The season’s warm colours and dazzling persona at these locations prove Autumn is the best time to travel
We love this transitional season between summer to winter for the beautiful colours and the story book-like effect on a landscape. It is a timely period for a sensorial travel experience, owing to its vivacious red, gold and orange hues, cheaper travel fares, off-peak advantages and pleasantly cool weather. You're guaranteed to be blazing with inspiration from the vigour of this season that might just become your favourite time of year for a getaway.
New England
When autumn breaks, tourists are drawn to this region known for its legendary fall foliage. The changing of colours, as trees turn from green to gold, scarlet to orange from one month to another – is akin to a magic show of nature. The best way to glimpse this spectable that extends across valleys and mountains is by aerial tramways, ferries, and a tour of vineyards.
South Tyrol, Italy
Prepare to be blown away by the autumn detail of this Northern Italian region. If you’re crazy about hiking, mountain trails, Italy and the Alps, South Tyrol is the ultimate foliage ‘paradise’ for autumn leaf peeping at Isarco Valley. Its coordinates (across the Austrian border) presents the majestic views of the Alps as a backdrop, and harvest is in abundance, so you’ll be on a taste trail of honest, Italian fare as well!
Jiuzhaigou, China
If you think this Sichuan nature reserve is gorgeous on a spring day, wait till you see it in autumn. Although different seasons affect the appearance of this valley, it is in autumn – when the crystal, azure lakes contrast with the vivid, flaming shades of autumn leaves – that this ‘fairyland’ is most beautiful. It’s like a painting come to life!
Nara, Japan
Give the common cherry trees a rest and fall in love with the foliage of maple trees in their element during fall. The best place to witness the striking colour transformation is at the many gardens, parks and temples in Nara. Sheltered amidst blazing bright trees are the bonus sights of immaculate gardens, stunning pagodas and beautifully designed Buddhist temples.
Gloucestershire, England
Take your autumn peeping up a notch at one of the world’s finest arboretums in the world, the Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, and get acquainted with the maple collection of over 2,000 specimens. While the time away, feasting your eyes on the many earthy tints of the maple leaves, and inhale the scent of the season, notably the burnt caramel aroma of the katsura.
North Conway, New Hampshire
Look autumn in the face on an old-fashioned, leisurely ride of the scenic fall train tours in New England. Tours will take you to New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains, past vibrant colours of the countryside and mountains and sparkling lakes from the vantage points of vintage railroads. All this from the comfort of carefully-restored retro coaches that offer delectable lunch courses.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Should you long for an autumn experience early in the year, Australia’s Blue Mountains in New South Wales teems with a parade of reds and oranges lining overhead roads and path. The avenue of linden, beech, oak, maple and elm trees of Mount Wilson, in particular, make for pretty photo opportunities, and if you fancy, try your hand at chestnut and walnut picking!
Loire Valley, France
For romantic souls, autumn in Loire Valley is an enchanting delight of changing leaves and classic French chateaus. Walk the forest paths where French kings used to hunt, and make your way to the famous vineyards of the valley for wine tasting. Then, go on paths overlooking the rolling hillsides to see a palette of lovely scarlet tones of the entire landscape.
Highlands of Scotland
A flash of gold, red and purple set the Scottish highland landscape ablaze during fall. Besides the striking foliage, it is also the best time for wildlife spotting of the red deer, grey seals, migratory Barnacle Geese and nesting swans, which make seasonal appearances in the diverse wildlife of Scotland. The local produce is also at its peak – harvest is in abundance, and fresh food, at its ripest.
Otago, New Zealand
The best way to take in the autumnal glory of Otago is on bike, allowing you to tick off the many orchards, grape vines and countryside, especially Central Otago’s golden foliage of fruit trees contrasting with a brilliant blue sky. It’s also the best time to feast on food and wine, but the highlight remains the feathery silhouette of the golden trees.
