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, seven fall travel destinations for your next getaway.
Upstate New York
From Hudson Valley to the Catskills and the Finger Lakes up north, there’s so much to explore in this region that you may just have to slot in multiple weekend trips. (Cue the tiny violin.) Design magpies can make a whole itinerary based on the antiquing alone; from flea markets to standalone shops, you’ll find no shortage of one-of-a-kind treasures to fill your home with. Prefer something more outdoorsy? The Catskill and Adirondack mountains are prime spots for hiking with sweeping views.
Courtesy The Six Bells
The Hotel to Book
The just-opened Six Bells Countryside Inn is a haven of cottagecore charm—and the perfect home base for your stint upstate. Between the folksy patchwork quilts and on-site “tavern,” the quaint touches add up to quite the transportive experience.
Courtesy Airbnb
The Airbnb to Book
For more space, an Airbnb gives you room to spread out. Right off the Hudson River in the town of Saugerties, this midcentury-modern home can sleep up to six guests and is surrounded by trees for maximum seclusion. You’ll want to spend each night huddled around the fire pit.
Tuscany
The tree-dotted rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside only get more charming with a gold wash come autumn. It’s the season of the vendemmia (the grape harvest), so plan accordingly and book a couple of afternoon wine tours to break up lazy days spent strolling around medieval towns like Lucca and San Gimignano. And if it’s hearty fall fare you’re after, a local cooking class where you can learn to roll pici from scratch is always a good idea.