Autumn already claimed its rights as the rightful season with beautiful sceneries and surreal colours. The time to travel has never been more right as the weather is not too cold and not too hot but rather perfect for sightseeing and relaxation. Known as the most colourful season with shades of orange, red, yellow brown, there are many places around the world where you can sit back and enjoy what the season has to offer.
One of the best and most colourful destinations for autumn travel is Tuscany. The weather is still warm and the annual wine harvest is taking place. The Chianti Grape Festival is not to be missed as it is Tuscany’s historical homage, set in Impruneta, a tiny village between Florence and the Chianti region. It can’t get more autumn-y than that.
If you are across Atlantic, in America, and you want to attend a harvesting festival, you should consider going to Adirondacks and pick you own apple orchards. Nearby you will find the 170 miles Olympic Trail that connects Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain, passing by Lake Placid. The beautiful colours of red, orange and yellow mix among the deeply forested mountains so it’s a real treat to hike up the peaks.
Cambodia is also a great place to visit in the fall. The Water Festival sees up to a million people flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap in Phnom Penh to watch huge dragon boats race for the honour of their village. And as weird as it sounds, this festival marks the changing flow of the river as it randomly reverts to its normal downstream direction.
You also might want to consider a trip to East Africa and watch some natural spectacular sights like the great wild beast migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara which takes place annually from July to October. So there is still plenty of time to go there.
I don’t think this top would be complete without adding Greece to the list. In September the crowds are starting to calm down, the heat is not unbearable anymore and autumn sunsets are at their best. Santorini is Greece’s most popular location which makes it pretty expensive but if you choose to visit in the fall you might find a cheaper price. What better way than welcome autumn than on a Greek Island? I can’t really think of anything else.
But of course, depending on the taste and on the part of the world you choose to visit, some might say Aspen, Colorado is the better choice. And as a fan of the mountain I can’t really argue with them. This posh mountain town simply glows in late September through mid October and the golden Aspen trees are a treat to look at. Maroon Lake is nearby and the mountains are mirrored in the water, so this makes a perfect place for a short getaway.
New England is that one place that defines autumn and some might say it’s synonymous with the season. While, of course, I can’t argue with that, New England is already famous for the riot of fire-coloured foliage that simply erupts during fall. And everything that happens around it from blueberry farms to pumpkins and corn on the cob, this Massachusetts town promises the “fall of your dreams”. And you will not be disappointed.
Back in Europe, Cornwall is another quite, wonderful place to visit in September or October. The place is absolutely perfect for surfing and if you are not an expert, don’t you worry, you can head over to the Sennen Surfing Centre and ask them for help. Also, during this time you can feast upon the West Country’s fine local produce including the infamous Falmouth Oysters.