Autumn might be my favorite time to travel. Summer vacations are over and the world seems to quiet down a bit (for everyone except teachers). The huge crowds and long lines that once flooded every attraction are becoming smaller and shorter. The weather is becoming a bit more comfortable, perfect for sightseeing and exploring. And, as travel slows down for the year, many places that rely on tourism begin offering deals and specials to draw in those who still have PTO or have been waiting for just this opportunity! And, as an added bonus, the Fall months bring about some really exciting celebrations from all around the world! If you are willing to wait until after Labor Day to start your adventures, I don’t think you’ll regret it!
Now to decide where to go… While the possibilities are great, here are my recommendations to get you started:
The Greek Isles
The Autumn months are the BEST time to visit Greece if you’re looking to enjoy some time on the islands. The weather is warm, and the crowds are low. You will be more likely to get great deals at some of the more unique and exclusive resorts and villas if you book far enough in advance, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Azore Islands
If you’re a nature lover, or are simply looking for a unique island experience, you need to visit the Azore Islands in Autumn! The temperatures are set in the mid to low 70s, perfect for hiking, biking, and general exploring of all that the islands have to offer. And what do they have to offer (besides perfect weather?) Crater lakes, volcanoes, hot springs, unmatched landscapes, and 24 different species of dolphins and whales! While there are 9 islands in the archipelago, our pick to get the most out of your stay is São Miguel!
Iceland
Iceland is a land of extremes, and each season brings its own unique experiences and attractions. While you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland year-round, the fall can be a particularly good time to catch them. The nights are longer and darker, and the weather tends to be clearer than in the winter, making it easier to spot the aurora borealis dancing across the sky. Plus, the fall light in Iceland can be especially magical, with long sunrises and sunsets casting a golden glow over the landscape.
Romania
The Autumn months in Romania offer mild temperatures with some light rains, making for a comfortable visit. The country offers some of the most beautiful roads in the world, and the fall colors make them even more breathtaking! And of course, if you’re looking for some spooky fun, you can visit Bran’s Castle in Transylvania right around Halloween and partake in some vampire themed activities!
Colorado
If you’re looking to stay state-side, there are a number of amazing National Parks I could recommend for you to visit, and many of them are in Colorado! Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks can be visited year-round, but offer a quieter, less busy atmosphere once Summer vacations are over. What else does Colorado have to offer? Colorado in the Autumn months offers some of the most beautiful foliage in the U.S. Aspen is said to be one of the top spots to view the changing colors with a gorgeous, picturesque backdrop. But, be sure to make your travel plans with care, as National Parks close earlier in the off season, and in late fall, you may begin to see heavy snow falls, and an increase in prices with the coming of winter sports enthusiasts.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Autumn in Rio De Janeiro is less crowded than in the summer months, but still very active! Less tourists means it will be easier to explore its many attractions, such as the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Moreover, fall is the season for festivals in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Rock in Rio music festival, which attracts many international artists and music lovers from all over the world!
Argentinian Patagonia
Argentinian Patagonia is a beautiful region to visit any time of year. However, fall has a special charm that makes it an ideal time to explore this stunning area. Firstly, the foliage in the fall is absolutely breathtaking. The leaves turn to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning contrast to the deep blue waters and snowy peaks. The scenery is simply stunning and offers some great photo opportunities. This is also the perfect time of you for wildlife viewing. You will have plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of migrating whales, penguins, dolphins, sea lions, and guanacos!
Samoa Polynesian Islands
Samoa is a Polynesian island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean that offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. While Samoa can be visited throughout the year, the fall season (September to November) is an excellent time to plan a trip to this beautiful island nation. The temperature during this season is warm and comfortable, with low humidity levels and refreshing sea breezes. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. This is also the perfect time to experience Samoa’s vibrant cultural events. The Teuila Festival, held annually in September, is a celebration of Samoan culture and traditions. It features traditional dancing, music, food, and sports, and is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Japan
One of the best reasons to visit Japan in the fall is to experience the breathtaking autumn foliage, known as “koyo” in Japanese. September to early December, the leaves on trees across the country turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning natural display that draws visitors from around the world. In addition to the beautiful autumn foliage, fall is also a great time to enjoy traditional Japanese culture and festivals. Many cities and towns across Japan hold local events during this season, such as food festivals, art shows, and performances of traditional music and dance!
Vietnam
From late September through November, the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer rainy days and less humidity than in the summer months. This makes it a great time to explore the cities, beaches, mountains, and countryside without feeling too hot or sticky. In the fall, Vietnam also celebrates several important holidays and festivals, including the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is especially popular with families and children. During this time, you can see colorful lanterns and enjoy sweet mooncakes, which are a traditional treat.
South Africa
If wondering when the best time to visit South Africa might be, you may want to consider traveling between September and November. During these months, South Africa experiences its spring season, which brings milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and a stunning display of wildflowers across the countryside. The weather is generally sunny and warm, making it the perfect time to visit the beaches, go on safari, or explore the many outdoor activities that South Africa has to offer. are also great months for wildlife viewing, as it is the start of the dry season, and animals tend to congregate around water sources. You’ll have a good chance of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) in game reserves such as Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. Additionally, if you’re a fan of wine, you’ll be pleased to know that the vineyards of the Cape Winelands are in full bloom during this time, and many of the wine estates offer special events and tastings.
But wait! There’s More!
While these are my top picks for Autumn travel, your possibilities are endless! Autumn is an amazing time to travel regardless of where you want to go. The seasonal landscapes, the mild weather, the local festivals, the lower prices, and the smaller crowds are enough to draw anyone in and win them over! If you have a specific place in mind that you’d like to check out, let me know and we can begin that adventure together!
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