While summer vacations are a great way to enjoy the sun and heat of the summer months, fall vacations are all about a peaceful, cozy, and comforting experience. Autumn is a great time to see beautiful landscapes, interact with wildlife, and explore new outdoor destinations. As soon as I see the first leaf turn from green to yellow, I get a little obsessed with the idea of an amazing fall vacation. If you’re also craving an incredible fall trip, follow along with me as I walk you through my list of dream fall vacation destinations around the world!
Fall Vacations in North America
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Telluride, Colorado is a fantastic vacation destination in the San Juan Mountains. While it’s known for its ski slopes in the winter, it’s also an incredible destination for a fall vacation. The leaves turn stunning colors and fall all over the beautiful landscape. If you’re adventurous, there are tons of fun outdoor activities in Telluride like mountain biking, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. If you’re more of a rest and relaxation traveler, Telluride has incredible cabins and lodges perfect for families or romantic getaways. The downtown area has amazing local restaurants, so its also an exceptional destination for foodies.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories and it is a gorgeous travel destination. The breathtaking landscape is even more gorgeous when it’s painted with fall colors. The forest of red, orange, and yellow trees is just unbelievably beautiful in person. However, one of the major reasons to visit Yellowknife is to visit the Aurora Village. During the fall, this village is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. If you are looking to experience culture during your fall vacation, indigenous communities in Yellowknife host multiple festivals, workshops, and storytelling sessions that offer incredible insight into their amazing histories. The combination of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cozy charm makes Yellowknife a great fall vacation destination.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a world class city and an amazing vacation destination year round. However, fall is the most temperate and dry season in Mexico City and also happens to be its least popular tourism season. This means that fall is the best time to experience Mexico City with great weather and smaller crowds. Mexico City is a world famous culinary destination with tons of great places to eat–from local food carts to Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re looking for a rich, cultural experience, head to Mexico City in late October or early November to experience Día de los Muertos celebrations and parades. You’ve got to have Mexico City on your travel bucket list, and fall is a great time to check it off!
Fall Vacations in Europe
Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is just a beautiful paradise. The Greek islands get a huge influx of tourists in the summer, so fall in Greece is a much more peaceful and calm experience. There is great hiking in Crete, including the trails of the Samaria Gorge and urban hikes through ancient ruins. The grape harvest also takes place in fall, so its really the ideal season to experience the culture of Crete. If you head to Crete in the fall, you’ll get to experience the best of the summer and fall – amazing beaches one day and delicious wine tastings the next!
Duoro Valley, Portugal
The Duoro Valley is absolutely stunning. With rolling hills, vineyards, and streams, you just cannot top the landscape here. Like Crete, the Duoro Valley is home to an incredible wine industry, so grape harvests in the fall bring cultural celebrations, winemaking tours, and culinary expositions. One thing I love about the Duoro Valley is that you can stay in beautiful country estates called Quintas. Staying in a quinta is a luxurious experience and its perfect for a parents-only romantic getaway.
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
If you’re a travel photographer (or just love photography), you absolutely have to experience the Scottish Highlands. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Summer is the most popular time to visit the highlands, so you’re definitely going to see smaller crowds in the fall. The real benefit of visiting Scotland in the fall, however, is seeing the storybook colors in the landscape. You can walk along Loch Ness or visit the Cairngorms National Park to experience the incredible views. If you’re bringing your little ones, make sure to include Highland games and ceilidh dancing events to your itinerary!
Fall Vacation in Asia
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is often called the “cultural heart” of Japan. It’s full of amazing temples, gardens, and historic areas. Iconic sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) are even more beautiful when surrounded by beautiful fall leaves. Some local festivals happen in the fall like the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) and the Kurama Fire Festival. Both would be incredible cultural experiences during your fall vacation. You can also take a boat cruise along the Hozu River to see even more of the amazing landscapes.
If you’re looking for incredible fall vacation destinations, I hope this list helps you choose the perfect spot. The world is full of stunning places with rich history and traditions, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t experience that this fall!
xoxo Fil
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