As the leaves turn golden yellow, burnt orange and brick red in September and October, it's the perfect time to take an escorted tour of the U.S. Northeast or Eastern Canada. Here's why:

1. Enjoy the scenery while someone else drives.

On escorted tours, you rest in comfy seats aboard a motorcoach and enjoy the scenery while a competent driver worries about getting you from point A to point B. Large windows allow you to take in all of the glorious vistas--from the pretty foliage colors, to quaint New England churches, to the peaks of the White Mountains.

2. The escorted traveling companies know the best spots for viewing foliage.

Tour companies that have been taking visitors to New England and Eastern Canada in the autumn months for years have the perfect schedule down pat, and they know where and when travelers can expect the most breathtaking scenery.

3. A knowledgeable tour director is with you every step of the way.

Tour directors are typically based in the region of country you're visiting. So these folks are intimately familiar with the history, customs, lifestyle and top sights in New England and Eastern Canada.

4. Experience not only pretty scenery, but urban centers, too.

Fall foliage escorted tours usually start and end in major cities like Boston or Montreal. Sightseeing in Boston ("Beantown" to locals) typically includes the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Main sights in Montreal include Old Town, Notre Dame and Mont Royal.

5. Meet like-minded travelers.

Fellow travelers on your autumn foliage escorted tour will likely have the same interests, and will appreciate the pretty scenery as much as you do. Get to know other passengers while chatting on the motorcoach or at included dinners.

6. Try local foods.

Sample "sugar on snow"  maple syrup served with a donut and a pickle. Tour the Cabot Creamery and nibble on the "World's Best Cheddar." Visit the Ben & Jerry's headquarters for free ice cream! Savor authentic Maine Lobster and New England clam chowder. Yum!

7. The weather is typically gorgeous.

In September and October, the days are cooler than they are in the heat of the summer, with lower humidity and pleasant nights. Perfect for taking strolls around quaint towns, cruising Quebec City's St. Lawrence River or taking a tram up Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire.

8. Lots of shopping options.

Bring home a plethora of New England souvenirs: maple sugar candy, prints from the Norman Rockwell Museum, World Series Boston Red Sox paraphernalia, or pretty local pottery. Plus, if your tour takes you to North Conway, New Hampshire, you'll likely be able to shop at some value-priced outlet stores.

9. Sightseeing visits are hassle free.

New England and Eastern Canada are popular places to visit in the fall months, since many "leaf peepers" descend upon the area to view the foliage. Unless you are on an escorted tour, you may be shut out of popular sightseeing attractions -- plus touring groups are often escorted to the front of the line. No waiting for you!

10. Know the price of your vacation up front.

As with all escorted vacation packages, all the accommodations, transportation, sightseeing visits and many meals are included in the price of your fall foliage tour.