Fall Travel Ideas: Best Places to Visit in the Fall
As the lazy days of summer fade away, it’s the perfect time to set off on a new adventure. Fall is one of my favourite travel seasons to get out and explore. Not only do you get more comfortable temperatures, but you also have fewer crowds to contend with. Fall travels also mean lower prices and better deals.
With kids back in school and locals back from holidays, it’s the perfect time to visit cities and soak up the energy around you. In fact, fall is the ideal time to explore new destinations and rediscover old favourites. Here are some reasons you should consider travel in the fall and some destination ideas for your next trip.
Why fall Travel is the best time to travel
Fall travel opens up a lot of opportunities for adventurous travellers. Whether you’re into chasing the changing colours in the northern hemisphere or extending your summer experience in the southern hemisphere, you’ll find many destinations to love. Fall travel doesn’t have to be about cold and rain, it’s about a different lens of seeing the world.
Fewer crowds and better prices
Let’s be honest, lining up to see anything during the summer can be exhausting. Crowds are everywhere, especially in popular tourist destinations where visitors battle for the best spot to take a picture. In the sea of selfie sticks, tablets and cameras, it’s hard to get a good shot or appreciate the place you just spent hours waiting to see.
In the fall, the crowds thin out. You won’t have to sweat while waiting in the massive lineup. Chances are there won’t be a lineup, or at least not a big one. Plus, you won’t have to share your experience with many other tourists. This reduction in travel demand also leads to better prices. Airlines often drop extensive discounts on both domestic flights and international flight bookings. Accommodations become more affordable, and you’re more likely to find great deals and bundle packages that offer good value for your travel costs.
Moderate temperatures
There is definitely something beautiful about fall weather. Fall brings cooler temperatures to many parts of the world, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Whether planning a scenic road trip, a picturesque hike, or a city break, the crisp air and stunning colours make any outdoor activity way more enjoyable. From the fiery red and orange hues of North America to the golden hues of European forests, the changing leaves transform landscapes into breathtaking natural paintings.
Unique seasonal experiences
Fall is harvest season in many regions, offering unique experiences you can’t get any other time of year. There’s no shortage of seasonal activities, from grape harvest festivals in wine countries to pumpkin patches and corn mazes in rural areas.
Best places to travel to in the fall
Here are some of my favourite places for fall travel. It doesn’t mean that they are the only ones you should consider for your next trip.
New England, USA
When it comes to fall travel in North America, New England is hard to beat. The region offers some of the best fall foliage in the world, with its small towns and scenic drives providing a picturesque fall getaway. Take a road trip along Vermont’s Route 100 or explore Acadia National Park in Maine for breathtaking panoramic views. Don’t forget to visit local apple orchards and farmers markets for a taste of the season.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto in the fall is nothing short of magical. The city’s ancient temples and tranquil gardens are transformed by the vibrant koyo (fall foliage). Places like Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kiyomizu-dera Temple become even more stunning when framed by fiery red maple leaves. Fall is also the time to experience the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), offering a unique glimpse into Japanese traditions.
Bavaria, Germany
Fall in Bavaria is a feast for the senses. The region’s fairytale castles, like Neuschwanstein, are set against vibrant autumn forests. The annual Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most famous festivals in Munich. It takes place in early fall, offering a chance to immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. The Bavarian Alps provide excellent hiking opportunities for nature lovers with crisp, cool air and stunning views.
The Canadian Rockies
The majestic peaks of Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies are spectacular in the fall. Between the foliage, the snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes, you’re in for a treat. If you’re into fall road trips, then you should drive the Icefields Parkway, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Fall is also one of my favourite seasons to explore this part of Canada.
Tuscany, Italy
Fall in Tuscany is a celebration of nature and gastronomy. The countryside glows with golden light, and vineyards are ripe for harvest. It’s the perfect time for wine tasting in Chianti or a leisurely drive through rolling hills. You can easily explore Florence and Siena without feeling like you’re melting and take advantage of seasonal delicacies like truffles and porcini mushrooms.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to summer, head to Cape Town, which offers a unique fall travel experience. As the southern hemisphere enters spring, Table Mountain becomes covered in wildflowers, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden bursts into bloom. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking Lion’s Head or taking scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak. The springtime whale migration along the coast is an added bonus.
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is a great place to visit, but it’s even more spectacular in the fall. The region’s famous châteaux are surrounded by vineyards and forests that burst into fall colours. The Château de Chambord is particularly beautiful when the surrounding woodlands turn a fiery red. Fall is also the season for grape harvest festivals, making it an ideal time to indulge in wine tasting and enjoy the local French countryside charm.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Highlands in fall are a blend of moody mist, crisp air, and stunning landscapes that range from russet hills to golden glens. The Isle of Skye and Glencoe offer rugged beauty with fewer crowds. You can experience the changing colours while hiking, enjoy a cozy stay in a loch-side cottage, and maybe even catch sight of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.
Petra, Jordan
Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, is a great place to explore in the fall. As the sweltering summer heat gives way to milder temperatures, it’s the perfect time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cool, crisp air makes hiking the Siq (the narrow gorge leading to the Treasury) or the climb to the Monastery much more enjoyable. Fall is also a great time to experience Petra by Night, where the ancient city is illuminated by candles, creating an otherworldly ambiance.
Iceland
Iceland, in the fall, is a magical land of contrasts. The fall also marks the return of the Northern Lights, dancing in the sky with shimmering greens and purples. While there is more rain, it only creates a more magical vibe, making everything feel like a legendary land of myths and fairies. Don’t miss the Gullfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and spend some time in the geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, to unwind and warm against the crisp air.
Top Fall Travel Tips
There are many excellent reasons why fall travel is the best season for travel. Whether you’re thinking of European destinations, long weekend getaways in North America or a sunny escape to the Southern Hemisphere, there are a few things to remember before you go.
Limited hours
While many tourist attractions tend to have extended hours during the high season, many reduce operations off-season. Don’t be surprised to find limited admission times, and be prepared to find some of them closed for the season. If you know ahead of time where you’ll be travelling, check ahead to avoid disappointments. Like gardens and parks, certain attractions might not have the same appeal in the fall as they do in the summer. Don’t be surprised by the change in the scenery when you arrive. It might actually be better than you think!
Less frequent service
Just as attractions reduce hours of operation, so do the transportation companies. Certain routes for services like ferries, busses and trains shut down for the season. You might not be able to get everywhere you want to, but there are so many choices of places to go to that you won’t even notice it. Some airlines also set flight schedules seasonally, depending on the destination and time of year. It’s definitely worthwhile to check ahead of expected travel to ensure you can actually get a flight there and back.
Limited lodging options
Many places that operate seasonally will also reduce their availability. Once fall arrives, beach resort towns, cabins, summer destinations, and even campsites might close for the season. This is less common for larger hotels; however, fall is also conference season and a very lucrative time for hotels. Once you get into the shoulder season, you might find fewer choices for places to stay. While I imagine most private operators on Airbnb and similar platforms will still have availability, there might be fewer of them.
So, should you travel in the fall?
Some of my favourite trips have been during the fall season, and I think it’s the best time of the year to visit new destinations. As the seasons change in late September, you have a unique opportunity to explore local festivals and see how the locals live.
Fall travel offers a perfect blend of comfortable weather, stunning natural beauty, and unique seasonal experiences. Whether you’re leaf-peeping in New England, sipping wine in Tuscany, or chasing the last bit of warmth in Cape Town, fall is truly one of the best times of the year to explore the world. So pack your favourite scarf, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and set out on your next autumn adventure.
