I love summer. I love it because I know I have to make the best out of the sun and the good weather before the Autumn winds blow it away for another year. But I know that fall is the best season to travel abroad. With school in session and the summer crowds long gone, hot destinations become cooler, quieter, and cheap. Exactly what smart and budget travelers need. This is my shortlist of the top fall travel destinations I would love to go to before December.
Thailand
The best time to visit tropical paradises is when the weather is cool and dry. November might be the sweet spot to travel to Thailand. What makes it a great Fall travel destination is the Thai festival of Loy Krathong. This celebration is, in a way, the local thanksgiving and takes place in the historic city of Sukhothai.
New Zealand
Being in the Southern hemisphere, the best time to visit New Zealand is when the weather gets bad up North. Enjoy Spring in October and November, while avoiding the September light rains and snowfalls. There will be just enough snow dust left to decorate the scenic mountain views. Go hiking along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Also, there will be less international crowds around, which means great low-season deals for you.
Paris, France
Fall in France is much like Summer; without the tourists and with locals who just returned from their own vacations South. In fact, I would argue that the best time to visit Paris is in October. Stroll down the Champs-Elysées, visit Le Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower at your own pace. Should it rain, Parisian cafés will shelter you the time of an expresso.
Tuscany, Italy
Florence, vineyards, medieval towns and much more; you must experience Tuscany like a local past peak tourism season. Contemplate Renaissance palaces, century-old churches, and monuments. Explore the hills and villages of the Chianti region, learning and tasting local wines. They are among the best in the world.
Croatia
Croatia made it to many of the top travel destination list this summer. Long under the radar, Croatia is rising as a top European place to visit. It has a young vibrant culture set historic towns. The food (and wine) has a subtle twist of Mediterranean and Italian influence. Plus, the Croatian coastline is astounding, with crystal-clear waters, fantastic beaches and islands. By next summer, prices might soar due to the increase in tourist activity, so this might be your chance.
While these are the top 5 fall travel destinations on my shortlist, note that I wouldn’t say no to Ibiza, Spain and Biarritz, France. I would go for their beaches but also for the food and the hospitality of the locals, at its best when noisy tourists are gone. Also, the Yucatan, Mexico is so welcoming year-round, I can never get tired of visiting.
What do you think of this list? What other fall travel destination would you add. Have you say in the comment box below.