The fall season is one of my favorite seasons to get traveling! With colder weather rolling in and the school season starting, fall travel often means less crowds, lower airfare, nice weather, and, most notably, the leaves shedding their bright green colors and taking on the golden hues of autumn across the world. If you’re looking for the best places to visit this fall around the world, look no further than the list I’ve put together below!
1. Nova Scotia, Canada
Tucked in the southeastern coast of Canada where the Atlantic laps at its edges, Nova Scotia is characterized by a lifestyle made for the sea.
Dotted with tiny fishing villages and coastal towns, this maritime province is the second-smallest province in Canada and might just be the friendliest province as well.
With rugged terrain, plenty of fresh seafood, along with the warm colors of fall foliage lining the province, Nova Scotia is the perfect destination if you’re looking for something off the beaten path.
2. Highlands, Scotland
My first time in Scotland was towards the end of September and I don’t think there could have been a better time to visit.
Contrary to what most might think, the weather was surprisingly gorgeous.
During our 10-day road trip through Scotland, the sun was shining and white, puffy clouds shone against the blue backdrop of the sky.
Maybe it was that we just got lucky with the weather but I can say for sure that our road trip through the Scottish Highlands was one of the best trips I have ever taken!
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is already gorgeous year round but fall just elevates it even more.
The landscape changes from the bright greens of summer to the rich golden colors of autumn revealing a colorful wonderland.
Though the fall season may not be as popular as the summer and winter seasons, it’s still worth a visit just for its colorful fall landscape not to mention less crowds at attractions.
You’re also in for a treat if you want to chase the Northern Lights as late fall is when they begin their displays across the night sky!
4. Kyoto, Japan
What once was the capital of Japan is now the cultural capital of Japan and for good reason too.
It’s a place of that’s kept it’s formal traditions alive with imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and Zen gardens.
While many may flock to Kyoto in the spring to witness the Cherry Blossom season, spending the autumn months in Kyoto can be just as colorful and magical.
In the fall months, witness the traditional palaces and wood houses against a backdrop of golden colors as the leaves take on their warm reds and oranges.
And after roaming around the city, treat yourself to a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, also known as Kaiseki. With a series of small, intricately prepared dishes that are made up on seasonal ingredients, it’s the perfect way to end a fall day in the cultural capital of Japan.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
People say Prague is simply out of a fairy tale.
And they’re not wrong. Especially during the fall months.
Visiting Prague during the fall season means temperatures are cooler (though not too cold), there’s little rain, less crowds, and airfare and accommodation is a whole lot cheaper.
Like many places across Europe, Prague is bathed in autumnal colors of fall as the leaves take on their warm hues.
Not to mention, Czech cuisine is delicious, hearty, and filling which is all perfect for when the colder weather starts to set in. Treat yourself to traditional foods including beef goulash, dumplings, and mulled wine as you explore the charm of the city.
6. Vermont, USA
Fall is when Vermont’s colors truly shine, literally.
In the fall months, watch as Vermont’s landscape becomes a sea of warm oranges, reds, and browns.
It’s a great roadtrip or weekend getaway for all things cozy (think chunky sweaters, fall leaves, apple cider, and pumpkin spice lattes).
As you leaf-peep your way through the forests of Vermont, be sure to also check out small towns like Woodstock and Stowe for a taste of New England charm.
7. Douro Valley, Portugal
As the home of port wine, Portugal’s Douro Valley is the perfect destination for wine lovers.
Like many European destinations, Portugal is especially popular in the summer meaning you’ll likely have to fight crowds on top of the hot weather.
But, if you come in the fall months you won’t have to fight the crowds and you’ll also be treated to nice (cooler!) weather!
A trip around Douro Valley in the fall is the perfect road trip that offers panoramic views every direction you look.
Visiting during the fall months also means that you also get the opportunity to be part of the grape harvest, which takes place in mid to late September.
8. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
If you’re looking for big celebrations, look no further than San Miguel de Allende.
Like many cities across Mexico, San Miguel de Allende takes Día de Muertos (aka “Day of the Dead”) festivities very seriously.
Taking place at the end of October and into early November, Día de Muertos is a time for celebrating the life of the deceased and remembering them with colorful offerings and altars.
Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming city of San Miguel de Allende lights up with bright colors, concerts, offerings, parades, and so many more festivities to celebrate the deceased. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets to find homes decorated in color and seeped in Mexican-tradition.
9. New York City, USA
There’s just something about fall in the Big Apple.
With the leaves in Central Park changing color and the cold, crisp air starting to set in, fall might just be one of my favorite times to visit New York City.
Plus, it’s a great time to celebrate the fall festivities.
There’s no shortage of Halloween parties and activities throughout the city in October and if you happen to be here in November around Thanksgiving, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is not to be missed!
10. Bavaria, Germany
Another iconic place for leaf-peeping, Bavaria is the perfect destination for fall foliage and festivities.
Fall in Southern Germany not only brings about nice, crisp weather but also the opportunity to see landmarks such as Neuschwanstein (the castle that inspired the Disney castle) surrounded by autumnal colors.
And don’t forget Oktoberfest!
It’s one of the world’s largest Volksfest and Germany’s largest celebration of Bavarian culture.
Oktoberfest is held annually from mid-to-late September through the first Sunday of October in Munich and Bavaria.
You’re sure to be treated to plenty of beer, schnitzel, and good spirits!
11. Pingxi, Taiwan
With Mid-Autumn festival taking place all throughout East and Southeast Asia, it’s most certainly a time of celebration, good food, and warm spirits.
Head to Pingxi, Taiwan for the Pingxi Lantern Festival, one of my favorite ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival.
Located just outside of Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, Pingxi transports you back to a 1950s version of Taiwan.
With retro shops, food stalls, and traditional shophouses lining its narrow streets, visiting Pingxi truly feels as if you’ve stepped back in time.
As the sun starts to set, buy a paper lantern from the shops nearby and write your wishes on them before sending them off into the sky.
Watching your lantern and all the other lit lanterns float into the sky is a mesmerizing experience that I would recommend everyone experience at least once in their lifetime.