15 of the Best Places to Travel to in the Fall

Lauren Breedlove

Fall foliage, carving pumpkins, and fresh, crisp air aren't the only reasons to love Fall — it also happens to be a fantastic time to travel. With an abundance of festivals and events, just right temperatures, and often smaller crowds, the Autumn months can be the perfect time to set out on a vacation. Trade Fall for Spring in the southern hemisphere, or take advantage of potentially lower prices in many locales that you've always wanted to see but your bank account wouldn't permit.

Whether you're craving a traditional leaf-peeping getaway, a lighthearted festival, or a bucket-list-worthy venture, Fall travel has it all. And the best part? You don't have to go too far, but in case you do, there's plenty of international destinations that are ready to wow you too. From the English countryside to tucked away islands, this roundup of 15 destinations to travel to this Fall has a little something for everyone.

01
Slovenia
Lauren Breedlove

Slovenia

Fall fairytale, anyone? Other than gorgeous Autumn scenery, enchantment reaches a new level in Slovenia with fall tones and fog giving the landscape a mystical quality. The country packs in a surprising amount of diverse scenery and attractions within its small size. You can explore local markets in the capital city of Ljubljana by morning and visit a castle on an island in Lake Bled by afternoon. Make sure to try the pumpkin oil and soup — a crop particular to the region, and ridiculously good!

02
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Unsplash | Kaylee Garrett

Willamette Valley, Oregon

You had us at vineyards and Fall, Oregon. The Willamette Valley doesn't just serve up beautiful Autumn scenery with wine, but also an assortment of fun Fall festivals. From September through October, the area is host to all sorts of culinary and beverage functions, including a Harvest fest, beer-based events, and even one dedicated to quilting. To channel your inner wild west, plan to visit around the Barn Dance, where you can fill up on a pig roast after line-dancing your heart out.

03
Churchill, Canada
Travel Manitoba

Churchill, Canada

If wildlife viewing is on your list, Churchill in Manitoba, Canada is the place to be in October and November for spotting polar bears. Yeah, we said polar bears. Visitors can explore on tundra vehicles (how cool!), take guided walks, and slumber in wilderness lodges all while keeping their eyes peeled for the majestic bears. Dog-sledding and seeing authentic Inuit art and carvings are also popular options. So, put on your adventure pants and probably a coat (it's chilly there, after all), and head to the arctic.

04
Munich, Germany
Flickr user Polybert49

Munich, Germany

If there's one festival worth traveling abroad for, Oktoberfest in Munich is probably it. To make the experience even more authentic, shop for a dirndl or lederhosen while there and slap it on before heading to the festival grounds to slug liters of beer. Other than the main attraction (beer), there are food stalls with delicious German treats, as well as all the games and rides you could want. Prost!

05
Peru
Unsplash | Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Peru

Traveling to Peru during our Fall season means Spring over there, aka shoulder season in the southern hemisphere. September and October rounds out dry season for most of the country, and as tourist numbers dwindle, it's a solid time to visit. The coastal regions are just starting to shine in the Fall, as Summer is on its way, and Machu Picchu sports mostly blue skies until November. For visitors wanting to explore the Amazon, it's best to go before October when the rains settle in. Rich with culture, history, ancient ruins, and culinary experiences, Peru is true traveler's destination.

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Sonoma, California
Unsplash | Trent Erwin

Sonoma, California

Other than the gorgeous wine country, Sonoma gives us a great reason to visit in Autumn with the annual Harvest Fair, taking place in early October. There's a slew of competitions, perhaps the most fun being the World Championship Grape Stomp. Santa Rosa, California is home to this entertaining event, which also includes farm-to-table food . . . and wine, obviously.

07
Sicily, Italy
Unsplash | Jacek Dylag

Sicily, Italy

Arrivederci, tourists! Traveling to Sicily in the Fall months of September and October will gift lower temperatures and prices, as well as a heck of a lot less tourists (more gelato for us). In addition, foodies can plan to attend during the CousCous festival that takes place at the beginning of September in San Vito Lo Capo. Daytime temperatures still range in the 70s, making beach and city hanging a lot more comfortable than the hot, crowded months of July and August.

08
Ile d'Orléans, Quebec
Unsplash | Elisa Michelet

Ile d'Orléans, Quebec

If agritourism is your thing, have we got an island for you. Ile d'Orléans is just 15 minutes outside of Quebec City, and yes, there will be cheese. And wine. And chocolate. And apple everything. Base yourself at a cozy B&B to farm hop around the entire area, sampling everything the region has to offer; Autumn is the best time to do that. This day trip destination just became the main event. Boom.

09
Bermuda
Unsplash | Jenny Marvin

Bermuda

Tropical island in the Fall? Yes, please. Keeping on the fewer tourists train, visiting during the Autumn months is a solid choice for travelers looking to get away from the crowds. Warm temperatures are still a thing, and if you enjoy lobster, then take note that it also happens to be the beginning of spiny lobster season, a local island delicacy. So, hit the beach and have yourself a relaxing Fall extravaganza.

10
Greenville, South Carolina
Flickr user Mike Burton

Greenville, South Carolina

Foodies can jump for joy in this southeastern town for the ultimate culinary event, Fall For Greenville, in October. A free outdoor event with live music, drinks, and, of course . . . all the food. Greenville, South Carolina is a hamlet between Charlotte and Atlanta and an upcoming destination. Access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 21-mile biking trail, and a quaint Main Street make this an ideal spot to soak up the Fall foliage, too.

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Kyoto, Japan
Unsplash | CALIN STAN

Kyoto, Japan

For a big dose of culture with your Fall foliage, head to Kyoto, Japan and prepare to be wowed. Visit various temples adorned with Autumn hued leaves, like Daitoku-Ji, Tenryu-Ji (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Nanzen-Ji, to name a few. The foliage scene in Japan is compared to the popular cherry blossom bloom in the Spring, so it must be good. Plus, sushi and ramen.

12
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Flickr user SridharSaraf

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Southern Utah is packed with National Parks, and this under-the-radar one is a great spot to seek Fall foliage among the desert landscape and red rocks. Capitol Reef National Park not only has amazing hikes to take in the landscape, but also slot canyons to explore. Walk along the Fremont River trail, navigate the 25-mile (round trip) scenic drive, or hike the Hickman Bridge Trail.

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The Islands of Tahiti
Lauren Breedlove

The Islands of Tahiti

Ahhhh, Tahiti. We're pretty sure that's the first thing you say when you land in this French-Polynesian paradise. Visitors can surf, dive among gorgeous coral reefs, experience authentic culture, swim in turquoise waters, venture on island hikes, or just relax in an overwater bungalow. Fall in particular is a great time to visit, as it's nearing the end of high season, meaning less tourists and enjoyable weather still hanging on. It's also whale-watching season, making for an exciting opportunity to spot them in the surrounding waters.

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Providence, Rhode Island
Lauren Breedlove

Providence, Rhode Island

Head to the Ocean State in September for Oyster Appreciation 101 in Providence. The Oyster Festival isn't just a chance to eat them, but also to learn the proper way to eat them, as well as the culture and farming behind the sea mollusk. Live music, food trucks, and a shucking contest are additional highlights of this annual food festival.

15
The Cotswolds, England
Lauren Breedlove

The Cotswolds, England

Easily accessible from London by train, car, or bus, the Cotswolds in England is riddled with historic villages, rolling hills, and beautiful walks, all made even more quaint with Autumn coloring. Visitors can stroll Dumbleton Hill, visit picturesque villages like Upper and Lower Slaughter (don't mind the name), and pub hop along the countryside.

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