Eats, Cruises & Leaves

There are downscale offerings as well, many of which offer remarkable values over the old drive-and-lodge approach to leaf peeping. Ocean views on the Carnival Cruise Line's seven-day foliage cruise are just $750, per person, according to Orbitz. And many of these cruises include the same stops found on upscale itineraries, with disembarkments in Boston, Maine and Nova Scotia.

Unlike the traditional, fly-and-stay vacations, it pays to book early on a specialty cruise, like one to the New England market. Over the summer, most cruise lines offer deep discounts from the prices listed on brochures to make sure that fall cruises fill up fast, but as the departure date approaches, they're less willing to offer deep discounts, since demand to see fall foliage doesn't hit a fever pitch until the leaves are turning on the trees.

And big ticket prices haven't scared off travelers who have their hearts set on shoving off in search of foliage. Demand has remained firm and the best deals are going to those who book early -- many cruise operators are currently selling tours at 50% from their arguably inflated brochure prices. According to Crystal Cruises bookings are already 17% ahead of last year and at Seabourne Cruises some cruises are already sold out.

"We're booking very well," said Good. "There's not very much space left."