Top States for Fall Travel Assignments

Looking for your fall travel assignment? Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or exploring healthcare travel for the first time, these top states offer high-demand opportunities, traveler-friendly facilities, and unforgettable fall experiences.

Read on to discover states with everything you want for a festive, fun-filled fall, in states with a high demand for travelers and traveler-friendly facilities. 

Download our Top States for Fall Travel Assignments Guide to take this info with you on the road.

Best Places for Fall Travel Assignments

Washington

Must-See Places

• Leavenworth: This Bavarian-style village comes alive with Oktoberfest and autumn colors.
• Palouse Falls: Enjoy picture-perfect fall foliage blanketing the Palouse Scenic Byway on your way to this dazzling waterfall.
• Yakima Valley Wine Country: Sip your way through scenic vineyards bursting with fall color.
• Mount Rainier National Park: The park’s foliage explodes in vibrant reds and golds, especially around the Paradise and Sunrise areas.
• Olympic Peninsula: Stunning fall colors in temperate rainforests and cozy coastal towns with seasonal festivals.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Oktoberfest in Leavenworth: One of the best in the country
• Green Bluff Harvest Festival: A full fall experience near Spokane
• Ciderfest at Yakima Arboretum: Crisp Washington ciders in peak foliage.
• Washington State Fair in Puyallup: The biggest fair in the state

Cost of Living

• No state income tax, but Seattle’s cost of living is higher.
• Housing is more affordable in Spokane, Yakima, and Tacoma.

Did You Know?

You can take a guided horseback ride in the Cascades or Yakima Valley, experiencing autumn colors in a truly unforgettable way.

Travel Alike States: Oregon, Colorado, Vermont

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in Washington.

Maine

Must-See Places

• Acadia National Park: Marvel at fiery fall foliage along rugged coastline and mountain trails.
• Portland’s Old Port: Charming cobblestone streets filled with fall farmers markets and cozy cafes.
• Camden Hills State Park: Panoramic views of autumn colors over Penobscot Bay.
• Kennebunkport: Quaint seaside town with colorful fall decorations and harvest events.
• Moosehead Lake: A peaceful lake surrounded by vibrant foliage, perfect for scenic drives and boating.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Camden Fall Festival: Enjoy raft vendors, live music, and foliage tours.
• Maine Harvest Festival in Portland: Local food, music, and art celebrating autumn.
• Apple Picking at Beech Hill Farm: Classic fall fun with panoramic views.
• Boothbay Harbor Lobster Festival: A tasty, festive way to enjoy Maine’s infamous lobster.

Cost of Living

• Lower than many Northeast states.
• Affordable short-term housing in inland towns and smaller coastal communities.

Did You Know?

You can sail along the coast on a traditional windjammer cruise while surrounded by fall foliage and fresh sea air.

Travel Alike States: New Hampshire, Vermont, Upstate New York

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in Maine.

Wisconsin

Must-See Places

• Door County: Rolling hills and shoreline drenched in fall color, plus charming small towns.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest: Trails weave through some of the best autumn woods in the Midwest.
• Milwaukee Riverwalk: Fall festivals and vibrant city views along the river.
• Apostle Islands: Explore fiery forests paired with Lake Superior’s crisp waters.
• Devil’s Lake State Park: Popular for hiking amid vivid fall landscapes and bluffs.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Oktoberfest in La Crosse: Authentic German traditions and festivities.
• Harvest Fest at Old World Wisconsin: Historic farming life and seasonal fun.
• Apple Festival in Door County: Local orchards and best-of-the-season treats.

Cost of Living

• Affordable, especially in rural areas and mid-size cities like Eau Claire or Appleton.
• Great pay-to-cost-of-living ratio for travelers.

Did You Know?

You can explore a giant corn maze at Treinen Farm near Madison, then sip fresh cider while taking in the driftless hills.

Travel Alike States: Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in Wisconsin.

Colorado

Must-See Places

• Aspen: The golden quaking aspens light up the mountainside like no other place.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Alpine meadows and forests burst with fall color at higher elevations.
• Glenwood Springs: Relax in hot springs surrounded by autumn scenery.
• Durango: Historic town with fall festivals and scenic train rides through colorful canyons.
• Estes Park: Gateway town to Rocky Mountain Park with charming fall events.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Aspen Leaf Peeping Festival: Iconic golden aspens with food, music, and hikes.
• Great American Beer Festival in Denver: A must for beer lovers.
• Durango Autumn Arts Festival: Crafts, food, and music.

Cost of Living

• Urban centers are pricey, but rural mountain towns vary.
• Pays well for high-demand roles in both large hospitals and smaller facilities.

Did You Know?

You can hike through golden aspen groves near Aspen or Ouray, and end your day with a soak in nearby hot springs.

Travel Alike States: Utah, New Mexico, Washington

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in Colorado.

North Carolina

Must-See Places

• Blue Ridge Parkway: Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” awash with fall color and scenic overlooks.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Misty mountain vistas and vibrant forests in peak fall glory.
• Asheville: Bustling arts scene with autumn festivals and craft breweries.
• Outer Banks: Mild fall weather with coastal charm and migratory birdwatching.
• Biltmore Estate: A historic mansion surrounded by colorful gardens and forest trails.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Apple Festival in Hendersonville: Fall fun in the heart of apple country.
• North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh: Big city fair with rides, food, and fall exhibits.
• Folk Festival in Asheville: Appalachian festivities, music, crafts, and food.

Cost of Living

• Reasonable, especially in western towns and mid-size cities.
• Strong housing availability for travelers.

Did You Know?

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic fall foliage train rides, complete with open-air cars and mountain views.

Travel Alike States: Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in North Carolina.

Montana

Must-See Places

• Glacier National Park: Early fall brings fewer crowds and stunning reds and yellows.
• Yellowstone National Park: Dramatic fall landscapes and wildlife migrations.
• Bozeman: A vibrant college town with fall festivals and brewery tours.
• Flathead Lake: The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, framed by autumn trees.
• Big Sky: Scenic mountain views with crisp fall air and fewer tourists.

Best Things to Do in Fall

• Big Sky Autumn Fest: Live music, food trucks, and outdoor fun.
• Harvest Fest in Missoula: Local seasonal food, wine, and art.
• Yellowstone Wildlife Watching: Fall is prime time to spot elk, bison, and more.

Cost of Living

• Rural towns offer lower cost of living, though popular cities like Bozeman are higher.
• Great pay opportunities due to staffing needs in rural facilities.

Did You Know?

You can take a scenic chairlift ride in Big Sky to see fall colors from above, even before the first snow hits the slopes.

Travel Alike States: Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska

Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs in Montana.

Find Your Fall Travel Assignment With TNAA and TotalMed

Wherever your fall travel assignment takes you, make it happen with TNAA and TotalMed. Our best-in-class benefits and support can help make every assignment your best one yet, helping you focus on what matters most: having an incredible adventure!

Ready to secure your fall travel assignment with TNAA and TotalMed? Check out our available travel healthcare and travel nurse jobs and apply today!