10 Fall Travel Destinations in the U.S. and Abroad

While most of us probably look forward to summer travel, the fall is my favorite season for trips. Since it's shoulder season in most places, hotels and transportation tends to be cheaper, and sites tend to be less crowded. In a lot of regions, the weather is also still ideal for getting outdoors or exploring cities. Plus, there are some unique events worldwide worth catching.

Right now, most of us are sheltered in place, daydreaming about the trips we want to take instead of actually taking them. While it's unclear how long it will take before we can get on an airplane again, some sources point towards us potentially being able to travel again this fall.

Whether you're planning a trip for 2020, or looking ahead to 2021, here are 10 great places in the U.S. and abroad for a fall vacation in September, October, or November.

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ten Thousand Waves

In desert-y Santa Fe, the fall brings cool evenings and (usually) warm, pleasant days perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or whiling away the hours at the city’s outdoor Japanese bathhouse, Ten Thousand Waves.

If a visit to the interactive art museum, Meow Wolf, has been on your list, keep an eye out for their special House of Halloween, which also hosts several immersive performances — think: a play you’re an actor in — throughout their favorite, haunted season. 

You can also pair your trip to Santa Fe with a few days in Taos or catch the Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which happens each October.

2. San Francisco, California

A rare nice evening at Dolores Park

Living in San Francisco, I’ve learned that September and October is the best time to visit The Bay area. While June-August tends to be cold and foggy (at least in The City), the fog lifts and the sun comes out in September, marking the start of San Francisco’s Indian summer. It’s perfect weather for exploring the Golden Gate Park, walking around San Francisco’s neighborhoods, or enjoying a drink at a rooftop bar or Dolores Park.

As for events, bibliophiles will love Lit Crawl, which happens around October. Fleet Week is another famous fall event in the Bay (though I personally don’t care much for it.)

Be sure to also tack on a day or overnight trip to Sonoma (not Napa, definitely go Sonoma) while you’re here. Not only does wine country see more fall foliage than the City, but it’s also harvest season, which brings some fun festivals and dinners throughout the area.

3. Vermont

Vermont in the fall. Photo Credit: Will Swann on Unsplash.

It’s no secret: New England is beautiful in the fall, and especially Vermont. While you won’t be avoiding crowds or peak travel season by planning a trip to Vermont in the fall, you will be catching its nature at its most iconic. 

And, as true craft-brew lovers know: Vermont also has some of the nation’s best beers. You’ll have no shortage of boozy pit stops to pair with your leaf-peeping road trip.

4. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, California

Palm Springs in October

If you want a fall trip that will give you one last bit of summer, try going to Palm Springs and/or Joshua Tree (they’re about an hour apart). These desert destinations can be unbearably hot during the summer, but temperatures cool September onwards, making for a more ideal time to be outdoors hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking.

Palm Springs, since it’s at a lower elevation, tends to be hotter than Joshua Tree. If you stay there, book a hotel with a pool, like Korakia (one of my all-time favorite hotels).

5. Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico

Not only does the fall mean warm, mild weather in Mexico City and Oaxaca City, but it’s also when Mexico’s most famous cultural event occurs: Día de Muertos. While you can catch celebrations all over the country, Oaxaca City is one of the more famous places to participate in the festivities — not to mention, Oaxaca has amazing food.

When I visited Oaxaca City for Día de Muertos a few years back, the city was full of energy and celebration but, surprisingly, didn’t feel (too) overrun with tourists. After Oaxaca City, we took a bus to the coast for a few days by the beach, where it was hot enough to swim but virtually empty of tourists.

6. Belize

San Ignacio, Belize in October

Yes, the fall is hurricane season in the Caribbean. However, thanks to its geography, Belize tends to be less hard hit than other parts of the region and is one of the better Caribbean destinations to visit in the fall.

If you go to Belize in September or October, be prepared for rain (pack a rain jacket and dry bags) but also lower rates and some delicious seasonal delicacies — like conch.

7. Malta

Gozo, Malta

Malta has a reputation as a summer destination, but the weather is mild all year round. If you travel there during the fall, it’ll still be warm enough for you to swim in the ocean and enjoy a drink outside of one of Valletta’s many bars, but it’ll also be less crowded.

If you plan things right, you’ll also get to attend my favorite event in Malta: Birgu Lights Festival. For one evening each year, the old city of Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa) will turn off all its lights and illuminate the city and its cobblestone streets by candlelight.

8. Paris, France

Paris in October

Is there ever a bad time to visit Paris? I think not. But, like many destinations, the fall in Paris means fewer tourists, slightly lower rates, but still plenty of things to do. Just be sure to pack your favorite rain jacket and an umbrella — just in case.

9. Japan

Tokyo in November

Japan's cherry blossoms are world-famous, but did you know they also have fall leaf-peeping as well? If you plan a trip to Japan in the fall, you’ll get a chance to see Japan’s nature at one of its most colorful — whether you stick to cities like Tokyo or venture out on a more nature-filled hiking trip. Plus, the cooler weather is perfect for slurping down a hot bowl of ramen or udon.

10. Madagascar

Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve in Madagascar

I lived in Madagascar for two years, and, in my opinion, September-November was the best time of the year to visit. The highlands begin to warm up around September after a cold (yes, really) winter, while the rainy season, which can make more remote areas difficult to access, starts around late November.

Madagascar is hard to get around, so be sure to give yourself at least two weeks if you visit this incredible island nation.

Where will you go?

I know there are far more than 10 destinations that show their best colors in the fall. So, what do you think? What are your favorite places to visit in the fall? Where are you planning on (or daydreaming of) visiting this September, October, or November?