The best travel destinations in autumn
Autumn or the ideal season to travel. That time of year when temperatures begin to drop, when nature offers an incredible spectacle of colors.
Away from the school rhythm, there are many ideal destinations to discover.
Here is a little guide to the places to go to make the most of this season.
Thailand
After the monsoon, the climate has become pleasant again, the rainy season is over.
Temperatures become more bearable between 25 and 30 degrees from November. Of course, the days remain humid but nothing to do with spring.
Explore the many temples in Bangkok, discover the elephants in Chiang Mai or feast your eyes on the beaches of Koh Phi Phi or from Ko Samui.
Japan
Autumn is a pleasant season to discover the country.
From mid-November to early December, the trees turn red. Traditional gardens and parks are adorned with their autumn colors. (Don't miss the Rikugien Garden if you are passing through Tokyo).
Don't miss the Mount Fuji for the best view of these colorful landscapes in late October.
There is even an expression, make momijigari, for the act of chasing this transformation of maples and ginkgos in the land of the rising sun.
Kyoto is also a must-see destination for its parks and temples, the most famous of which, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, surrounded by these purple trees.
Beyond the colors that the season brings to the country, taste its national dishes like ramen noodles, fresh sushi, tempura.
Quebec
I am preaching for my parish here, of course, but I cannot fail to mention the season of colors in Quebec.
Nature dazzles us with landscapes that turn red, orange and yellow from mid-September to mid-late October on average.
Come and discover the Indian summer in October (with peaks at 25 degrees sometimes). With sunsets reflecting on these gradients of colors, and this carpet of dead leaves that crunch under our feet. Walks in the many parks of the city, or hikes to see the best viewpoints in the forest.
Not forgetting the stalls of pumpkins and squashes of all kinds everywhere and losing yourself in the streets to see the Halloween decorations adorning the porches of the homes.
You can also take advantage of being in Quebec in October to go see the whales in Tadoussac
new York
Ideal season for more attractive prices, New York is THE place to be.
Here too, the Indian summer gives pride of place to shimmering colors, especially in Central Park where you can go for a stroll and lose yourself in this magnificent setting.
Stop by Greenwich Village, one of the best neighborhoods to celebrate Halloween. Because yes, North America requires it, the tradition is omnipresent in the streets and stores.
There is also the traditional Village Halloween Parade, which is a monstrous parade taking place on October 31st on 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street.
Another tradition during this season is Thanksgiving, celebrated on the 4thth Thursday in November.
For shopping addicts, the day after this holiday is Black Friday, with its watch sales.
Also for gourmets, autumn is truffle season.
As soon as Halloween is over, come and discover the department store windows in Christmas colors, and the installation of the giant tree at the Rockfeller Center.
Mexico
After a summer punctuated by the rainy season, it is finally ending.
October and November are the best times to visit the Yucatan in particular.
Dive into its cenotes, sunbathe on the many beaches of the peninsula (my favorite is Holbox, not to be missed – Here is my article on this subject to learn more about this destination, Top 10 must-see places in Holbox) or admire the ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum.
If you are in Mexico during this time, do not miss this annual event: The Day of the Dead, on November 2nd called " Day of the Dead ".
It is an essential Mexican celebration that consists of honoring the memory of their deceased with parades, night markets and concerts in cemeteries.
Thus, the graves and the streets of the villages are decorated with candles and orange flowers. In the houses, one can find photos of the deceased surrounded by candles, flowers, incense, sweets…
California Coast
In this part of the world, too, you are treated to Indian summer, with days up to 26 degrees until October.
The beaches are less crowded, the sunsets are the most pleasant to watch.
With the high season over, prices are more affordable, there is less tourism as soon as school starts again.
Visit San Francisco, with its Victorian houses and its famous American fog, which often dissipates during this season.
You can extend your stay by exploring the western parks. With their ideal temperatures for hiking and viewpoints, each one as magnificent as the next.
Italy
Far from the summer crowds of tourists, here we return to the real Italian Dolce Vita. With its mild temperatures throughout November, enjoy exploring the country far and wide.
Go and discover the incredible vegetation in Tuscany (Florence, Pisa etc.)
Autumn being the harvest season, stop in the Chianti Valley
Cultivate yourself in the Eternal City, Rome, where activities such as museums and architectural gems will amaze you.
Or again, it is impossible not to go and discover The 5 Lands, with its picturesque villages, listed as UNESCO heritage sites. Recommended until November, however, before the rains intensify.
Portugal
The temperatures are milder there, while still enjoying life by the sea.
The light there is crazy.
Take the time to discover Lisbon by tram, or take one of its trains to Sintras or Cascais. Or visit its historic district of Belém.
On the cultural side, the city hosts Art Weekend in November.
Porto and its azulejos, its Ribeira district and its original cathedral fortress.
Or Faro for hiking or swimming in its clear waters (Be careful though, the Algarve has some of the coldest waters – advice to the bravest)
Spain
Autumn in Spain is a time to enjoy seasonal specialties like chestnuts and mushrooms. Or to take part in the grape harvest festivals.
It's the season dedicated to music and cinema.
With the Voll-Damm Jazz Festival from Barcelona and the International Jazz Festival from Madrid.
Ideal time to explore the beauty of the country, as tourist attractions and beaches are emptied of its summer tourist flow.
It is warmer and drier than almost anywhere else in Europe.
Enjoy its tapas, art, flamenco and architecture all over the country.
Whether in Barcelona where you can still swim in Barceloneta or Bella Mar.
In Madrid with its city still as lively and the autumn colours visible in the Retiro Park right in the center.
Not forgetting other equally pleasant destinations such as Andalusia, the Canaries or even Ibiza.
Morocco
After a scorching summer, a mild climate is settling in the north of the country.
Even though it's cool in the evening, the sun continues to shine during the day.
Ideal to visit in October-November. With the beaches of Tamuda Bay, the atmosphere of the city of Tangier or even hikes in the Rif mountains, there is something to do in this season.
Take the opportunity to discover the latest cultural gem in Marrakech, try your hand at water sports in the bay of Essaouira or even sample the gastronomic delights in Fez.
A destination with a thousand facets, the hospitality of its inhabitants is unique.
New Zealand
With temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees, the start of spring in Kiwi country is ideal.
6e The world's largest island country, outdoor activities are plentiful. The beaches are pleasant, the lakes thawed and there are plenty of hikes accessible.
It is also the season of festivals. Most cities and regions organize large floral or gastronomic celebrations with tastings of the country's wines.
Take the opportunity to visit the Mount Cook at this time, when the valleys are covered with flowers.
Even though autumn is already well underway, nothing is stopping you from anticipating your next trips, or simply from dreaming, it doesn't hurt
And for you, what would be your choice of destination among those listed above?
