Amber-colored foliage, winding vineyards ready for harvest, a slight chill in the air that lends itself perfectly to a long day of sightseeing (made even more perfect when it ends with a cozy bowl of risotto)—autumn may actually be the perfect travel season. Whether you want to book a country escape or lean toward a packed city itinerary, the best places to travel in fall are hardly a one-size-fits-all list. Neither are our recommendations: We included destinations far and wide, with plenty of stays that speak to a range of travel styles.
Nature lovers will find lots to occupy themselves with in the sprawling Scottish Highlands or the lakeside hikes of upstate New York. Though if your idea of the great outdoors leans more to swirling glasses of Merlot among unending rows of grapes, a trip to Bordeaux or Tuscany might be more your speed. For a dose of city charm, head to Kyoto to get your fill of historic architecture and buzzing markets. And if you’re still not sure—well, you know what they say about Paris.
Ahead, nine fall travel destinations for your next getaway.
Malta
A Mediterranean island might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a fall vacation—but not everyone chases plummeting temperatures and uniforms of knitwear. Some of us will be mourning summer for the next few months; and if this sounds like you, a trip to Malta makes a memorable sendoff to the season. The island, located just south of Sicily, is still relatively off the beaten path. Explore its historic forts and palaces, trace the hiking trails along the cliffs, and take a dip in the sea—which remains warm enough to swim in through October—breaking up the itinerary with pit stops for seafood lunches or warm pastizzi from the bakery.
Courtesy of Casa Bonavita
