Fall is a great time to plan a getaway. As the seasons start to change, a getaway is a great way to reflect on the next season and get some inspiration from your travels. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Here's 10 Places you should Book for a Fall Getaway
Your choice will of course depend on how much time you have, where you live, and your budget, but traveling in the fall gives you a chance to experience a place in the off season or see amazing fall colors in a new place.
Fall foliage in Asheville, NC
Here's our list
1. Japan
This is still on our bucket list but traveling to Japan is on everyone's mind right now because of the favorable exchange rate. Visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima but seek out lesser visited hidden gems like Yakushima Island if you love nature & Naoshima Island for art lovers. My sister is visiting next month and we can't wait to hear all about it. A podcast episode on Japan so we can learn more perhaps? Also, have you ever seen the snorkling in Okinawa? If not, check this out.
2. New England
I know this is the obvious choice but needs to be on everyone's bucket list. Since there are a few states that make up New England take your pick from Vermont (check out Stowe), Maine (don't miss Acadia National Park), New Hampshire (The Kancamagus Highway &White Mountain National Forest), Connecticut (The Litchfield Hills). This one is tough because it is hard to know when the leaves will peak but set your sights on October and keep an eye on the leaf schedule. This may be a good one to book if you can be flexible, booking a flight deal from here or here, not caring exactly where you stay, and renting a car and taking a drive. Since we haven't done it together yet, it is high on our bucket list.
Our friends trip to Ashville involved a lot of eating and brewry hopping
3. Asheville, NC or The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
If you're in the south and don't want to have to worry about flights and can keep an eye on when the peak is coming, this is your spot. I grew up going here a lot. We would visit Mt. Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville every August and drive into town. More recently we have rented a house with friends and visited the breweries and cideries around town. Asheville is also a food paradise and dog friendly so you can bring your pup along and stay at places like the Kimpton Hotel Arras or the Aloft Downtown. Be aware that as it gets cooler, the northern part and higher elevations of the parkway are closed but you can drive south into the Great Smoky Mountains. Also check out this amazing place to stay that we recently learned about. We are going to have to stay here soon too. Asheville has a special place in my heart and its the perfect place to visit in the fall.
4. Scotland
Putting at The St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club aka The Himalayas at St. Andrews Old Course
We had the chance to visit Scotland at the end of September a couple of years ago and the weather was absolutely amazing. Scott was hoping for a little cooler weather but we had blue skies almost the whole trip and the locals said they couldn't believe our luck. We are the Sunshine Travelers after all. We had visited Edinburgh previously so our Itinerary included Glasgow, Stirling, St. Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness, Oban, and we spent several days in Turnberry where Scott had a meeting before returning to Glasgow fro the trip home. We rented a car and got to joy ride through the Scotch region in the highland, play mini golf in St. Andrews being cheered on by some of the actual golfers (a highlight I wasn't expecting), and then actually play a round of golf in Turnberry - also a surprise because the meeting location had to be changed at the last minute. If you're nervous about renting a car and driving in Scotland, don't be. It's a lot of fun and you'll get the hang of it quickly. Check out this guide to help you drive confidently on the left hand side of the road. To learn more about our itinerary and hear what we saw that is probably our most unique travel experience that will never happen again (not just to us but to anyone, click here).
A sunny afternoon at Loch Lommand near Loch Ness
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
So technically it would be spring in Buenos Aires if you visit it when it's Fall in the North Hemisphere. Scott has visited and has wanted to take me back ever since to visit the Recoleta Cemetary and our friend Santiago (a native) gave us so many good recommendations for a visit to Buenos Aires (and exploring more of Argentina if you have the time. Buenos Aires' jacaranda trees bloom a vibrant purple-blue blooms in November, the weather is pleasant for walking and exploring the cemetary and neighborhoods, and you'll be able to find numerous festivals and outdoor concerts, Check out our conversation with Santiago here to help you plan your Buenos Aires getaway.
6. The Lakes of Switzerland and Italy
A stroll along the shores of Lake Lugano should be on your itinerary
We visited Lake Lugano a few years ago in September and immediately I was in love. We were headed to Ireland for the Georgia Tech vs. Boston College game and to road trip Southern Ireland and at the last minute Scott had attend an in person meeting in Lake Lugano, Switzerland, Instead of making the trek overseas twice, we changed our travel plans and few to Zurich a few days earlier and took the train to Lake Lugano for a couple of days. I'd heard about Lake Lucerne, Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy but wasn't prepared for the beauty. Lugano is interesting because it has both a German and Italian influence so you'll find both languages here. Whichever place you choose, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, take a funicular to enjoy spectacular viewpoints, and just relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of this lake district. We think it is a great place to be a bit off the beaten path.
Words don't do this place justice so enjoy these views.
Views of Lake Lugano, Switzerland
The funicular to the top for breaktaking views of Lake Lugano
7. London, UK
Sunset near the Tower Bridge
In our opinion there's never a bad time to visit London (except maybe during a heat wave). If the weather is nice, explore outside, otherwise there are more museums than lifetimes and more food and cafes than meals in your lifetime as well. The tube is so easy to navigate and so you can zip all over town underground if the weather is not ideal or on a hop on hop off bus to take in the sights. We love London no matter the time of year so it would make the perfect fall destination. Learn what to see and do in London if it's your first visit or your 100th and if you can tack on a few extra days (or weeks) get outside London and explore some of these places too. We think it will steal your heart as much as it has stolen ours.
Montcalm East, London
8. Napa Valley & Sonoma, CA
The view from the top of the mountain at Reverie II Winery in St. Helena
We've been fortunate to visit Napa and Sonoma quite a few times and we've experienced it in several different ways. Visiting in the fall, during the harvest season though, is still on our bucket list. Instead of just tastings and good food, visitors get to witness the winemaking process firsthand, from grape picking to pressing in the fall. I've seen pictures of the vineyards turning stunning shades of gold and red so it's the fall foliage but on the vines. Fall can cooler, more comfortable temperatures, which perfect for exploring the region's outdoor vineyards and wineries. Still dress in layers because even in the spring when the sun is shining, we've gotten warm enjoying our tasting out on a patio. Don't miss our favorites, Reverie II where they take you by UTV to the top of the mountain to enjoy your tasting and Anaba, which has sources from all over the region to get different flavor profiles into their wines. We tried really hard to find one of their we didn't like and were unsuccessful. We like to stay here in Sonoma, in between Napa and Sonoma at this dreamy resort, and at this Bed and Breakfast in Napa. I don't think you can choose a wrong place or the wrong wineries either. Learn more about how to make the most of your Napa Valley and Sonoma visit.
Most wineries have a place to gather and relax while enjoying your glass of Vino
9. Grand Canyon
Our tip is to take someone with you who has never seen the Grand Canyon and take the train into the Canyon for a real treat and then spend the night at one of the lodges inside the park. There's transportation to the different viewpoints and you can even book a sunset tour to get you to the perfect spot at the right time for sunset. Fall is one of the better times to visit as crowds can be lower than in the summer and the temperatures are nicer (but bring along a jacket). I've been in October and we last visited in December (before the 21st so technically fall) and it was a pleasure both times. Get all our Arizona and Grand Canyon tips here.
10. Amelia Island, Florida
September is Dining Month on Amelia Island and we couldn't be more excited for this experience. The weather (and the water) will still be warm for sunbathing and swimming. The sea turtles will still be hatching (check the schedule here for nest evacuations) and seeing a baby make its way to the ocean is a real treat. Most people have returned to school so likely you'll have a spot on the beach to yourself. Get our local's guide to Amelia Island here and check out these episodes to help you plan your stay. We're going to be dining out the whole month of September so come join us.
Wherever you choose, book a fall getaway. The planning and anticipation for a trip is so good for you and a trip brings new perspectives for you and a connection with your travel companions or the opportunity to reflect if you decide to go alone. And if you want to learn some tips and trick for FREE or steeply discounted travel, check this out. Enjoy your trip!
Where are you headed this fall? What's on your fall bucket list?
