Best Fall Travel Destinations to Cure The Post-Summer Blues

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, it might even be a better time to get out there and explore the globe. Not only does fall tend to be one of the most beautiful seasons, but it also happens to be a “shoulder” or non-peak season, which makes it cheaper for travel. Score!

Whether you’re looking for the quintessential tropical getaway or immersing yourself in colorful fall foliage, we’ve picked the top destinations for you to travel this autumn.

Yellowstone National Park

If you’re a fan of nature, Yellowstone National Park is an absolute must-see fall destination. Straddling the states of (mostly) Wyoming, Montana, and a tiny bit of Idaho, the 3,500-square-mile park is filled with natural wonders. Hot springs, geysers (Old Faithful!), mountain peaks, lakes, forests, meadows, and an abundance of wildlife—you name it, Yellowstone has it. What makes it so special in the fall? Not only are the leaves starting to change to beautiful hues of orange, yellow, and red, but (and this is the best part) most of the tourists are gone!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Looking for something a little more international? Head south to Peru and visit the epic destination of Machu Picchu. This ancient location is perfect during the North American fall season because most tourists tend to visit during the dry season, which is April to September. Although the fall tends to be a bit more wet, the weather actually tends to be warmer, and you’ll be sure to see lush, green vegetation—perfect for those photos once you make your way to the top! Be sure to book any tours in advance, though—despite the lower numbers of tourists, the multi-day treks up to Huayna Picchu can still fill up.

Elafonissi, Crete, Greece

Crete is an incredible choice for a fall vacation because this island happens to have the longest summers in all of Greece. Head to the south side of the island to the city of Elafonissi to visit some of the best beaches in the entire world. What makes them so amazing? How about pink sand that beautifully meets the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea? Yes, please. Oh, and when the tide goes out, you can walk all the way out to a small island with a chapel. It really doesn’t get dreamier than that.

The Adirondacks Region of New York

Escape the hustle and bustle of New York City, Boston, or Montreal and take a road trip to the peaceful region of the Adirondacks situated perfectly between all three of the cities. The snow won’t have arrived quite yet, but you’ll be sure to find vivid colors everywhere provided to you by the abundance of trees. You can find hiking, fishing, canoeing, and every other outdoor activity you can think of. And if sports history is your thing, you’ll be in heaven. Make a stop a Lake Placid for all things Olympics—the Olympics museum, Olympic Sports Complex, and the Olympic Jumping Complex.

Kenya

Cross a bucket-list item off your list and take a trip to Kenya this fall. This wild and breathtaking country is stunning any time of year, but if you go during the months of October and November, you’ll be able to experience the plains of the safari in gorgeous gold, yellow, and orange colors. Of course, a safari tour is a necessity when in Kenya. Seeing zebras, giraffes, and elephants surrounded by a vast expanse of colorful wilderness will be something you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you happen to live on the east coast, Kenya Airways just launched a non-stop flight from JFK to Nairobi.

Napa Valley, California

Sure, summer wine tasting weekends are the epitome of Napa but, really, fall is where it’s at. Vineyards harvest their grapes from August to October, so there are tons of wine tasting experiences that last into the season. Come mid-October and the vineyards are totally transformed by all of the changing colors—the perfect setting for sipping on your pinot grigio. If you happen to make it to wine country during November, be sure to stay for the famous Napa Valley Film Festival that pairs film, food, and wine. You really can’t go wrong.

Barcelona, Spain

The tourists might have gone home, but Barcelona is far from a sleepy city come the autumn months. In fact, the culturally-rich city just gets better. Barcelona has recently seen an influx of hip, new hotels scattered across the city and in the fall, they become much more affordable. Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Nobu Hotel Barcelona, and Barcelona Edition are just a few. You’ll also find lots of cool neighborhoods, each with their own personality, filled with trendy cafes and bars, cultural spaces, and tech hubs. If you happen to be visiting during late September, you’ll be lucky enough to experience the season’s largest festival—La Mercè Festival—a five-day celebration of Barcelona’s Catalan culture. Of course, the food is mouth-watering and wine is practically free-flowing.

Written by Ashley Brewer for Knockaround.