Autumn is more than just a season; it’s an experience. Of course, most travelers will still prefer summer beaches or snow baths, but fall? It’s the sweet spot.
There’s that first bite of crisp air, the way leaves swing and fall, and the cozyness of a warm drink in your hands. There are also fewer crowds, softer light, and landscapes that look like they’ve been dipped in watercolors.
No doubt, there’s something magical about these months between the heat and chill. Autumn is nature’s last big party before winter. Colors run wild and the world slows down just enough to let you really see it. It’s the perfect time to travel.
So, if you’re craving a trip that’s peaceful and spiced with fun, here are five countries to visit.
1. Japan
When it comes to autumn travel, Japan is pure magic. Picture a stunning natural palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm oranges. The season starts its slow roll in Hokkaido around mid-September before painting its way south by late November, when Kyoto maple groves grow.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus.
This is exactly how it is in Japan. Some of the top autumn destinations in Japan include Kyoto, as mentioned above. There, you can visit temples like Kiyomizu-dera and walk under a canopy of red maples.
Next is Nikko, home to UNESCO World Heritage shrines and where you will find the famous Tosho-gu carvings. Of course, no one should go to Japan and forget to visit Mt. Fuji or Lake Kawaguchi. These places are ideal for hiking and certainly great for the snaps.
Fun fact? According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, more than 20 million locals and tourists travel to view autumn leaves each year.
2. Canada
Few places rival Canada when it comes to the fall season. The country’s forests transform into a painter’s canvas, and with fewer tourists, you can enjoy all the good spots to yourself.
One of the best places to experience autumn in Canada is Quebec. The province’s charming cities, like Montreal and Quebec City, are even more beautiful when their historic streets are lined with colorful trees.
Other really cool spots to visit include:
- Banff National Park in Alberta
- Algonquin Park in Ontario
- Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
For the wild part, Canada is home to nearly 10% of the world’s forests, making it one of the best destinations for leaf-peeping.
3. South Korea
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald.
South Korea in autumn is pure poetry. Yes, the romantic vibes found in K-dramas aren’t just dramas. Fall in Korea means cooler weather, fewer crowds, and color madness across its national parks and historic palaces.
Notably, many locals suggest mid-October as the sweet spot, especially for Seoul and nearby regions. So, that’s the recommended time to make your travel plans.
On the list of autumn must-sees in South Korea, we have Nami Island, famous for its yellow ginkgo trees, Seoraksan National Park and the Changdeokgung Palace.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland might be famed for snow, but autumn is the coolest. Its scenic vineyards and alpine trails show for it. Plus there are fewer tourists, fair prices and festivities. This makes it ideal for a cozy holiday time and transforms the country into a colorful world of its own.
Among the top places to explore is Lauterbrunnen. Here, waterfalls are lit up by golden trees. Then, there is Valais Vineyards and the Swiss National Park, which is awesome for autumn hikes.
A fun fact to note is that Switzerland has over 65,000 km of hiking trails. However, there are other things that make Switzerland stand out in the fall. We can count the 3-day Autumn Festival held annually in early October. Plus, that period is the harvest season. So, there are loads of fresh truffles, and cheese in abundance.
5. England
Fall in England is less of foliage and more of festivals, tradition and sweet foods. It’s usually a season where you find refuge in cozy pubs while watching the games. However, you need to grab a full gear so you don’t catch a cold.
Some great places to visit in England include the Cotswolds, New Forest and Lake District. Visitors are also welcome to be part of the Bonfire Night festival every November 5th. It is simply a British tradition where you can have fun with your family and friends.
Other Notable Mentions
The world is brimming with options when it comes to nice locations for autumn travelers. This means that apart from the places we’ve mentioned above, there are several other destinations that deliver topmost autumn magic for those who crave it.
If you’re craving more options, here are some countries to add to your checklist:
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Finland
- Germany
- Belgium
- The Philippines
In a country like the Philippines, you can add beautiful views, great people, eye-catching customs, and sumptuous dishes to your autumn trip. Also, the country is known for its booming iGaming industry. If you are someone who would rather add a bit of betting fun to your experience while on the trip, there are many bookmakers available online where you can easily register and place some quick wagers.
However, as betting expert Evelyn Balyton advises, before you begin, make sure to check review platforms like https://mightytips.ph/ to discover the best online sports betting sites in the country where you can place your bets. You can also find useful resources and insights that will help you win more.
Travel Tips for a Better Autumn Experience
All set to visit the country of your choice? Here are a few simple tips to make your trip smoother:
- Pack layers, as the weather can change very quickly.
- Book early. Autumn is still peak time for some destinations, so to be among the early birds, put your plans ahead and on time.
- Check festival calendars so you don’t miss anything.
- Don’t forget your camera
- Compare prices so you can spend on a budget that won’t affect you
You can look up more tips on travel-based forums to understand more on what to do and what not to do.
Final Thoughts: Why Autumn Travel Is Worth It
It’s no news that autumn has its charm. Due to its cool feeling that other weather conditions can’t replicate, it’s the best time to connect with nature, explore new places, and taste seasonal delicacies.
So, where will you go? You could choose between hiking in the Swiss Alps or sipping tea in a Kyoto temple. You could even do both. Either way, autumn travel presents an experience that warms the soul.
Feel free to take your pick from our list and plan your next adventure now. Have fun and don’t forget to share snaps too.