Now, let’s be real—September through November tends to get overlooked as a travel season. After the summer hustle and before the holiday madness, many people assume it’s better to just stay put. Plus, if you’ve got kids in school or you know work often ramps up toward year-end, it might feel like the wrong time to sneak away. But that’s exactly why Fall is such an underrated sweet spot.
Think: fewer crowds, shorter lines, more breathing room. Popular places feel a little more peaceful, and your trip can take on a slower, more relaxed pace.
And sure, weather can be a wildcard depending on where you’re headed—but for many destinations, Fall brings milder temps and that crisp, cozy air that’s just right. If you’re like me, you might even prefer it. I don’t need peak heat or bone-chilling cold—I want sweater weather and that first sip of something warm while I walk through golden trees.
Oh—and let’s not forget that gorgeous Fall foliage. Several of the destinations below offer stunning seasonal color. Bonus points? Fall is shoulder season in many places, which often means better prices and more value for your travel budget.
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When I first sat down to brainstorm a list of recommended Fall destinations, I honestly had a hard time narrowing it down—especially for U.S. destinations. Autumn in the States is so beautiful that it could fill an entire list on its own. Therefore, instead I’m keeping the spotlight on international destinations that really shine this time of year.
(But if you’re craving something closer to home, check out my Destination Matching service to help you zero in on the perfect U.S. Fall getaway.)
So, if you’re dreaming about an international escape before the year wraps up, here are six incredible fall destinations to consider:
The Best Fall Travel Destinations
Scotland
If you listen to The Happy Women Travel More Podcast or follow me on Instagram, you won’t be at all surprised to see Scotland on this list. (And if you don’t already listen to the podcast, check it out! There are over 250 episodes over there for you to binge including my Scotland, Your Way destination series!)
But as a quick nudge for Fall specifically: Scotland’s landscapes are at their most magical, with golden hills, misty mornings, and rich autumn colors in the Fall. Plus, cozy pub culture makes this the ideal time of year to enjoy Scotland’s hearty food and whisky. Want to visit Edinburgh & Stirling Castles without the summer crowds? The Fall shoulder season is perfect.
🌤️Weather: Cool and crisp, with highs around 60°F (15°C) in September, dropping to 45°F (7°C) by November. Some rain and mist add to the dramatic scenery.
Portugal
For those of you not ready to let go of summer, consider visiting Portugal where you can go surfing down on the Algarve coast and visit gorgeous beaches all the way through September. Fall is also the ideal walking weather for exploring Lisbon and Porto. It’s harvest season as well, offering the chance to visit vineyards in the Douro Valley, join in grape-picking festivities, and savor fresh seasonal dishes at local harvest festivals.
🌤️Weather: Warm and sunny in September (~80°F/27°C), cooling to mild temps (~60°F/16°C) by November. Coastal areas stay pleasant.
Italy
Like Portugal, Fall in Italy is the heart of harvest season, making it arguably the best time to indulge in world-class wine, fresh-pressed olive oil, and decadent truffles. For true food lovers, timing your visit to coincide with the famous truffle festivals in Piedmont and Tuscany is a must. While the major cities still draw crowds, they’re generally more manageable this time of year, and the coastal villages of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are especially pleasant in September and October.
🌤️Weather: (Sept-Nov): Ranges from warm (~75°F/24°C) in early fall to cool (~50°F/10°C) by November, depending on the region.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has some of the most stunning architecture in the world! If you’re imagining strolling down cobblestone streets wrapped in a scarf with a warm coffee in hand, then picturesque Prague is the destination for you. Though there are still tourists, it’s far less crowded than in summer, making it ideal for those craving a scenic European getaway. Cozy cafés, seasonal markets with mulled wine, and events like the October coffee festival add to the charm and storybook setting.
🌤️ Weather: (Sept-Nov): Cool and crisp, ~65°F (18°C) in September, dropping to ~45°F (7°C) by November. It can be somewhat cloudy and rainy.
Curaçao
Curaçao is a sunny Caribbean escape with a low risk of hurricanes and a vibrant Dutch-Caribbean culture. In the colorful pastel Willemstad—a UNESCO World Heritage city-–you can visit a floating market and tour the historic mansion where the famous blue liqueur was made. With fewer crowds and better prices than peak winter season, it’s ideal for beach lovers wanting to snorkel, swim, or simply relax by turquoise blue waters.
🌤️ Weather: (Sept-Nov): Warm (~85°F/29°C), but outside the main hurricane belt. Less risk of storms than other Caribbean islands.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for relaxation combined with soul-searching and adventure, Bali is calling you. Here you can hike through lush rainforests in search of cascading waterfalls, visit serene temples, and finish the day doing yoga with a view. The dry season lasts through mid-October, making September and early October prime time for ideal beach conditions—before the rainy season and humidity roll in during November.
🌤️ Weather: (Sept-Nov): Dry season lasts until mid-October (~85°F/29°C), then transitions to rain in November.
Ready to Fall in Love with Fall Travel?
Whether you’re craving crisp mountain air, coastal sunshine, or cozy cafés in a storybook city, Fall is an incredible time to explore the world.
GET HELP PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION
If one of these destinations sparked something in you, let’s keep that momentum going! I can help you figure out the logistics or plan the whole thing for you. Check out my full range of vacation planning services here.
Wherever you decide to go, don’t sleep on Fall—it might just become your favorite travel season.
