Where to Go This Fall: 16 Best Places to Travel

The fall season ushers in the full spectrum of emotion: mourning for summer’s end, excitement for apple pies, anticipation (or trepidation) for the coming school year—and, for most, a healthy dose of nostalgia as we recall jumping in leaf piles, carving pumpkins and traversing apple orchards. With reduced crowds and milder temperatures, fall is one of the best seasons to enjoy the cultural and natural gems of destinations around the world, from the stargazing festivals of Alberta to the harvest in the Italian countryside and the dizzying colors of Tokyo. Read on for why these destinations are ideal for fall trips—plus where to stay in each.

Why Go Now: ”From the golden hills of Tuscany to the quieter city centers, Italy in the fall is a dream; there’s nothing like enjoying outdoor seating at a trattoria with a refreshing autumn breeze,” says Indagare’s Aubri McCarter, who spent a recent fall checking out some of our favorite Italian hotels. Harvest season brings wine, oil, chestnut and truffle festivals to many of the country’s sprawling regions. This year, Piedmont’s Alba White Truffle Festival is back Saturdays and Sundays (October 10 to December 9) and includes meetings with chefs, tastings, wine courses and more. While the leaves are turning in the north, Rome stays warm and green often until mid-October, which is also when filmmakers and actors from around the world—including plenty of Hollywood royalty—descend on the Eternal City for the Rome Film Fest (October 14 to 25). Screenings and red-carpet events will take place at the Parco della Musica.

Where to Stay: Those seeking to jump into the past will find their ideal Piedmont home base at Castello di Guarene, an 18th-century palace atop a charming village, while those who enjoy more contemporary accommodations and resort-like amenities will prefer Casa di Langa. Horse lovers should check out Hotel Castello Di Reschio in Tuscany. In Rome, our tried-and-true favorites include Hotel de Russie, offering enviable panoramic views from its rooftop, and Hotel de la Ville or Six Senses Rome—or check out one of the many new hotels that came to Rome this year, including Corinthia Rome, Casa J.K. Place Roma or Experimental Roma opening in October.

Why Go Now: The month-long Aloha Festival in Oahu, beginning on September 5, celebrates the state’s history, as well as local music and dance traditions. One of the highlights is the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a (September 19), an enormous block party with multiple concert stages and vendors selling all manner of local dishes and artisan crafts. Other notable festivals include the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (November 5 to 8), where chefs from across the islands travel to Honolulu, and the 55th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in Kailua (November 6 to 15). Plus, though the state is busy year-round, October is one of the least touristed months, making it a great time to enjoy all the hiking, snorkeling and beach time that Hawaii has to offer.

Where to Stay: The oceanfront Halekulani Hotel, with its iconic sea-facing pool and easy beach access, or the The Ritz-Carlton Residences, a few blocks removed from the beach with more modern, apartment-style accommodations.

Why Go Now: From the jagged peak of Zermatt and the icy Eiger to the forested Rochers-de-Nayes range and the golden mountains of Grindelwald, Switzerland in the fall is a scene out of an epic fantasy novel. With the summer heat waning and the snows of winter holding off until late October or even early November, autumn is a great time to trek this country’s famed mountain regions. Switzerland makes it easy to jump in hiking-boots-first: immerse yourself in mountain regions like the Bernese Oberland—or take it easy and combine days on the mountain with days delighting in fondue and wandering charming towns and cities like Montreux, Lausanne or Lucerne. Switzerland’s streamlined train system allows travelers to mix and match—plus, after all that hiking, it’s only fitting that you indulge in some cheese and chocolate in town.

Where to Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald, a traditional Swiss lodge in the Bernese Oberland; The Mont Cervin Palace Hotel in Zermatt; the lakeside Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne. Plus, we have our eye on Grand Hotel Belvedere in Wengen, which opened last year.

Why Go Now: Calling all stargazers—whether you love the stars for the romance, science or spiritualism, this province in western Canada has it all. Come late October, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival (October 16 to 25) in Jasper National Park is in full swing, with stargazing events, a photo workshop, outdoor symphony performances, traditional Cree celebrations, speakers (like astrophysicists, aquanauts and astronaut candidates) and more. While the temperatures may be growing more brisk, outdoors-enthusiasts can take advantage of the fall foliage and ample wildlife at this time of the year by venturing into the national park for some hiking (just be sure to prepare for spontaneous snowfall!). Three and a half hours south in Banff, the nine-day Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival kicks off on October 31. It features screenings of films about mountain sports, culture and the environment, as well as appearances by renowned mountaineers, climbers and other adventurers.

Where to Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is right on Beauvert Lake on the edge of Jasper town. And down in Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs is only a short drive from town.

Why Go Now: Early-to-mid-fall is easily one of the best times to visit the sites of the ancients, as not only has the scorching summer heat broken, but the busy winter season has yet to set in. In September and October, travelers can explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings in relative comfort, with more bearable heat and crowds (of course, it is Egypt, so you’ll never be without some of both). This is also a lovely time for cruising the Nile, with the milder temperatures making it less tempting to escape the scenic deck in search of air-conditioning. Plus, this is the first full fall season where travelers can visit the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum after an unexpectedly lengthy construction.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza has Nile views and is within easy access of the Pyramids. Those interested in venturing down the Nile with stops at the country’s main temple complexes should consider cruising on the Historia or one of Oberoi’s chic boats.

Why Go Now: “We spoke to our insider contacts and learned that peak fall foliage typically happens in and around Hudson around October 15 to 20 or the third and fourth weeks in October,” says trip designer Isabel Graubart. “They also suggested that if you are going to be off peak by a couple of days, it’s better to be early than late.” And there are no shortage of ways to enjoy the changing of the leaves in Hudson Valley: hiking, biking and rock climbing are all on the docket for adventurers, while those seeking a slower pace might plan a picnic, head to an apple orchard or arrange a farm-to-table foraging experience. Like any other northeastern locale, the Hudson Valley loves its festivals, be it the Warwick Applefest (October 4), Windham’s Autumn Affair (October 10 to 11) or Albany’s month-long All-Hallow E’en Festival (note that hotels in these areas tend to fill up early during festival time).

Where to Stay: While Indagare’s top picks like The Maker book up fast, more boutique properties like Inness still have plenty of availability. Those seeking a midweek escape should check out Glenmere Mansion and Troutbeck.

Why Go Now: Enjoy fewer crowds, milder temperatures and a longer beach season on Crete, where the water stays relatively warm even into October. Pair your beach days with exploration of the island’s varied landscapes, with hikes up Mount Ida, treks into the gorges, tours of the Knossos Palace and ventures into Psychro Cave. Shopaholics will want to visit in September and October, when local boutiques, fashion stores and markets experience a dip in prices, allowing travelers to procure signature leather goods and quality products like olive oil, wine and cheese at a reduced cost. While the rains do start to pick up in October into November, those who stay can get a dose of culture through rakokazana, an annual tradition in which vintners turn their fermented grapes into raki, a traditional alcoholic drink that is coupled with ample feasting. Note: Avoid staying over October 28, when the crowds come out for Oxi Day, one of the biggest national holidays in Greece.

Where to Stay: An opulent resort known for its luxurious seaside villas, Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas is a great home base on the eastern side of the island. For a stylish, family-friendly retreat on Crete’s western side, head to Ammos, which is within easy access of the Old Town of Chania and plenty of beaches and hikes. Both close end of October.

Why Go Now: While Romania is a year-round destination, fall gives travelers a chance to tap into the seasonal spirit of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. “Obsessed with the macabre, it was the lore of vampires, fortified castles and thick forests that brought me to the Romanian countryside,” says Indagare editor Trey Ross. “What I found: a slower way of life, a deep pride for Romania’s history and land, innovative cuisine and thoughtful hospitality.” And with the landscape awash in fall colors, travelers can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding and sightseeing with milder temperatures.

Where to Stay: The dreamy Matca Transylvanian Sanctuary, which Trey describes as “if an Aman and a mountaintop farmstead had a love child.” The boutique Bethlen Estates farther afield from Bucharest is a charming spot from which to enjoy the countryside.

Why Go Now: While the north slinks toward winter, the southern hemisphere is just coming to life. Their spring is one of the best times for spotting Patagonian wildlife like puma, foxes, condors and a plethora of birds; this is also when whale watching is at its peak and the penguins return to the coast for breeding. Travelers who visit early enough may be able to squeeze in some spring skiing in Bariloche or outside Santiago, but for the rest of the season, hiking the mountains and valleys offers a wonderland of color, especially in the north, where the countries are awash with lupine in shades of purple, red and orange.

Where to Stay: Eolo, a 17-room luxury lodge with panoramic views of the Argentine Patagonian steppe and an extensive activities menu, including bird watching, ice trekking, horseback riding and more. In between the activities, guests can relax at the indoor pool and sauna or out on the deck overlooking Lago Argentina. For whale watching and penguin visits, travelers can venture out to the rustic Estancia Rincón Chico. In Chile, both Awasi Patagonia and Tierra Patagonia offer easy access to Torres del Paine with views of the Massif. Keep in Mind: Many properties in Patagonia do not open until October.

Why Go Now: From Maine’s rugged coast to the Berkshires in Massachusetts, nowhere does fall like New England, where maple trees transition from green to yellow to crimson on rolling hills interrupted by quaint towns and stately farmhouses. This is a part of the country that takes fall seriously and, as such, is characterized by a smattering of harvest, Oktoberfest and foliage festivals and fairs. New Englanders will also preach the beauty of hiking and biking at this time—and they aren’t wrong. Peak leaf season varies by the year and the latitude (and altitude), but usually you can find it between late September and mid-October when the weather is mild and great for outdoor activities.

Where to Stay: Indagare’s Kathryn Nathanson just scouted the new Prospect Berkshires, a design-forward lakeside retreat only a short drive from Great Barrington and abundant hiking. Other options we love are The Weston, a stylish Vermont farm, and White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection in Kennebunkport, which has charming cottages and suites and a critically-acclaimed restaurant. While Twin Farms is a perennial favorite, it books up early, with rooms primarily now only available in November.

Why Go Now: At the southwestern tip of Europe, Spain and Portugal offer an intoxicating mix of dynamic cities, fascinating histories and beautiful scenery. Enjoy the thriving arts and culinary scenes in Lisbon, Madrid or Barcelona, and head to the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts for charming towns and some off-season beach time. (In southern Spain, temperatures hit the 70s well into November, so sunbathing and swimming are possible late into the fall.) Both countries have unique architecture and cuisines that vary region to region, making them ideal for both deep-dive trips to single destinations or longer itineraries that showcase the breadth of the Iberian Peninsula. The fall is also an excellent time to explore the Spanish and Portuguese wine regions, which make for quiet and picturesque countryside retreats.

Where to Stay: Most trips to Spain will—and should—include at least a few days in its capital, Madrid, where the iconic Mandarin-Oriental Ritz Madrid is the crown jewel (although we have our eye on the newly opened Mercer Madrid as well). El Palace Hotel Barcelona and Cotton House make great central stays in Barcelona, and outside the city, in the lesser-known wine region of Priorat, Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno is a relaxing retreat. In Lisbon, make your home base at the well-located Bairro Alto.

Why Go Now: In the Galápagos, September to November is the driest, coolest season, when daytime temperatures drop to the mid-70s, rainfall is virtually nonexistent and the Humboldt current is at its peak, bringing colder, nutrient-rich waters to the archipelago. What that means for visitors: swimming and snorkeling might warrant a wetsuit, but marine-life sightings like green sea turtles and endemic penguins, sea lions and seals are at their peak. On land, bird-watchers will be able to see nesting blue-footed boobies and albatrosses.

Where to Stay: With a chic, minimalist design, the lava-built Pikaia Lodge offers unparalleled comfort with a conservationist focus on Santa Cruz island. For those looking to maximize their time at sea, yachts are the way to go. Indagare has several favorite operators for both private and semi-private sailings, including Iongtime favorite Quasar Expeditions and the newer andBeyond Galapagos Explorer.

Why Go Now: The Scottish Highlands are mesmerizing enough—jagged rock fixtures spearing up through the plains, glistening lakes and deep serpentine valleys guarded by castles. Now imagine that same dramatic landscape painted in sunset hues. That is the beauty of Scotland in the fall, when the crowds are thinner, the weather is cooler and the hiking and biking is postcard picturesque. Literary fiends should check out Braemar Literary Festival (September 25 to 27), which is partnered with The Fife Arms, an Indagare Adored hotel. If you happen to be there in October, add a little magic to your journey with the 25th anniversary of the Enchanted Forest (October 8 to November 8) in Pitlochry, a woodland sound and light show that is a great add-on for families, especially with younger kids.

Where to Stay: Hope Lodge, the new seven-room property set on 100,000 acres, scouted this spring by senior editor Elizabeth Harvey, is a must for travelers to Scotland—if you can get in. Another favorite is The Gleneagles Hotel, a playground for children and adults alike where days are spent fishing, hiking, learning falconry, playing golf and horseback riding (there are even two miniature ponies for young riders). Or head up to the Isle of Skye and stay at the home of the MacDonald clan on Loch na Dal, Kinloch Lodge.

Why Go Now: Spring may have cherry blossoms, but autumn brings with it koyo, or fiery colored leaves. Starting late September, you can day trip from Tokyo to Hakone to view the silver-gold waves of pampas grass—while back in the city, practically every week of October brings new festival fun with harvest celebrations like the Takayama Autumn Festival (October 9 to 10), the Koizumi Cosmos Festival, when the pink cosmo flowers are in bloom in Show Kinen Park (mid to late October) and the foodie-focused Tokyo Ramen Festa in Komazawa Olympic Park (October 30 to November 3). Late November (the peak for fall foliage) is the time to visit Rikugien, the traditional Japanese garden in Tokyo where vibrant leaves are lit up nightly until early December. Plus, you can pair a trip here with a visit to Kyoto, an easy train ride away, where the Capella Kyoto has recently opened, the brand’s first luxury hotel in Japan.

Where to Stay: Aman Tokyo, a property beloved by the Indagare community for its minimalist style that matches the ethos of Japan. For a more glam experience, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is a stylish option making the most of its skyscraper design with ample windows showcasing the views.

Why Go Now: Rainy season in the Maldives extends through October, but that shouldn’t stop you from heading to this cluster of more than a thousand tiny islands off the southern tip of India. Fleeting storms usually pass quickly—and actually create optimal conditions for surfing—and both air and water temperatures hover at an idyllic 80 degrees. Although the visibility underwater is slightly diminished due to plankton at this time of year, snorkeling and diving in the Maldives never disappoints, and out of the water, days can be spent lounging seaside, traversing the islands and sailing.

Where to Stay: LVMH’s Cheval Blanc Randheli is a favorite, with 45 ultra-chic villas designed by Jean Michel Gathy on the Noonu Atoll. Says Indagare’s Sasha Feldman, “snorkeling and scuba diving in the nearby reefs feels like The Little Mermaid come to life.”

Why Go Now: Alaska is at its most dramatic in the fall, when the leaves change colors. Blueberry bushes transform into a red carpet; birch trees fade to gold; the tundra turns a russet brown; the Northern Lights begin their dance across the night skies. Wildlife-viewing is excellent this time of year as well, as it’s migration season for a diverse group of fauna including caribou, beluga and gray whales and many species of birds, including cranes.

Where to Stay: Accessible only by helicopter, Sheldon Chalet is a stylish, five-bedroom retreat on the only privately owned land in the mountains of Denali National Park. Panoramic windows provide unobstructed views over the national parkland, and guests are able to be wholly present in the unique Alaskan wilderness—no WiFi means no distractions here. And instead of scrolling on their phones, visitors enjoy activities like glacier trekking, crevasse exploring, mountain climbing and snow-cavern spelunking.