The 10 Best Places to Visit This Fall
Fall is just around the corner. For some, that means that kids are back in school and travel is out of mind until the holidays roll around. But wait! This is one of the best times of year to escape the crowds, enjoy beautiful weather for sightseeing, and get a killer deal on your next epic adventure. Read on to learn about some incredible destinations to see this year.
1. New England
This area of the U.S. offers everything quintessentially fall and cozy -- stunning foliage, pumpkin picking, hot apple cider, and small town festivals. Get out in nature at Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, and soak up the rich colors of the forest. Or, plan a road trip through the region, stopping at charming towns like Concord, Woodstock, and Bethel, and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
2. America’s National Parks
Speaking of nature, fall is a fantastic time to visit many of America’s national parks and enjoy comfortable temperatures for hiking, abundant wildlife, and fewer crowds. At Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, you might meet moose, elk, or black bears. Enjoy the wilderness trails on foot or on horseback and take in the stunning golden leaves. Prefer to explore by car? Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is perfect for scenic drives and lookout points. Be sure to stop at Clingmans Dome, the highest point, for mountain views and Cades Cove for wildlife viewing.
3. Hawaii
The fall season is one of the best times of year to visit Hawaii. While much of the Caribbean is impacted by tropical storms in the fall, Hawaii is very dry, and temperatures are generally still in the 80s. There are fewer crowds this time of year, and you’ll find accommodation prices to be lower than usual, so you might be able to snag a great deal. And, new flights into Hawaii are making the islands more accessible than ever. From later in the fall, you’ll be able to enjoy the annual humpback whale migration from Maui, making your trip even more unique.
4. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (ABC Islands)
Yearning for a Caribbean trip this fall? The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao sit south of the hurricane belt just above South America, making them an excellent tropical getaway this time of year. Collectively known as the ABC Islands, they are owned by the Netherlands and exude a bit of European charm. You’ll find beautiful beaches across the board, but head to Aruba for great diving, shopping, and casinos, head to Bonaire for its rich marine life and national parks, or head to Curacao for vibrant culture and good eats.
5. The Mediterranean
While much of Europe starts to get chilly in the fall, Spain, Southern France, and Italy still boast wonderful weather for outdoor activities. Days are generally sunny, and temperatures remain in the 70s. This is a fantastic time to consider a Mediterranean cruise, as prices are dramatically lower than summer months and attractions are much less crowded. You’ll be able to visit incredible cities like Barcelona, Nice, Venice, and Rome and feel like you have the place to yourself.
6. Japan
Arguably, there’s never a bad time to visit Japan. The weather around Tokyo is generally comfortable, and there’s always more to see and do than you can possibly fit into your trip. However, fall is an excellent time to head to the country if you’d like to enjoy the backdrop of the autumn foliage against the temples in picturesque Kyoto or Nikko. And, it’s easy to see so much of the country in one swoop, as Japan’s train system is one of the most advanced in the world and can get you nearly anywhere with ease.
7. New Zealand
Remember that seasons are opposite in the southern hemisphere, so this fall actually brings spring across New Zealand. However, these shoulder seasons are the perfect chance for you to tick this beautiful country off your bucket list, as prices will be much lower than during the summer holidays and lush green landscapes swoop the countryside. New Zealand is an incredible place for a road trip, as you’ll enjoy epic mountains, glaciers, plains, and much more along the way. Don’t miss Te Anau, the gateway to fjords and Milford Sound, an area home to seals, penguins, and unique marine life.
8. Morocco
Fall is a great time to head to this warm and welcoming North African nation, as September begins to bring relief from the summer heat. Temperatures are pleasant, landscapes are lush, and you’ll encounter fewer tourists. You’ll be able to shop the colorful souks of Marrakech, enjoy a scenic hike through the Atlas Mountains, or even sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert. Flights are easy and relatively inexpensive from the United States, making Morocco an accessible destination.
9. Peru
It’s almost spring in Peru, as this beautiful country sits just below the equator. Take an Amazon rainforest trek while wildlife viewing is at its best, or head for one of the beach towns as the surf is picking up and prices are still low. But what you’re really coming to Peru for is Machu Picchu and the incredible sites of the Sacred Valley, and visiting at this time of year means it’s still dry season, the Inca Trail is still open, and you’ve missed the crowds, so you’ll get to enjoy a bit of serenity.
10. Germany Dreaming of a European getaway? Consider heading to Germany this fall. Although the whole country is beautiful, I recommend the Bavaria region this time of year. Begin your trip in the capital of Munich, and you might even be able to experience the famous Oktoberfest. Then, drive through the countryside and enjoy the fairytale of castles, quaint towns, and picturesque lakes set against the backdrop of fall colors.
Where are you most excited to visit this year?
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