Thinking about planning for an upcoming travel adventure in the fall? We are, too! Imagine scorching hot summer days coming to an end and lush golden fall foliage turning everything around you into a beautiful sepia dream. There is no time like autumn to experience some of the best places to travel in the fall. Be mesmerized by vivid scenes of cascading yellows, oranges, reds, and golds, as falling autumn leaves fill the trees and layer the ground. We’re looking forward to the moment temperatures begin to dip and the smoky smell of woodfire lingers in the air.
Need to get your fix of fall travel inspiration for the year? Look no further. Immerse yourself in the spectacular display of autumn foliage as we help you discover the best places to travel to this fall to get the most out of the season!
Yosemite National Park, USA
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park becomes a blazing spectacle of color. Home to over 1,500 plant species, feast your eyes on the explosion of color as nature prepares itself for fall. Yosemite National Park is also a great time to visit during the fall because of the cooler weather, with hikes around the park being more bearable than the scorching hot summer days. Experience the moving portrait of nature’s beauty when you visit Yosemite National Park in the fall!
Best time to visit: October
Blue Mountains, Australia
The Blue Mountains is a scenic mountainous region in Australia’s New South Wales, about a 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney. Home to vast acres of eucalyptus trees, the Blue Mountains are named because of the mist that refracts off the eucalyptus oil that the trees emit. This creates a hazy hue that appears blue in the distance. The region becomes one of the best places to travel to in the fall as the deciduous trees in the area embrace the changing of the seasons, turning the landscape into a fiery amber.
Best time to visit: April
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital. Just a mere two hours and fifteen minutes from the futuristic city of Tokyo, visiting Kyoto takes you back in time to the cultural and historical heart of the country. During the months of November to December, the entire city of Kyoto is painted with brilliant crimson leaves as the Japanese maple trees begin their seasonal transformation. Get an amazing view of this gorgeous fall foliage at the many temples and shrines of Kyoto. If you get lucky, you might even spot a geisha or a maiko (apprentice geisha) strolling the streets of Gion in Kyoto!
Best time to visit: Mid November — late December
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is located in China’s Sichuan province. The incredible landscape of Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is captured by the natural beauty of waterfalls, alpine lakes, grasslands, snowy mountains, and waterfalls that surround the 200,000 hectares of forestland. During the fall, the flowing waterfalls and lakes begin to turn semi–frozen as the temperatures start to dip. Amber–colored trees are reflected in these crystal waters, making it a sight of wonder and awe. The contrast of the blue lakes and the fiery landscape of autumn trees make Jiuzhaigou a definite must–visit during the fall!
Best time to visit: October
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
The region of Patagonia spans over vast areas on the southernmost tip of Argentina and Chile. Featuring grasslands, glacial fjords, and temperate rainforests, the region of Patagonia is home to 11 national parks. These national parks are some of the best places to travel in fall over the months of mid–March to May for amazing views of the incredible fall foliage that engulf the already–incredible scenery of the parks. Trekking during this period is also perfect as you can expect cool weather and fewer crowds. Visit the Patagonia region during fall for sweeping panoramic views of the Andes mountain range and jaw–dropping glacial formations.
Best time to visit: Mid March — late May
Is Argentina on your travel bucket list? Check out our two-minute guide “Why travel to Argentina?” to discover the country’s best highlights!
Banff National Park, Canada
Located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is one of Canada’s oldest national parks. The majestic landscape of Banff National Park encompasses scenic valleys and peaks, spectacular lakes, breathtaking hiking trails, and a myriad of flora and fauna. Some of the best times to visit Banff National Park is from late September to early October. Breathe in the cool, crisp air as you soak in Banff’s gorgeous display of fall colors that foregrounds the incredible snowy backdrop of the Rocky Mountains of Canada.
Best time to visit: Late September — early October
Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
Seoraksan National Park is located in Gangwon Province in eastern South Korea. The massive national park spans across four cities and counties: Sokcho, Goseong, Yangyang, and Inje. It is also home to Seoraksan or Mount Seorak, the third–highest mountain in South Korea. Hike through the stunning landscape of fall foliage when you visit Seorakson National Park between the months of mid–October to early November. From beginner–friendly hiking trails to steep and challenging climbs, there is something for everyone at Seoraksan National Park.
Best time to visit: Mid–October — early November
South Tyrol, Italy
South Tyrol, also known as Alto Adige, is a province located in northeast Italy. It is home to part of the Dolomites, a mountainous range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. South Tyrol is a popular destination in all seasons. It is perfect for snowboarding and skiing with the family during the snowy winters and ideal for the adventurer hiking and biking during the scenic summers. South Tyrol deserves a spot on the list of best places to travel during the fall because of its breathtaking landscape of autumn foliage framed by the formidable Italian Alps in the backdrop. Ride a bicycle through the many trails and witness the pristine landscape of South Tyrol covered in fiery red hues.
Best time to visit: Mid-October
Is Italy on your travel bucket list? Check out our two-minute guide “Why travel to Italy?” to discover the country’s best highlights!
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TourHero is a social travel platform that enables you to travel with like-minded people and fall in love with the journey. We work closely with handpicked local operators to ensure every experience curated is unique and exclusive to your travel group. Come with us on epic adventures and create memories that last a lifetime!
