Best Fall Travel Destinations
Around the World

New England is famous for brilliant red, orange, and yellow foliage, while the Dolomites offer golden larch trees against dramatic mountain peaks. The Scottish Highlands, Germany, Paris, and the Loire Valley also provide beautiful seasonal color. Each destination reaches its most colorful period at a different point in the season.

Paris, the Loire Valley, Germany, the Dolomites, and the Scottish Highlands are excellent European destinations for fall travel. Travelers can experience colorful landscapes, historic cities, mountain scenery, vineyards, and seasonal traditions. Cooler temperatures can also make sightseeing more comfortable than during the height of summer.

If you can, go for as long as possible. Though, we recommend at least five days to experience any region to the fullest. However, if you’re traveling for less than a week, our trips are designed so that you will still experience the very best of the places you visit.

Fall colors generally begin appearing in northern New England before progressing south through the region. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine often see their strongest colors earlier than Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Because foliage timing changes with weather conditions each year, travelers should check local forecasts as their trip approaches.

The Dolomites become especially striking when their larch trees turn shades of gold and yellow. Autumn light highlights the dramatic limestone peaks, forests, and alpine landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ampezzo Valley is particularly scenic for travelers hoping to experience the region’s mountain views.

Yes, the Scottish Highlands offer colorful woodlands, dramatic glens, scenic lochs, and rugged mountain landscapes during autumn. Areas around Pitlochry and Glencoe are especially beautiful when seasonal colors transform the surrounding countryside. The combination of fall foliage and iconic Scottish scenery makes the Highlands a memorable autumn destination.

Paris is an excellent fall destination thanks to its colorful tree-lined streets, golden seasonal light, and cooler temperatures. Neighborhoods such as Montmartre are especially atmospheric when autumn colors frame historic architecture and winding streets. Fall also provides a beautiful setting for exploring the city’s landmarks, squares, and artistic heritage.

Fall brings colorful vineyards, forests, and seasonal scenery to the Loire Valley’s historic château country. The season also coincides with the grape harvest, adding another dimension to a visit to one of France’s celebrated wine regions. Its combination of autumn landscapes, history, and wine makes the Loire Valley an appealing fall escape from Paris.

Yes. Germany offers a mix of colorful forests, historic cities, mountain scenery, and seasonal celebrations during the fall. Travelers can experience destinations such as Bavaria and the Black Forest alongside traditions including Oktoberfest, harvest celebrations, and wine festivals. Autumn scenery provides a particularly beautiful backdrop for Germany’s villages, countryside, and historic streets.

Fall is an appealing time to explore Egypt because temperatures become more comfortable after the intense heat of summer. Travelers can visit landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, and the Valley of the Kings while spending more time comfortably outdoors. The season also coincides with the beginning of the popular Nile cruising period.

Yes. Marrakesh is a strong fall destination because milder temperatures make exploring its markets, squares, and historic attractions more comfortable. Travelers can experience landmarks such as Jemaa el-Fnaa and Bahia Palace while also discovering the landscapes beyond the city. The nearby Atlas Mountains add another scenic element to an autumn trip to Morocco.

September through November may be fall in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is spring in Cape Town. The season brings blooming wildflowers, mild weather, wildlife experiences, and beautiful scenery around Table Mountain and the nearby Winelands. It is a particularly appealing choice for travelers who want a seasonal getaway without traditional autumn weather.

Egypt, Marrakesh, and Cape Town are strong options for travelers seeking a warmer alternative to traditional fall foliage destinations. Egypt and Morocco offer more comfortable sightseeing temperatures after summer, while Cape Town is entering its spring season. These destinations provide cultural and scenic experiences without focusing primarily on cool-weather autumn foliage.

The Loire Valley, Italy, Germany, and Cape Town’s Winelands are particularly appealing choices for travelers interested in wine. Fall coincides with harvest season in many European wine regions, while South Africa’s spring offers beautiful conditions for exploring the Cape Winelands. Each destination combines regional wine traditions with distinctive scenery and cultural experiences.

The Dolomites, Scottish Highlands, and Germany’s Bavarian Alps stand out for dramatic mountain scenery during the fall travel season. Each pairs impressive landscapes with changing seasonal colors and scenic countryside. The right destination depends on whether you prefer Alpine peaks, rugged Scottish glens, or Bavarian forests and villages.