullouts for gorgeous photo opportunities.

At the end of Bear Notch Road, drive north to Crawford Notch State Park .

Here, you can explore the backroads and revel in the beautiful fall colors. If you’d like to do some hiking, there are 35 hiking trails of varying difficulty.

The best hike in this area is the Mount Willard Trail . It’s a relatively steep, but short, 3.2 mile out and back hike to a clifftop vista overlooking Crawford Notch. The views are surreal.

Next, continue driving north where you can detour to the Mt Washington Cog Railway . Here, you can ride a historic train to the summit of Mt. Washington.

The mountain is the tallest one in the northeastern United States at 6,289 feet. At night, head back to your base in Lincoln.

Day 7: White Mountains | Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

On day 7 of your New England fall foliage itinerary, you’ll head to Franconia Notch State Park. The park is a lovely spot nestled in the White Mountains, just 7 minutes from Lincoln.

Start your day with a sunrise hike up to Artist’s Bluff . This is a short 1.4 mile long loop trail up to a hilltop overlooking Echo Lake. The fall foliage here is simply breathtaking.

Continue on to Flume Gorge . This is one of the best stops on a New England road trip. The natural chasm stretches 800 feet along the base of Mt. Liberty.

A boardwalk provides a relatively easy 2 mile loop hike. Waterfalls, streams, and covered bridges keep the eyes riveted the entire way.

You can also be whisked away on the 80 person Canon Mountain Aerial Tramway , which takes you to the top of majestic Cannon Mountain for an “oh wow” view. Cannon Cliff is the northeast’s largest vertical rock face. Trails meander on the mountain.

You can also hike the Falling Waters Trail to beautiful waterfalls. Or bike or hike the 8.7 mile Franconia Notch Recreation Path.

The paved trail offer spectacular views of the White Mountains and access to Echo Lake. More adventurous travelers should pull in at Loon Mountain and zipline 700 feet across the Pemigewasset River.

Where to eat : Polly’s Pancake Parlor, Lovette’s Inn & Restaurant

Extra Time On Your One Week New England Road Trip?

It may be time to head back to Boston or home after your one week New England fall foliage road trip.

But if you have extra time on your hands, there are several places you can easily add to create a longer New England fall foliage itinerary.

1. Burlington Vermont

While you’re in Vermont, after Stowe, add a day in the lovely town of Burlington. As the largest town in a state of small hamlets, Burlington has developed a wonderful art scene.

To some, Burlington is akin to a mini Seattle — a politically and socially progressive enclave of college students, regional power brokers, and creative minds.

The city’s popular waterfront bike path includes miles of paths, many along Lake Champlain. Stop at Ethan Allen Park, with a 40 foot tower providing mountain views.

If you’re a foodie, Burlington will suit. It outshines much of the US with a bounty of locally grown food. Farm to table eating is a well established tradition. There’s even excellent street food at Farmers and Foragers Food Truck.

Where to stay : Willard Street Inn, Made INN Vermont

Where to eat : Bleu Northeast Seafood, Hen of the Wood, Juniper

2. Connecticut

If you want to venture south of Boston, Rhode Island and Connecticut also offer excellent fall foliage drives, with rolling foothills ablaze in color.

The best fall drive in Connecticut is the tree-lined State Route 169. This two lane scenic road connects picture perfect towns in a still rural corner of the state, often called New England’s “Last Green Valley.”

Along this relaxing and uncrowded drive, you’ll pass classic churches, orchards, stone walls, and 19th century homes. The pink neo-Gothic  Roseland Cottage operates as a museum.

It’s open for tours June through mid-October. For a break, stop at Mrs. Bridge’s Pantry for some tea and scones.

Another popular fall drive in Connecticut is from Milford to Litchfield. Along the way, you can stop at Hunt Hill Farm, with a gallery, shop, and cafe.

Continue to New Preston, where can you do some antique shopping at Dawn Hill Antiques . Then take the 8 mile drive around Lake Waramaug. In fall, it’s encircled with red maples, rusty oaks, and yellow birches.

Where to stay : Winvian, Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa, Inn at Stonington

Where to eat : Arethusa Farm, Schoolhouse at Cannondale

3. Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island is the home of the red maple, which turns a glorious gold, purple, and scarlet come fall.

Start your tour of tiny Rhode Island in the amazing town of Providence. Providence combines big city sophistication with small town charm, vibrant culture with hot restaurants. Here’s may one day itinerary for Providence .

For leaf peeping in Providence, the tree lined vista from Prospect Terrace is stunning. There are beautiful trees along the downtown River Walk and on historic Benefit Street.

Drive north from Providence to the Diamond Hill Vineyards, which specializes in pinot noir. Then drive west to the village of Chepachet, where you’ll find Victorian homes and antique shops. A classic stop is at Brown & Hopkins Country Store .

Then hit the road and drive another 40 miles to Exeter. It’s lined with pristine hardwood forests with an abundance of red maple, white oak, elm, and poplar trees.

If time allows, you can continue on to the Colonial seaport town of Wickford, opening to Narragansett Bay.

Where to stay : Renaissance Providence , Graduate Providence

Where to eat : Gracie’s, Al Forno, Bacaro, Birch, Chez Pascal

When Is The Best Time To Take Fall Foliage Road Trip In New England?

The best time to see New England fall foliage is typically from mid September to late October. Even until early November in some places.

But it varies somewhat by state, fall coming earlier the further north you go. Some states have foliage trackers you can check to determine when peak fall foliage occurs: New Hampshire , Vermont , Massachusetts , and Connecticut .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week fall foliage itinerary in New England. You may enjoy these other United States travel guides and resources:

• 25 Prettiest Towns in New England
• Must See Places in the Berkshires MA
• 1 Week Road Trip for Vermont
• 10 Day Road Trip in Coastal Maine
• Flexible 10-14 Day Itinerary for Southwest US
• 10 Day Southern California Itinerary
• 21 Less Touristy Towns on the East Coast
• Best Art Towns on the East Coast
• Best Art Towns in California
• Famous Landmarks in Boston

If you’d like to take a fall foliage road trip in New England, pin it for later.

10 thoughts on “The Best One Week Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (Plus More Options!)”

I like the sound and feel of your one week foliage road trip. When would you recommend doing that trip in the fall?

Thanks Eddie! Generally, mid September to late October is the best time.

Hi Leslie, do you do custom trip itineraries? We would like to fly into Maine and make a triangle Fall tour of Maine, NH and Vermont.

Thanks for your reply!

Hi Steve, I just don’t have time at the moment. I’m about to leave the country for travel again. But there is nothing better than fall in New England!

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary. It’s my first trip to the New England states. I am mapping things out now. Question: if I am driving to my final destination of Toronto, Canada, should I drive in the reverse order and go from Boston to the White Mountains to Stowe to Dixvill Notch, etc….?

Yes, that makes sense to me. Enjoy your trip!

Hi. Thanks for your lovely articles and suggestions. We are going on a NE Cruise in September and have available 5 extra days after the cruise in the NE area, we will be driving from Boston. We do not want to move around every night, and after reading your article I am thinking of just going to the Berkshires (maybe Lenox) and Stowe, then touring around those areas in the time we have. My question is where would you spend more time, Berkshires or Stowe? We will do 2 nights at one, and 3 nights at the other.

Definitely the Berkshires. I have a whole article on what to do in the Berkshires, if you use the search bar. I think Stowe is a one day visit unless you’re skiing.

This is awesome information. Thanks for putting this all together. Where would you suggest to stay on Day 6 & 7 ? There are no suggested places to stay in the article. Thanks so much !

There are lots of places to stay in the White Mountains. I should probably update the article. The nicest place is the Omni Mount Washington. You can also check out the Mountain View Grand resort and the White Mountain Hotel and Resort. Or opt for booking an Air Bnb.

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Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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• What To Wear On Safari: Quick Guide To Safari Colours

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What to Wear on Safari: Quick Guide to Safari Colours

One way to celebrate safari is by wearing made-for-purpose safari clothing in Africa.

If you have booked your trip to Africa, how you should dress for a safari will be an important part of your travel plan. When planning what to wear on an African safari, colour is one of the most important considerations. This quick guide to safari colours should assist with what to wear on safari.

SAFARI PACKING TIPS: COLOUR

What colour should you wear on safari? We recommend neutral safari clothing for your African travels. This includes shades of khaki, brown, beige/tan, and green. These colours blend in well with the bush and are best-suited to safari travel for a few important reasons.

WHY DOES THE COLOUR OF YOUR SAFARI CLOTHES MATTER?

Game-viewing By blending in with your surroundings, you enhance your game-viewing. Watching wildlife behaving naturally is the best way to see Africa’s spectacular fauna. The colour of your clothing can potentially scare off or disturb your sighting – something you want to avoid.

Activities Don’t miss the chance to experience the bush in as many ways as possible. For game drives and self-drives, dress the part to make the most of any opportunity to go on a short walk. For walking safaris and other active safaris , the colour of your clothing matters for your wildlife encounters and can contribute to the quality of your sightings and, in some cases, your safety.

Made for safari Exploring the bush can be gloriously dusty and dirty. Shades of khaki have long been worn by safari-goers for not showing up dirt as easily as other colours.

When in Africa One way to celebrate safari is by wearing made-for-purpose safari clothing in Africa. With fashionable safari clothes for women and men always being in style, you can add a touch of safari to your wardrobe back home too.

Want to know exactly what to pack for a safari? Use our free customisable safari packing list tool to create a travel checklist of what to take on safari.

WHAT COLOURS SHOULDN'T YOU WEAR ON SAFARI?

Blue and black Black and blue stand out in the bush, but there is another reason to avoid wearing these colours on safari. If you are travelling to an area with tsetse flies, this attracts the dreaded fly – an insect with a painful bite – so much so that fly traps are made from blue and black fabric.

Can you wear white on safari? White stands out more than any other colour in the African bush and so isn’t suitable for safari activities. That said, slipping into a white shirt for dinner in the evening is a great feeling. Shop men's and women's white shirts .

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21 Nail Polishes That’ll Compliment Your Beach Look Perfectly

Swim in style.

Whether you strategically pack a week in advance or throw everything into your suitcase 45 minutes prior to heading out the door for your destination, there’s one thing you won’t want to leave behind for your trip: your favorite nail polishes for a beach vacation . In fact, any beauty lover knows bringing along your go-to summer shades is equally as important as packing your bikinis .

Of course, you’ll want to prepare for the possibility of your nails getting damaged and becoming brittle while your fingers are emerged in saltwater. Therefore, applying a clear top coat is essential if you’re planning on going into the ocean as it’ll provide extra strength to your nails. Additionally, according to Dear Sundays, “ a nontoxic gel will hold up better against the salt water, sand, and sunscreen than regular polish.” In that case, consider swapping your regular formulas for a gel .

To add to that, your nails should be protected from the sun just like the rest of your body. With that being said, it’s smart to choose a top coat with UV protection, such as Butter London’s Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat . Pro tip: In case your nails chip from the ocean or sand, throw the polish into your beach bag for any necessary touchups needed.

Stumped on which color to pack? Continue scrolling down to browse 21 nail polishes perfect for your upcoming trip. There are some beachy trends below that'll probably never go away, and a few surprising choices — because is there any better time to be a little extra than when you're lounging on the beach?

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Limey Green

Looking to make a big statement with your vacation nail polish? Lime green will no doubt do just that. When it comes to the trendy color, you can go with a light Shrek-like shade with OPI’s Pear-Adise Cove. On the other hand, if you want a hue that’s more of a slime green, try out Suite Eleven’s Quarter Water shade. Side note: Consider picking up a green smoothie at a juice shop on the boardwalk for the perfect photo opportunity with your gorgeous vivid polish.

Listen up, minimalists: Match the sand with nude nail polish . Because no, you don’t have to choose a bright neon hue for your beach polish. In fact, the shade will pair well with any bathing suit you decide to wear for your day in the sun.

Pink is a huge trend in fashion this season, so why not coordinate your nails with your chic ensembles? Specifically, consider a bright shade for an eye-catching look. For this, you have plenty of polishes to choose from — for instance, People Of Color’s Low & Slow or Zoya’s Nail Lacquer in Dacey . And if you want a hue that skews more on the orangey-pink side, look to Smith & Cult’s Plastic Beach .

A summer go-to for years, the white nail polish trend shows no signs of slowing down. And why should it? It goes with everything, is appropriate for any occasion, and can instantly enhance your (faux) tan . Despite hot white's everlasting popularity, a pale nail is always slightly unexpected; even if you choose a shimmer or off-white instead of the classic opaque hue.

Is there a more beach-ready color than coral? Not a chance. The shade breathes summer vibes, even if your vacation is in the middle of winter. When going with coral, you have options, too: Do you want a bright shade or something paler, lively orange or delicate pink? However you choose, coral is sure to work out in your favor.

Unexpected Color

You're officially #OOO — so get a manicure that reflects it. Try out one of the creme nail polish shades you've had your eye on for a while, like one of J.Hannah's nail colors ; each one is inspired by non-traditional nail polish shades, like those found in art or nature. Or, go with a color that fits into your off-work style playbook — like a dreamy, denim blue — but may not fly during office hours.

Warm Metallic

Like a bright, fun color, a metallic nail color kicks your vacation style up a notch; and going with a warm metallic versus the traditional cool chrome is unexpected. Eye-catching nails are in, and there are metallics for any mood (and comfort level when it comes to shimmer). You can try out one of Essie’s Summer 2021 Collection Metallic Gold Nail Colors , like its Get Your Grove On shade for a subtle shine. For a stunning rose gold metallic hue, doll up your nails with Olive & June’s OJSM polish .

This article was originally published on Feb. 28, 2019

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Travel info, the u.s.a.’s best fall colors are here.

Marvel at our seven million acres of autumn brilliance.

See the Upper Peninsula’s stunning fall colors

Ask fall color seekers about their favorite destinations in the United States and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their lists. (Our fall foliage repeatedly makes USA Today’s 10Best.) Seven million acres of tree coverage, the pristine shores of three Great Lakes, picturesque historic lighthouses, mirror-calm inland lakes, tree-lined rivers and streams and roaring waterfalls make the U.P. a fall getaway no other U.S. destination can match.

When to see the best fall color

The leaf show begins when our daylight hours get shorter and the night air grows crisp in mid-September. First, there’s a splatter painting of scarlet reds and sunny yellows amid acres of green. Then, almost overnight, the hardwood forests explode in reds, oranges, yellows, purples, browns and greens. The colors intensify and peak by mid-October. But this breathtaking show continues for a couple more weeks, especially along tree-canopied roads near the shorelines of Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior.

Check our weekly color reports

To help plan your trip, check our weekly color reports here for our eastern, central and western regions.

Drive these top 10 fall color tours

Below are 10 of our favorite fall color routes across the U.P. (nearly 1,500 gorgeous, leafy miles). Hop in your vehicle, and prepare to stop repeatedly to take photos. The views get more spectacular with every turn.

Tour 1 | Tour 2 | Tour 3 | Tour 4 | Tour 5 | Tour 6 | Tour 7 | Tour 8 | Tour 9 | Tour 10

Tour 1: Keweenaw Peninsula

Western U.P. | 100 Miles | Fill a full day with stops

The Keweenaw Peninsula is an incredible destination all four seasons but it is positively WOW! during the fall. The foliage will take your breath away. 

Start your tour in Houghton/Hancock. Home to Michigan Tech University, these two towns have a college vibe with a choice of eating and drinking establishments, outdoor recreation and lodgings. Crossing the Portage Lake lift bridge marks the beginning of your Copper Country adventure.

Follow US-41 north to historic Calumet, once the center of the booming copper mining industry. Take in the Victorian-era architecture, and stop by the Calumet Theater , a National Historic Landmark. While downtown, go to the Keweenaw National Historical Park visitor center to learn the location of over 20 heritage sites that tell the stories of the men and women who came to mine copper in this northernmost Michigan peninsula.

Continue north on US-41, taking time to stop at Eagle River Falls and Eagle Harbor Light Station and Museum Complex . The next stretch east on M-26 to Copper Harbor is one of the most scenic in Michigan. Winding up Brockway Mountain Drive brings you to some of the most photographed fall vistas in the U.P. If you can spend the night, this area offers some of the best stargazing, including the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park . 

From there, make your way south on US-41, stopping for a Delaware Copper Mine Tour . Then, enjoy lots of fall colors as you wind your way to the pristine beach at Bete Grise you will arrive in 11 minutes). Take Lac La Belle Road east then make a slight right on Bete De Gris Road. After time at the beach, make your way south along the Keweenaw Bay coast following Bete De Grise Road. Take a sharp left and follow Gay-Lac La Belle Road to Gay. From there, follow Traprock Valley Road west, turn right onto Bootjack Road, then left on Calumet St. Hop on M-26 at Lake Linden and enjoy the scenery as you return to Hancock/Houghton for a restful overnight stay.

Tour 2: Porcupine Mountains

Western U.P. | 225 miles | 4.5 hours minimum

Houghton is your launch point for this popular fall tour. Head southeast on US-41 to Baraga County . If you treasure fall color, a side trip east of Baraga will take you to Point Abbaye. Follow US-41 east to L’Anse then north on Skanee Road to Townline Road. Locals will tell you that this drive up the Abbaye Peninsula rivals any “leaf peeping” drive in the nation. 

Return to Baraga and make your way west on M-38 to Ontonagon County . It is home to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — the Midwest’s “last great wilderness.” It’s 60,000 acres of gorgeous vistas of Lake Superior’s stunning shores, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, 35,000 acres of untamed old-growth forests and 90 miles of hiking/backpacking trails. If you can’t stay for more than a day, visit at least one of these three lookouts — Lake of the Clouds, Copper Peak and Summit Peak.   

From the Porcupine Mountains, go south along CR-519. See Manabezho , Manido and Nawadaha Falls on the far west of the Porcupine Mountains near Wakefield Township. Go east from Wakefield on M-28 to Bergland on the northern tip of Lake Gogebic , the largest natural inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. If you can arrive at Bruce Crossings at nightfall, you can decide if the ghostly Paulding Mystery Ligh t is real or legend. If you prefer to complete this tour in daylight, take M-45 to see Rockland’s Victoria Hydroelectric Dam , the Old Victoria Restoration or  Minesota Mine . From there, go north on M-26, jogging west on M-38 to Greenland to visit Adventure Mining Company , where you can take an easy walking tour, rappel down a shaft or sign up for a drilling and blasting workshop. Return to M-26, enjoying the foliage in the Baraga State Forest and arriving in time for dinner and resting for tomorrow’s adventures in Houghton. 

Tour 3: Iron Country

Western U.P. | 221 Miles | 4 hours minimum

Start at Ironwood, at the far west of the Upper Peninsula. If the weather is coolish, stop by the Stormy Kromer factory for a free tour and pick up a cap and other Stormy, stay-warm U.P. gear. Then head east on US-2 to Bessemer. If you have time, extend your tour by going north on the National Black River Scenic Byway Waterfall Tour . This will be a highlight of your Western U.P. travels. Along the approximately 14-mile Black River Road, you can see five impressive waterfalls: the Great Conglomerate Falls , Gorge Falls , the barrier-free Potawatomi Falls , Sandstone Falls ’ rock formations and Rainbow Falls . This byway will also take you to Copper Peak for an incredible, 360-degree leaf-viewing experience.

If a waterfall trip doesn’t work into your schedule, continue east on US-2 to Watersmeet. Four miles west of Watersmeet, explore the Ottawa National Forest’s Sylvania Wilderness on CR-535. The old-growth forests and 34 named, pristine lakes are home to a wide variety of animal and plant life. Return to US-2, and go east to Watersmeet jogging north on M-45 to see Bond Falls then backtracking to Watersmeet. 

When you reach US-2, continue east to Iron River. Hikers and ORVers both claim the best way to see fall color is on Iron County ’s hundreds of miles of trails. Nearby Caspian is home to the Iron County Historical Museum . This is the U.P.’s largest local museum with over 100 iron mining and logging exhibits, 26 buildings, two art galleries and a gift shop. Return to US-2, taking it to Crystal Falls where you will head north on US-141 to Covington, then west on M-28 to Bruce Crossings, then Bergland at the northern tip of scenic Lake Gogebic . Take M-28 southwest to Wakefield then follow US-2 west. You will be back in Ironwood in less than a half hour. 

Tour 4: Marquette

Central U.P. | 177 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

A good basecamp for this tour is Marquette with its vibrant downtown, dining, entertainment and recreational choices and a variety of lodgings. Start your adventure following Deutsch St. northwest for a half hour along the Lake Superior coastline to Big Bay. Nearby, the 9 miles of Big Bay Pathway trails and Big Pup Creek Falls give you close-up views of autumn’s magnificence.

Return to the junction of US-41 and go southwest to Negaunee and Ishpeming, where you can catch lunch or a craft beer. Mountain bikers can see fall colors from an exciting singletrack RAMBA trail between the two cities. For a less strenuous leaf-viewing experience, visit Black River Falls when you’re in Ishpeming. 

From Ishpeming, go east on BUS M-28, taking several small jogs until you reach County Road 480 then south on M-533 to Gwinn. From there, go east on M-94 through Chatham and within minutes, you will enter the Hiawatha National Forest for your fall color feast. Turn right to follow M-28E/M-94E to Shingleton. Once in Shingleton, turn around and take M-28W/M-94W. Take M-28W into Munising, your gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

Some of Munising’s fall color highlights include Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises until mid-October, Miner’s Castle and seeing the 16 waterfalls in Alger County . For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, take the ferry to Grand Island (it runs until Oct. 10) and go hiking, mountain biking and kayaking surrounded by jaw-dropping beauty.

On your return trip from Munising to Marquette, prepare to see some of the most stunning Lake Superior scenery going west along the coast on M-28. 

Tour 5: Wild River & Lake Michigan Bays

Central U.P. | 127 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Start this fall adventure in Iron Mountain by making your way to Pine Mountain Ski Jump , where you can take in some of the best fall vistas in the U.P. At the base of the ski jump is the free Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial . If you have the stamina, walk up the 500 Pine Mountain Steps . This half-mile vertical climb is the largest outdoor staircase in the U.S. It brings you to the ski jump — the largest artificially made ski slide in our country, too. 

From Iron Mountain, take US-2 east to Norway, then go south on M-8 to Piers Gorge Road and park. There is a 1.5-mile trail that offers spectacular views of the Menominee River , its churning rapids, ledges and waterfalls. 

Return to US-2 and go east to Hermansville where you can get out of your vehicle and immerse in the colorful woods. The Hermansville to Escanaba multi-purpose rail trail traverses 25 miles. Choose how far you want to go hiking, mountain biking, horseback or ATV riding. Highlights along the trail are three bridges with photo-worthy overlooks. 

Go back to US-2 and take it east to Spalding. Turn south on US-41 and go to Menominee, a historic town on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay at the Michigan/Wisconsin border. Catch lunch, then go north on M-35 along Lake Michigan to Escanaba. On the way, you will pass through Escanaba River State Forest where you can enjoy plenty of leaf viewing. Once in Escanaba, stay a day or two and enjoy these local fall color tours . 

Tour 6: Lake Michigan

Central & Eastern U.P. | 144 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Some fantastic pull-offs along this Lake Michigan coastal tour will bring you back again and again. In Escanaba, pick up some Swedish Pantry Bakery cardamon bread and to-go coffee or tea, a bag of Sayklly’s chocolates or Dobber’s pasties for the road. Then take US-41 north to Rapid River on US-2. Visit Rapid River Knifework s, and learn about the craftsmanship of their sports and kitchen knives. 

Continue east on US-2. At Garden Corners, take M-183S to Fayette to explore an iron-smelting boom town turned ghost town, Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite . You can easily spend a half-day here walking the 3.5 miles of scenic trails through hardwood forests, along the bluff and the townsite. Kayakers will enjoy Snail Shell Harbor and its scenic limestone bluffs. 

Another don’t-miss side trip is visiting the “Big Spring,” Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park north of Manistique. Nicknamed the “Mirror of Heaven'' by the Ojibwe, Michigan’s largest natural spring reflects its surroundings on crystal-clear waters. It takes approximately 16 minutes to go west on County Highway 442, north on County Road 455 and then north on M-149.

Return to US-2, and continue east to Epoufette and the Cut River Bridge/Roadside Park . The scarlet red, amber and brilliant orange leaves are only rivaled by the Lake Michigan waterfront. 

Just when you think you can’t be awed anymore, US-2 will take you to St. Ignace, the second-oldest, continuously inhabited city in Michigan. Steeped in Native American and European history, this is a good stopover destination. But what will amaze you is the Mackinac Bridge that spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. You must stay to see the sunset and the bridge gleaming with lights at night. 

Tour 7: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Central U.P. | 160 miles | 3 hours minimum

Fall Color Tour 4 gives you a taste of how spectacular the scenery is along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , but take this tour for the full-blown experience. Motorcyclists rank County Road H-58, from Munising to Grand Marais, one of the top rides in the country. In the fall, it is off-the-charts beautiful whatever vehicle you are driving. 

From Munising, take County Road H-58 to E. Munising Ave. Continue on Adams Trail to County Road H-58E/Au Sable Trail. Go north to Sullivan’s Landing on the shores of Lake Superior. For the next few miles, take time to visit the picturesque Au Sable Light Station , the Log Slide Overlook and the Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook . 

Once you arrive at the quaint village of Grand Marais, enjoy the shops, hunt for agates on the beaches and walk the Sunset Boardwalk. A unique attraction is the Pickle Barrel House Museum , a 16-foot-tall barrel that was once a summer home for a well-known illustrator, William Donahey, creator of the famous Teenie Weenie characters. In the fall, it is open on weekends in September or by appointment. 

From Grand Marais, go south on M-77 to Seney. If you are up to more wilderness sightseeing, continue south on M-77 to Germfask’s Seney National Wildlife Refuge . You will find many places to hike and paddle, but the Strangmoor Bog National Landmark is part of the Superior Birding Trail. This time of year, you are likely to see American Bitterns, Northern Saw-whet Owls and Blackburnian Warblers among many other migratory birds as you meander through. 

Complete the tour by returning to Seney, taking M-28 west to M-94 and north to Munising. If you want to end your day stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights, the mile-long Miners Beach on Lake Superior, off County Road H-28 near Shingleton, is one of the top picks. 

Tour 8: Tahquamenon Falls/Whitefish Point

Central and Eastern U.P. | 172 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

This is a tour where the scenery gets better with every turn. Plan to add extra time for frequent photography stops! 

Start the adventure in Grand Marais and take M-77 south to Seney. If you haven’t seen the Seney National Wildlife Refuge , continue south to Germfask to hike, paddle and watch for wildlife . From Seney, take M-28 east, then north on County Road 405 to Newberry. 

From Newberry, continue the fall color tour, driving northeast on M-123 through Newberry State Forest and the Tahquamenon Falls State Forest to Paradise. There you can visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the Upper and Lower Falls. For another only-in-the-UP experience, stop by for a craft brew and a snack or meal at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Camp 33 , the only brewery housed on Michigan state land.

From Paradise, continue north on Whitefish Point Road to Whitefish Point . This is one of the premier places to see hundreds of varieties of migrating birds following their ancient flight paths south in the fall. It’s also the site of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum with its emotionally powerful exhibits, light station, lightkeeper’s quarters and rock-strewn beach. Open until Oct. 31, you will leave with a deeper respect for Lake Superior and those who have sailed it. 

Make your way back to Paradise, then south on M-123 to County Road 407 and north to Deer Park. Then take Deer Park Road west until it becomes County Road H-58. Pull over often to catch the Lake Superior views. 

Tour 9: Whitefish Bay

Eastern U.P. | 81 miles | 1.5 hours minimum

This is one of our shortest fall color tours, but there are lots of staggeringly beautiful trees in the Hiawatha National Forest and along the Lake Superior shoreline to enjoy. Begin in Paradise and go south on M-123, then left on M-28 and left on M-221. Stop in Brimley or Bay Mills Point to take in the ever-changing landscape of Lake Superior. Brimley State Park has an observation platform to watch the passing freighters going and returning from the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. You also can see Canada from there. 

After a jaunt up to Bay Mills Point, turn right onto West Lakeshore, travel 19 miles along Whitefish Bay then another 9.4 miles on Lake Superior Shoreline Road to the M-123 junction, and drive north to Paradise.

Tour 10: Lake Huron to Sault Ste. Marie 

Eastern U.P. |168 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

When people cross the Mackinac Bridge from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula, they feel a sense of freedom and carefree adventure. This tour brings out the explorer in you! Start in St. Ignace at the base of the 5-mile-long suspension bridge, and continue north on I-75 to historic Sault Ste. Marie , the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. Be sure to visit the Soo Locks , the ultimate international and Great Lakes freighter-watching destination. This is also a good place to catch a meal or ice cream snack, visit shops and historic museums, and get outside and play on recreational trails. 

Continue the tour, leaving Sault Ste. Marie by going south on M-129, then left on M-48E to DeTour Village on the St. Marys River. While in the village, stop by the DeTour Passage Historical Museum and Maritime Park . Learn about the area’s rich maritime history, and get front-row-seat views of giant freighters.  

If you can extend your visit, catch a ferry across to Drummond Island , the second-largest island in the Great Lakes. This island is an adventure waiting for you to join in on the fun. It is renowned for its ORV trails, kayaking, hiking, golfing and peaceful relaxation amid the changing trees. 

As you continue your fall color tour, take M-134 west from DeTour Village to I-75 along the northern shores of Lake Superior. Stop frequently at the beaches, and catch a meal in Cedarville or Hessel. Paddling around the Les Cheneaux Islands , an archipelago of 36 small islands, is a fall treat — especially at sunset. Both Hessel and Cedarville are replete with shops and art galleries featuring a variety of locally made crafts and gifts! 

When you reach I-75, go south to St. Ignace. Stay over. There are lots of things to do in this historic town tomorrow. 

Where to stay to take in the U.P.’s brilliant forests

Throughout the U.P., you can find lodgings, resorts and campgrounds with the rates and amenities that fit your fall color tour plans. September to mid-October are popular times to visit, so to get the dates you want, book your stay ahead. We can’t wait to share this beautiful peninsula with you soon!

Just Saying, These Vacation Nail Colors Look Best With an OOO Message

If you've got vacation on the brain, you're not alone. We're so ready to pack up our favorite new swimwear , our easiest and breeziest wardrobe pieces, and our travel-size beauty essentials to jet off and unplug. But the pre-travel ritual that eclipses all others is that sweet manicure where you select the vacation nail color you'll wear throughout your trip. It might seem like a small detail, but it's low-key the most important preparatory step you'll take.

Call us dramatic, but we're firm believers that your vacation nail color sets the tone for your trip. Picking a classic or more neutral hue is great if you're gearing up for a week of exploring sacred sites and dining in world-renowned restaurants, but if you've got beach hopping or day clubbing on the agenda, you might want to go with a more exciting shade. See how important your polish is for setting the vibe of the trip? Keep scrolling for our nine favorite vacation-ready nail colors that will get you excited for the travel season.

Black and White

Black and white may sound like the most basic of nail color choices, but they're timeless classics for a reason. No matter what your vacation itinerary holds, you'll never regret having your nails painted solid with either of these hues or adorned in designs using a combination of the two.

Get the look:

Allover Red

This year-round color is another classic that fits into any and every vacation aesthetic. During the warmer months, reach for a hue that skews more orange for a fun and fiery jolt of color.

Shades of Blue

Take a break from winter-ready navy and step into lighter and brighter shades of blue for your next adventure. Whether it's a nail bed covered in an opaque sapphire or a solid royal blue or a negative-space design that uses a more playful azure or robin's egg, you really can't go wrong.

Pretty Pastels

Pastel nails have been pigeonholed as spring's signature palette, but they're always welcome on vacation. The white-tinged hues are soft and versatile and add a subtle infusion of joy to any manicure.

Elevated Neutrals

Sure, you could go with a pretty beige manicure , but why not lean into the fashion set's current neutral favorites: brown and clay-toned green? They're the chicest and least boring hues that are also super versatile and muted at the same time.

Green on Green

Speaking of green, vacation is the perfect time to go all out with hues across the spectrum. Forest green, seafoam, and variations of jade and mint are all great options.

Blush and Bubblegum

Pink nail polish is always a vibe, but on vacation, it's all about those ultra-light blush tones and saccharine hues of bubblegum pink. Mix-and-match or wear them alone for an undeniably sweet manicure.

Neon Dreams

Whether or not neon nails feel appropriate for your everyday life and style, vacation is the perfect opportunity to let loose and sport a vivid, eye-catching manicure that can light up a room. Every time you look down at your hands, you'll be reminded to keep the party going.

French… But Make It Fashion

You really can't go wrong with a French manicure, and the trend has gotten revived in a major way over the last couple of years. A stylish update to the classic design—think double lines, negative space, or a unique color choice—is the perfect way to adapt it to match your vacation vibe.

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine . She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.

From powder pink to sheer and lightweight fabrics.

By Yusra Siddiqui

An insta-worthy manicure.

By Grace Lindsay

Watch this space.

By Jamie Schneider

Totally worth the splurge.

The perfect mani for my favourite time of year.

If you want to look polished, right this way...

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By Eleanor Vousden

So elegant.

Our editors gave their very, very honest opinions.

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25 Ways to Mix and Match Outfits Using Just 8 Travel Essentials

Capsule Travel Wardrobe , FASHION , Travel Outfits

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Many travelers choose to pack light with a carry-on size backpack and minimal travel clothes. This travel outfit style-mix shows you how to mix and match the 8 Piece Travel Essentials Packing List .

Travel Essentials Packing List: Style-Mix

25 style ideas to mix and match with just 8 pieces of women’s travel clothing!

Leggings are a great multi-purpose item to add to your travel capsule wardrobe ! You can use them for added warmth, as pants, or pajamas. A basic set of black leggings is wearable with anything! Choose a thin, microfiber type fabric and even the cheapest leggings will practically come out dry from the washing machine. Ideal!

These are the most recommended, best leggings for women  who travel.

If you only pack one dress, make it a little black travel dress. You can top it with a tank or cover it up with a button-down top. Style it up for a night out or make it casual for the day. Every girl should pack at least one dress as part of her backpacking clothing!

Check out our top choices for convertible travel dresses .

Whether you choose a flirty mini like this one or a more flowy and relaxed style, a plain black skirt is a good alternative if you want to pack light and still have the option to wear a dress once in a while.

Choose a basic black skirt and pair it with a black top to make a Little Black Travel Dress!

Tip: Want to pack light, find out how packing cubes can maximize the space in your bag here !

Shorts are another travel essential if you’re traveling to warmer climates. Whether you choose to bring denim shorts, capri length pants, or dressy shorts, they’re very versatile can go days without a washing.

If you choose the shorter length like shown above, wear leggings in more conservative areas.

Dressier options like the ones shown in this Europe packing list work well for Europe.

Many girls hate convertible pants for women and would much rather travel with jeans ( these are the best ones). However, you should include a comfortable set of pants that can double as active pants in your travel wardrobe.

While some women like to wear leggings on active adventures certain styles of cargo pants can also be cute. The best thing is the fabric–it can go forever without washing or looking dirty!

These are the best travel pants for women . Find out why!

Need help creating a capsule wardrobe ?

Savvy travelers know that a capsule wardrobe is the secret to traveling carry-on only. Pack Light Stylishly  is our eBook that shows you exactly how to make a functional yet stylish capsule wardrobe for travel.

Learn more about Pack Light Stylishly  here !

For more tips on travel outfits, please read:

• 8 Travel Capsule Wardrobes for Any Trip
• Most Cute and Comfortable Travel Shoes
• How to Pack Carryon Every Single Time
• Free Printable Vacation Checklist

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I hope this post gives you some ideas about how to mix and match your travel outfits. Please share this with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

45 comments.

We are going on a 21 day transatlantic cruise to Rome. From there we will do Tuscany for a week and then two weeks in Croatia. I understand the capsule, but I’m struggling with how to prepare for cruise and land travel, since you usually have to have a few dress clothes/shoes for the cruise. Any suggestions? Thought about once we got off the cruise, shipping some of our closes home that we won’t need to Italy & Croatia.

Hi Sherrie, thank you for reaching out! ?

A good place to start is to take a look TFG’s signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you can pack for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey! Then depending on your preferences you can choose more bottoms, less dresses, more tops – you have the ability to adjust the combination based on your needs.

For tips to help you adapt your packing list for your trip, check out this guide for Italy: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-dress-like-a-local/

And for your cruise: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-a-transatlantic-cruise/

I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their awesome advice and feedback.

Hope this helps you with your packing. Have the most incredible time on your travels! ?

Where is the hat from.

Traveling to Spain and Italy for 11 days and want to travel light and only pack in a carry on. With the mix and match outfits I’m assuming you wear them several times without washing them. Is there anything to use to keep clothing item smelling fresh? I know odd question but just thought I would ask. This is going to be my first travel experience.

Hi Alee, it’s actually a great question. Yes you would rewear some clothing but you can also do laundry half way through your trip if needed. Here are a few other tips:

1) hang up your clothing after wearing it to let it air out 2) spritz a bit of febreze of needed 3) stick a fabric softener sheet inside your luggage 4) choose fabrics that don’t absorb sweat and scents 5) pack more tops and less bottoms because it’s easier to rewear bottoms without washing 6) if traveling in the summer, take dresses!

Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, you could take 3 bottoms + 7 tops and only rewear 4 of the tops or just wash them by hand after a week. Choose easy to wash fabrics.

If you’re only spending on or two nights in each city and doing laundry on the go is difficult:

– For cold weather travel, wear merino wool thermals under everything – they can be worn for days and won’t absorb scents so you’ll only need one or two pairs. Since they’re closest to you skin you won’t need to wash the rest of your clothing. – For hot weather travel, clothing is lighter so you can pack 3-4 bottoms and 11 tops and not do any laundry at all. That’s the Maximista size capsule wardrobe and should still fit into a carry-on with packing cubes.

Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Alex. Where’d you get the striped tank & white sleeveless blouse?

Hi Darlene, to be honest this post is a couple years old now so I don’t really know. I’m sorry about that!

Hi! I’m a nannie traveling to northern Michigan with their family for almost two months of the summer and I need to keep my stuff confined to 1 suitcase. Any tips? Thanks!

Hi Emma, these tips are a great place to start:

https://travelfashiongirl.com/learn-the-secret-to-packing-light-in-60-minutes/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/packing-cubes-video-tutorial-learn-how-to-pack-light/ https://travelfashiongirl.com/category/packing-2/packing-tips/

I’ve also posted your question on the Facebook page so stop by and keep an eye out for replies: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl

Hi Alex- Where is that navy button up from?

Hi Jo, I think it was H&M. Thanks for reading!

Leaving for Italy the end of January for a couple weeks. Only taking one medium//large suitcase as once we get there as we will be traveling by train. I know the weather is similar to the northwestern US which is where I live. I could use help for practical dress and packing more effectively. Especially for shoes/ boots.Thanks in advance. Love your website!

Hi Shellyb – thanks for your comment! You might find this article helpful: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-from-a-locals-point-of-view/ .

I’ll post your question on TFG’s Facebook page to get more feedback from other travelers: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl

Also, you might want browse the existing questions about Italy on Facebook as you’ll great tips as well.

Thanks again for reading 🙂

I’m doing 2 months in SEA next spring and have a gazillion clothes I barely wear that are basically brand new. What’s that Pareto rule – we use 20% of the things we have 80% of the time. So I’m researching my buns off to learn how to mix and match clothing to get different outfits (I’m also terrible at matching so this is certainly a challenge!). Great article, thanks for the tips! :o)

Don’t worry – Southeast Asia is super easy to pack for. This might help: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-backpacking-south-east-asia-holidays/

OK I totally need help before my family accuses me of committing another atrocious OVER PACKING CRIME LMAO! We are going to Miami/Orlando for Thanksgiving week – 8 days. We will be going for a somewhat family vacation, daughter’s competitive event, enjoy a football game, Sea World, Magic Kingdom – the works – have fun, nothing crazy. What would you recommend I pack…I am really torn b/c the weather is really in between its not HOT but it’s not COLD either…any help/recommendations for outfits please!! I am very known in the family to over pack like crazy and not wear half of what I pack, not to mention shoe wise I always go overboard LOL I always want to bring my entire closet for the what ifs. Avg temp is low 50’s and highs in the mid 70’s. Mornings and nights can be chilling and the afternoons warm. It also has a tendency to rain unexpectedly in FL. And I am planning on working out so workout gear is a MUST. PLEASE HELP and help me amaze my family during this trip 😉

I hope you got this list because I had you in mind when I created it: https://travelfashiongirl.com/one-bag-travel-how-to-pack-for-a-weekend-trip/ and https://travelfashiongirl.com/thanksgiving-packing-list-10-piece-capsule-wardrobe-for-3-5-day-trip/

I have struggled with finding the right packing cubes. Do you have a recommendation for how to choose the best ones for a particular suitcase? Should I start by measuring my suitcase & then selecting cubes that fit that space?

Hi Marie, this article is going to tell you everything you want to know about packing cubes: how to use them (with video), the best ones to use, where to buy them, the best ways to pack using them, and if they’re worth it. Hope it helps!

https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/packing-cubes-video-tutorial-learn-how-to-pack-light/

Hope you enjoy your trip! But how could you survive with the lowest temp. being 50 and the highest temp. being 70?!?!

Its hard enough with 30! XD

Hi Emma, this guide will help you pack for mixed weather: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-guide-to-packing-for-different-climates/

Hi, I will going to Texas next week for a 10 days trip. Im an islander, so I’m not comfortable with cold. The weather must be around 64 degrees. I had never experience that kind of weather before, I’m going crazy thinking about what to wear. It’s going to be a special trip, I’m going to meet up with my bf and celebrate my bday. Help me out, please!!

Hi Vanessa, thanks for your comment! I have posted your question on our Facebook page to see if we can get a wider range of feedback from you from other travelers: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl . Thanks!

Hey alex, Where did you find the black dress pictured?

Thank you for the travel fashion inspiration! I’m a notorious over packer and hoping to be better with your help on our upcoming European vacation!!

I am traveling to Mexico city next week. I read that shorts and thight clothes are not ok. I was taking leggins as is the rainy season, but now I am having second thoughts. Help please!

Hi Lety, thanks for your comment! Mexico city is a very modern city and you’ll see many local fashionistas and hipsters. The Condesa and Roma areas in particular will leave you wishing you brought your coolest clothes from home.

You can most definitely wear leggings and skinny jeans/jeggings. I think when it says to avoid anything tight, think more along the lines of a clothing item that is overly fitted in your rear or bust area 😉

Shorts are actually ok however if they’re very short you’re rolling solo in some areas you may receive unwanted looks. Obviously shorts that are very short and revealing are never a good idea. I’d pack a pair if I were you, feel out the vibe and worse case, wear them over your leggings! The best way to wear shorts is to balance them out with a longer sleeve top 😉

Any of these looks work in Mexico City (except Escondido): https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-mexico/

Hope this helps! Mexico City is an AWESOME city 😉

Oh my! I have been googling and imaging minimalist wardrobe all day. Bonzai!! I am not going to “keep”, “toss” “donate”… i am going to toss my entire closet and going on a quest for these oh so versatile pieces. Heck, in my walk in closet of over 100 items, of which I wear maybe 10… This will be so awesome!

That’s so great to hear 🙂 I’m happy this helps! It’s really helped me to let go of the hundreds of the clothing items I was hoarding in my storage.

Check out the latest packing list ensembles: https://travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/

Thank you so much for this, I am terrible at mixing and matching so this gives me some great ideas 🙂 Anyway that you could tell me where you found that dress? It would be perfect for my upcoming trip to europe 🙂

Hi Jane, glad you enjoyed this list 🙂 The dress has been sold out for some time but it was from crumpetengland.com. Check out modcloth.com for great dress options found in my new packing lists: https://travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/

Thanks for reading 🙂

thanks Alex!

Where do you find leggings that fit? The ones I’ve tried always stretch out in the crotch making me feel like I’m a duck waddling along. I never wear leggings alone but can’t imaging the waddle with a cute pair of shorts or a shorter skirt.

Hi Katara, the trick is to wear leggings with tunics so you have a bit of extra coverage in all the right places 😉 Alternatively, you can find leggings that are “legging” type material but have a more structured pant style cut that won’t result in the stretched out crotch which is the crappy part of leggings.

check out this post on Tunics 🙂 https://travelfashiongirl.com/travel-wardrobe-essentials-womens-tunics/

I have been looking all over for cute cargo pants! What brand are the ones pictured? They are very cute.

LOVE the fashion tips as well. I am hoping to do some traveling soon 🙂

These are BKE Dakota Convertible Pants. Although sold out they were on Buckle.com. Love the look of these too. Let me know if you find some your like!

Hi, My personal favorite cargo pants are the Kuhl roll-ups! Capri’s in an instant, and look nice either way. They also come in a pretty large number of colors, and roll up small enough to pack easily. I’ve also found that they tend to not wrinkle. If you like lighter weight cargoes, then I like LLBeans stretch version. They are called Vista Camp pants, and can roll up, or be pulled in at the ankle for a different look. These always go with me because they are also workable as sleep pants. The fabric is stretchy in all. Very, very light and comfortable. Best of luck to all! Connie Q directions!

Great tips! I always travel on planes in a dress with leggings. It’s at least as comfortable as tracksuit pants but much more versatile. Generally I’m traveling from a cold Melbourne winter to somewhere warm so when I get to my destination I can just take off the leggings & I’m ready to go.

http://dayjaunts.blogspot.com/

Love the idea about layering a dress over leggings for a plane ride! Beats changing outfits, just remove and you’re ready to go.

thanks for the tip 🙂

I have seriously studied how to travel with less clothes, and have taken a carry on for my annual week in Maine. But, there is now way I would wear shorts that short. I am going to Germany and Poland next summer, for 13 days and was considering taking a duffle, instead of a carry on. But, maybe I can get by with just a carry on, after all. I do take a personal item, with my netbook, travel info. like tickets and itineraries, and plastic zipper bag of toiletries, as well as a book and my MP3 player.

Hi Cassie, thanks for commenting! Ha, don’t worry all the clothing is just meant to represent an item. shorts can be longer or shorter – it’s just up to the individual. Or if you go to a colder place, maybe you pack more pants and no shorts. You just have to adjust the lists and items for your own needs 🙂

Yes it’s nice to travel Europe without wheels – I used a duffle/wheel bag when I went in 2008. Found it nice to have access to both features. A carry on for 13 days sounds doable especially because you’d probably only need travel size toiletries – they can usually last a couple of weeks. safe travels!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

love this mix. it’s true. you don’t have to pack much to look good. i’ve been traveling with a carry-on for 3+ years and I haven’t once sacrificed style.

that’s awesome! yes, it’s just about choosing the right pieces. find myself to be more creative with less options 🙂

Totally true. Too many options make simple decisions much more difficult! Packing smart is the way to go. I unfortunately, throw a bunch of things I “enjoy wearing” and just hope* things come together. Definitely going to start using this site to eliminate half of the stuff I never wear anyway while overseas! Trekking it all is such a headache.

Thanks Adriana! I think people get more creative with their outfits at home or traveling when they have less clothes – I know I do! 🙂

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1. The more text content, the better

The more text, the better. It would be best to write as much text as possible because users are interested in every little detail. It’ll be better if the text is not well-structured, because users will enjoy reading everything you wrote. No one wants to be distracted by headings and paragraphs.

Moreover, you can make it better if you put aside any visual elements — as well as headings, all they do is disturb users and take up the space that can be filled with text. When talking about a travel app design , it works the same way — users would love to read about Bali, not look through pictures.

The user doesn’t need a bunch of text to make a decision — whether it is about buying a tour or booking a living. When working on a travel app design , you need to pay particular attention to the visuals. Would you prefer reading about a place or seeing pictures of it? When you need to book a hotel, you first check out the photos, not read the description.

If the text is short and structured, pictures will enforce it — this is how you understand that you did a great job. All in all, UI/UX design is to draw the user’s attention to the right things. Visuals in their turn are designed to help the text. Visuals can even replace it when possible because if you can show something, you won’t describe it in words.

2. Stock photos for travel design

If you need photos for your travel design project, search for them on photo stocks. It’s better to use free pictures than to pay for them. It’s stupid to pay for pictures — especially when you can find free ones.

Before we start telling you why stock photos are bad, we wanna make sure you get what it is. Stock photos are pictures available on special platforms where people sell their photographs. Stock photos on their own are not bad, but when you’re creating a new product it’s better not to use them. Especially the free ones because 1) they’re mostly low-quality, and 2) you can find free photos here and there in many designs of travel apps . It’s a common travel app design problem .

Stock photos you pay for are better as the chance that other designers have used them before is less. If you have no other options, it’ll be okay to buy some photos. However, you don’t want your travel app to be similar to other apps. The user won’t define you as a ‘top option’ if they see the same pics they have seen in your competitor’s app. It doesn’t inspire confidence. The best decision for you will be to hire a photographer and bring them to a place to make unique high-quality photo cards. Such a move will win users’ attention.

Making your photos sounds good yet it won’t suit any budget. Sometimes, it’s impossible to do (in 2021, no one can visit Japan, for example). However, if you want it enough, you will find a solution. For instance, on one of our recent travel design projects, the client took unique pictures of the trip route they organized.

3. No accents

If the interface has no visual accents — a designer is not great but doing it the right way. A perfect interface will contain much information and not distract users from browsing through it. Don’t try to add accents, especially if it’s about prices — the user will find what they need.

In reality, you need to emphasize important elements to drive users’ attention. The main goal of UI/UX design is not to make a perfect look but to give a perfect feel. Users don’t want to spend time searching for the information, they use your product and expect it to solve their problems. If you don’t help them — they will delete your app and replace it with your competitor’s.

However, you don’t need to make accents on everything. It’s hard to find something when there is no accent but even harder to do when every part of the interface says ‘Tap on ME’. Excessive use of accents is the same as a lack of accents.

Let us give an example. On one of the recent travel design projects we have been working on, we stressed prices, photos, and routes. The project was about traveling in Australia. The clients organized tours and we decided to draw the route to make it clear for users who want to buy the tour.

Although the clients wanted it to be bright and accented by highlights, we knew it would confuse the user. If people get interested, they will read the text, if not — there is no point in highlighting it.

4. Quality of photos

If you need to add photos to your app, make sure they are of the highest possible quality. Users like it when they can zoom in on a picture and see every part of it in detail.

In fact, it is the case when you need to find the golden mean. You don’t want to use both low-quality and the best-quality pictures. The higher the quality, the harder it is for a device to load the visuals. We try to use 1920×1080 pictures.

While high-quality images affect the loading time, low-quality ones look unpresentable. Sometimes, you cannot find anything better and have to use them, but it’s a bad practice. Although we try to avoid using such images, once in a while you have no choice. On one of the travel design projects, the client asked us to add photos of real hotels but didn’t provide anything at all. We had to search for them manually, and some images were pixelated.

5. Bright images are a must-have

Designers tend to put juicy pictures on the main screens. It’s a good practice because people like bright pictures. It is great when the photo is so bright that it makes the text non-legible. Therefore, when you use a light image, you need to combine it with white-colored text. The image doesn’t need to make any sense when placed with the text — the core principle is to choose the most beautiful photo.

The errors you can find most often are: 1) the picture doesn’t correspond to the meaning of the text, and 2) the contrast is low. The main screen should hook up the person and convey a certain message, while a lack of contrast will anyway kill everything. If you have an image with a blue sky, the white text will be difficult to read. We are not saying you cannot use white for text but we want you to pay attention to the contrast so that the text is well-read and matches the image.

I know how to create a good contrast and make a text legible. However, sometimes, I have concerns — in such cases, I use special tools to double-check myself. To do it, I use WCAG. WCAG includes recommendations on making any web content available. It may sound challenging, but it’s not.

We use the WCAG Contrast Checker tool to check the contrast of color combinations. However, even such a tool cannot give you 100% certainty. Sometimes, it refuses to accept white text on bright blue backgrounds — only dark blue.

You need to be careful when using combinations of light-hued and light-toned colors because of the unstable contrast level. It is suitable for inputs, however, it’s still better not to make the text white. We don’t use the service to put aside potentially ‘wrong’ colors, we use it to make sure we don’t use low-contrast combinations. Consider WCAG not as a rule, but as a warning.

6. Filters in a travel design

There are two scenarios. The first one is to put filters aside because you don’t want to fill the priceless negative space. If the user wants to find a trip, they will find what they’re interested in without filters. The second one is to make the most thought-out filtering system you can imagine, easing the choice for the user. Both are good, it’s up to you.

Filters are always a matter of situation. It’s not easy to understand whether you need to add them. You don’t need to add filters when a range of goods is not wide. However, the more positions, the harder it will be for users to find what they’re looking for. Usually, we try to think through all scenarios of use to make the filtering system useful. It’s crucial that you don’t go to extremes. It’ll be bad when you offer no filters, as well as when you offer too many parameters. The latter ones may irritate the user even more, especially if all of them are required.

When the user taps on Filters, they don’t want to see a never-ending screen with various parameters. It will scare the user off as they may get confused filling it in. That is why you need to think out the most relevant options that will be easy to choose from. For example, a travel app may require Price , Dates, and Availability .

Some people will fill in all the fields when choosing a tour. The happy medium is a simple system that doesn’t require all fields to be filled to show the results. If a person wants to define everything, they can tap on ‘Show more parameters,’ and do it. If not — okay, see the offers.

7. Complicated navigation

Who said the navigation needs to be handy? Your main goal is to make the interface unusual, interesting, and overloaded. Ignore the 3-click rule — it’s boring. Never heard of it? That’s great, it’s nonsense. Your app should be an incredible journey for the users. Use complicated navigation and the same button all over your interface!

Let’s say I use a travel app to book an accommodation. I like it because I’ve found a house that looks cool. Now, I want to book it but cannot find the button. Even though I found what I needed, I wouldn’t spend time looking for the button. It’s easier to download another app and book the house through it.

If there are many types of buttons in your interface, and all of them — primary or secondary look the same, it will irritate the user. The way a button looks can tell users what action it performs. This way, the Book button should attract more attention than the Share button.

A good practice is fixing buttons in the interface. No matter how deep the user scrolls the screen down, the button should always be at hand.

The last thing you want to add to a travel app UX design is an opportunity to share impressions. All information about a trip or a hotel is already in the app, so why would users need it? Additionally, users may post a negative review that will spoil the first impression of other users. If you add the opportunity to post reviews — don’t forget to delete negative reviews and, of course, post some boffo ones yourself.

Giving people the opportunity to share their impressions of the tour is a good idea. Real reviews help to earn trust and inspire confidence. There is always a question of objectivity: what to do when a person intentionally tells a lie, spoiling a company’s reputation or product?

However, even such cases can be turned out to show how loyal your brand is. If a negative comment is true, it is better to apologize and resolve the situation rather than ban it. Deleting negative comments is a bad practice for both small companies and market leaders. The difference is that the latter knows that you can’t delete everything.

When a person books a room in a 3-star hotel and thinks that they will get a 5-star service, it’s important to communicate with your customers to clarify doubtful things and apologize if you’re wrong.

9. Choosing colors

Every industry has ‘right’ colors. For a travel app UI design , they are green, orange, red, and blue. These colors are universal and will fit any travel app. Combined anyhow, they will make an interface dynamic and engaging. But, of course, it’s better to choose colors based on your taste. All in all, it’s your app, so why not choose bright red?

Although every color and its hue is associated with a particular emotion, it doesn’t mean there are some ‘right’ colors for an industry. Let’s put aside travel design . Imagine a banking app. It’s believed that the best colors matching this niche are blue and its hues. Okay, but how would this app be not like other banking apps?

The point is that ‘right’ colors don’t exist. Blue and green are associated with security yet associations are not the most important part of choosing a color. It’s essential to follow the ideas you want to give to the target audience and your end goals. Do you want to stand out from the competition? Do you want your users to associate the color with your app or the entire industry? Answer these questions before making a decision, it’ll be easier to choose.

10. Choosing fonts

This one is pretty simple — you take the most popular font and use it everywhere, no matter if it’s a heading, subheading, or other types. If you think it’s boring, bring any classic typeface — it’ll be a cherry on top of the interface that will distinguish you from competitors. However, you can often see designers using chic types for headings. Chic types are also great, especially if they are non-legible. Don’t lag behind the trend, users will appreciate it.

The vast majority of the time, the main requirement for fonts in interfaces is that the fonts should be legible. A good designer is an expert in typography who knows how to organize content to follow natural eye movement patterns. Designing an interface is full of nuances. This way, you shouldn’t use antique or decorative typefaces if you don’t want the interface to look like a Gothic castle in the downtown area of Tokyo.

You will hardly see experimental fonts used in interfaces — it takes much time to pick up styles that would fit the fonts. Experimental fonts are more for graphic design where designers focus on aesthetics, not legibility. Let everyone do their thing.

My favorite font is San Francisco . At Purrweb, we stick to using it. Apple did a great job developing a font that would be legible in most cases: it looks natural on iOS devices, no matter what kind of app you’re working on. However, there is nothing perfect in our world. The main con of SF is that it cannot be installed on a device that runs on Android. When you’re working on a cross-platform app, you have to find a replacement. When needed, we usually use Inter , Poppins , or Lato . Although all of them are great, you should be careful with the last two: they may be inappropriate in some cases.

You don’t have to use one font everywhere. Mixing fonts is always a good choice. If you are not sure about the combination you are about to use, use superfamilies. Superfamilies are a set of typefaces that are crafted to work together. For example, Roboto includes Roboto, Roboto Slab, and Roboto Mono. However, you can always use a special service that combines fonts — we recommend fontjoy.com.

11. Integrations for travel app design

What if we say you don’t need to think about integration in advance? Put doubts aside, integrations are unnecessary things that only overload the interface. We strongly recommend that you don’t use them. You are launching your product, why do you need to integrate with any third-party services?

In real life, no app can go without integrations. For instance, there are integrations for lead generation, online payment, authorization through social networks, CRMs, CMSs… We could continue the list for a long while since there are thousands of such services. We mostly work out integration with payment systems — for example, Stripe or Braintree.

For a travel app, it’d be nice to think over the integration with Google Maps. In addition to navigation, the service can provide your app with information: it will provide restaurants, bars, museums, and movie theaters nearby, and inform users of the price range and working time.

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Why Fall Foliage Might Not Be as Vibrant in the Future

With hotter and drier summers, some trees are beginning to just drop their leaves in the autumn months instead of first turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. here’s what to know..

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Climate change could be the cause behind duller fall foliage in the near future.

Photo by AndTheyTravel/Shutterstock

Planning trips to witness natural phenomena always involves a degree of uncertainty—after all, nature isn’t known for sticking to a schedule. Colorful fall foliage is no exception. But with a changing climate, the unpredictability of the autumnal season could increase even more.

This is because temperature and precipitation, two of the most crucial factors that affect the timing and vibrancy of fall colors, are both directly influenced by a warming planet .

For those anticipating the autumn spectacle, here are three things to know.

1. Longer summers may delay fall colors

Trees rely on cooling temperatures in the fall as their cue to stop producing chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color and allows them to produce food using energy from the sun. When plants stop making chlorophyll, other pigments in leaf tissue get their chance to shine. Those pigments include carotenoids, responsible for the yellow, orange, and brown hues of autumn; and anthocyanins, which yield rich red and purple shades.

Mukund Rao, an ecoclimatologist and carbon cycle scientist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, says there are indications that hotter summers are already altering this natural process in parts of North America. Specifically, he has noticed in some recent years, trees have kept their green color a few days longer into the fall than usual. This change in timing has appeared in spots across the northeastern United States, which is home to a slew of popular destinations for viewing fall foliage, including New England and upstate New York.

Rao and other scientists use a network of cameras known as PhenoCams to study changes in the timing of chlorophyll slowdown. This collaborative project, which involves scientific facilities worldwide, uses time-lapse cameras mounted on high vantage points like rooftops and towers to monitor seasonal changes in vegetation, such as the timing of leaf color change, leaf drop, and the emergence of leaves in the spring.

“Because the summers are longer and you have warmer weather later in the year, the leaves remain green longer and the autumn colors show up later,” Rao explains.

2. Drier summers may affect the vibrancy of fall colors

Summer precipitation plays a significant role in how vibrant fall foliage will be, says Rao. Trees that receive adequate amounts of rainfall during the summer produce the necessary quantity of sugars in their leaves to put on an eye-popping autumn show.

In areas where climate change leads to summer droughts, the colors may not be as striking.

“In a [hypothetical] year with hot temperatures and little rain, the trees would be pretty stressed,” he says. “And so fall colors in those years would not be very vibrant. The trees would just drop their leaves.”

3. Shorter leaf-viewing seasons could become the norm

While temperatures dictate when leaves start to change color, it’s the shortening daylight hours as summer wanes that prompt trees to drop their leaves. This part of the process remains unchanged (the planet may be hotter, but the rate at which the Earth orbits the sun is still the same), so the timing of leaf drop remains consistent.

That means that climate change may ultimately cause the peak period for seeing fall colors to shrink.

“The speed at which the transition happens is becoming faster,” says Rao. “You get just a very short period of the orange and red and yellow leaves and then they turn brown and fall off.”

What does this all mean for travelers?

Timing is everything when it comes to planning a fall foliage trip. While that has always been the case, climate change may require travelers to plan even more carefully.

When fall colors emerge later but leaves drop at the usual time, the window for experiencing the autumn display at its most spectacular can potentially grow smaller. So it’s more important than ever to be flexible with your travel dates. Consider recent weather patterns when selecting a destination . In addition, keep up with foliage reports, such as the interactive prediction map recently released by SmokyMountains.com.