Autumn travels, with its crisp air, rich hues of red and gold, and pleasant temperatures, are the favorite choice for many travelers. As the leaves change and the crowds of summer fade, this season offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s most beautiful destinations in a calmer, more intimate way. From relaxing on a sun-dappled beach to immersing yourself in cultural festivities or seeking the thrill of wildlife encounters, autumn brings a wealth of travel possibilities tailored to every taste.
This guide will take you through multiple fantastic options for autumn travels: beach holidays, city trips, wildlife destinations, festivals, family vacations, and wellness retreats…. You pick what you want!
Autumn Travels: Beach Holidays
Relax on the beaches of Cambodia and enjoy the sound of the water lapping the pristine beaches. Feast on delicious food and drink as you enjoy everything you could ask for from a September beach vacation.
Sicily, Italy in September is the perfect beach destination. With fewer tourists, you’ll be able to enjoy long stretches of beautiful beach before wandering the streets of the quirky, traditional towns along the coast, enjoying Mediterranean food all the while.
The white sandy beaches of the Maldives are a classic destination for a beach getaway. Bathe in the warm waters or relax on the beach. Snorkel around the shallows of any of the many islands and feel as though you have the place entirely to yourself.
Here great Maldives Retreats!
Morocco has so many options for incredible beaches and you will be spoilt for choice during October, since the beaches will be less crowded and the sun will be the perfect temperature. Visit Agadir, Essaouira, Tangier or Legzira and go paragliding, surfing, snorkeling or simply relax in the sun.
Discover Morocco with Travels Jinn.
The month of October is springtime in Australia and is a perfect time to go to enjoy time of the beach away from huge crowds and scorching weather. Try your hand at surfing and soak up the relaxed atmosphere before heading inland for a night on the town.
Visit the island of Bali, which has everything you could possibly want from a beach trip. Relax on the sand, explore volcanoes and rainforests, swim through vibrant reefs or caves or try delicious food as you enjoy the total escape from everyday stress.
Fore more read our Top 10 Autumn Beach Destinations.
Key Activities to Consider for Your Autumn Beach Travels
- Water Sports: Surfing, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding take center stage.
- Beachside Yoga and Meditation: The quieter season offers the ideal environment for rejuvenation and mindfulness practices.
- Cultural Immersion: Discover local festivals and cuisine in nearby coastal towns.
Tips for Autumn Beach Holidays
- Book accommodations early for the best deals.
- Check weather patterns, as some regions may still experience residual effects of the rainy season.
- Look for off-the-beaten-path beaches for maximum serenity.
City Trips with an Autumnal Twist
Autumn city travels are perfection! Out of the hot temperatures of summer, you can experience the culture of any country. Explore the culture, food, art, architecture and meet the diverse range of people who live in some of the most fascinating and beautiful cities around the world.
Travel to New York for an incredible experience of one of the most diverse and lively cities in the world and see why people from all over the world dream of a trip to The Big Apple. Visit the Met Museum, go to a baseball game or explore the cool, downtown regions of the city, discovering restaurants and bars along the way.
Visit the beautiful and magnetic European cities, rich of history and culture. Here you can find the 18 Best Cities in Europe.
For a trip back in time, visit Havana and experience the atmosphere of this fascinating city. See the architecture and culture that is so unique to this city as you discover hidden spots and amazing places around every corner.
Our Cuba Guide will give you all the details you need.
New Zealand’s Wellington offers so much to its visitors; stunning green scenery, fascinating museums, cool bars and so much more. Curious about New Zealand? Read here.
Read our Best Autumn City Trips.
Pro Tips for a City Trip in Fall
- Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures.
- Opt for weekday trips to avoid crowds.
- Look for local recommendations on seasonal experiences. Use our Travel Itinerary for personalized solutions.
- Select the Best Hotels in central locations at competitive prices.
Wildlife Destinations to Marvel
Whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast or a family with children; a wildlife tour will be unforgettable no matter where you choose to go. Here are our top wildlife destinations in Autumn.
Enjoy the most beautiful Safari destinations, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa…. Go on safari and see all of Africa’s most famous animals, including The Big Five, before relaxing in an eco-lodge or a traditional camp.
Read our Guide to the Best Africa Safari.
The island of Madagascar is the perfect destination for animals lovers and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. See the famous Madagascan lemurs as the rush through the trees above you, or get up close as you visit a wildlife centre.
October is one of the best times to visit Iceland since it will allow you to see over twenty species of whale that live just off the coast. Take a boat ride and see these majestic mammals in their natural habitat as the glide past you.
The Galapagos is possibly the world’s best destination for those looking to get a true taste of nature in a stunning location. Take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat or explore the island and see why this place is so famous for its biodiversity.
Visit Mongolia for an up close and personal encounter with the wild-horses and horse trainers who live here and still use traditional techniques that have been practiced for hundreds of years. Learn about how the nomadic horse trainers live and learn a few tricks of your own as you get to know the horses.
Here the 10 Best Autumn Wildlife Destinations.
Essential Wildlife Activities
- Guided Safari Tours: Ensure the best chances of spotting rare animals.
- Nature Hikes: Explore trails and discover flora and fauna unique to the season.
- Photography Workshops: Capture stunning wildlife moments with professional guidance.
Wildlife Travel Tips
- Book reputable and eco-conscious guides or tours. Our Sustainable Tourism Guide here!
- Pack binoculars, appropriate gear, and patience!
- Respect all wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Celebrate Autumn at Festivals
A festival is the perfect excuse to get away this Autumn and the world is your oyster. Here are our top choices for festivals around the world
The International Oyster Festival in Ireland takes place each year during the last weekend of September and is unmissable for any food lover. Enjoy a weekend long celebration of food, the sea and Ireland and have the time of your life in September.
In October you cannot miss the Octoberfest! The world’s largest beer festival in Munich features lively parades, traditional Bavarian music, beer tents, and hearty German cuisine.
The Hermanus Whale festival in South Africa is a celebration of all marine life, which is so important along the southern coast. Enjoy parades, interactive exhibitions and so much more.
Dia de los Muertos or ‘Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico and is a day which honors the dead with shrines, celebrations and gatherings which appear all over Mexico and the USA. The streets are filled with colors and vibrant celebration and make October an amazing time to visit Mexico.
The Cork Jazz Festival in Ireland is celebrated annually in Cork and is a showcase of all things Jazz, music and Ireland. Join the celebration with a pint of Guinness (the festival’s main sponsor) and have the time of your life.
Planning Tips for Festival Travel
- Check event dates and book early to secure tickets and accommodations. Look Here
- Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to respect traditions.
- Consider travel insurance for unpredictable weather and events.
Family Autumn Travels to Create Lasting Memories
September is the perfect time to get away as a family and you’ll be able to spend some incredible time together.
The USA has so much to offer a family looking for the trip of a lifetime. Visit natural wonders of The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone and so much more, or visit cities such as Washington D.C. and Chicago to experience the charm of these locations.
Visit the alien landscapes of Jordan to enjoy walking, quad-biking and exploring in the famous filming location of Star Wars. Camp in the desert or explore the ancient city of Petra carved into the desert rocks.
In Costa Rica you and your family will have so many activities to choose from. Meet the animals that live here or explore the rainforests on a canopy tour, walking along special walkways high up in the trees. Go zip-lining or river rafting before relaxing in a special tree-house accommodation.
A visit to Vietnam is sure to be unforgettable for the whole family. No matter what age, children will love discovering the local animals, national parks, taking traditional boat rides and meeting local people. Take a cooking class as a family and learn to cook traditional Vietnamese food.
A family trip to the Island of Crete is one you’ll all be talking about for years to come. Ride horses along the beach or visit ancient sites where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. See temples which have stood for thousands of years before exploring the winding cobbled streets and enjoying traditional Greek food as you enjoy the evening. Discover Greece.
For more options read our Top Autumn Family Travels.
Tips for Family Vacations
- Research child-friendly accommodations and activities.
- Bring snacks, games, and comfort items for the little ones.
- Involve children in planning to make them excited about the trip. Make travel planning simpler and faster with Travels Jinn.
Autumn Wellness Travels for Rejuvenation
Autumn offers a unique opportunity to embark on wellness holidays, where the season’s tranquility perfectly complements the need to rejuvenate both body and mind. With fewer crowds, ideal weather, and an atmosphere of renewal, various destinations worldwide become the perfect backdrop for relaxation and inner peace during this time of year. From ancient spiritual traditions to modern luxury spa treatments, each location brings something distinct, catering to diverse wellness needs.
In Bali’s Ubud, yoga and holistic healing flourish amid lush landscapes. Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its mystical energy vortexes and red rock formations, perfect for spiritual renewal. Lake Garda in Italy blends wellness with luxury, offering thermal spas and detox treatments by the lake.
Tulum, Mexico, provides eco-friendly resorts with beachfront yoga and shamanic healing, while the Maldives offers isolated luxury, overwater spas, and wellness coaching.
Discover Top Maldives Wellness Retreats
In India’s Rishikesh, visitors can dive into yoga’s birthplace, enjoying ashrams and meditation near the Himalayas.
Costa Rica balances wellness and adventure, with its “Pura Vida” lifestyle and rainforest retreats. Surprisingly, Ibiza is a wellness haven in autumn, with peaceful resorts and outdoor activities. Queenstown, New Zealand, mixes adventure and relaxation with hiking, hot springs, and wellness retreats in alpine surroundings. Kyoto, Japan, offers a traditional wellness experience with Zen meditation, hot springs, and autumn foliage in its ancient temples.
For more info: Discover Japan.
Each destination provides a unique path to rejuvenation, offering transformative wellness journeys ideal for autumn travel.
Key Wellness Retreat Activities
- Yoga and Meditation Classes: Reconnect with yourself and release stress.
- Spa and Massage Therapies: Pamper yourself with luxurious treatments.
- Detox Programs: Focus on clean eating, fitness, and mental clarity.
Top Autumn Sports Travels: The Best Destinations for Active Travelers
Autumn is the ultimate season for sports vacations, offering the perfect blend of thrilling adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and ideal weather conditions. Whether you’re craving the adrenaline of surfing the powerful waves in Hawaii, cycling through the stunning vineyards of Italy’s Tuscany, or skiing the early slopes in the Swiss Alps, autumn delivers the best of outdoor sports.
For golfers, autumn rounds at world-class courses in Scotland or California are unmatched, with vibrant foliage and cool breezes enhancing the experience.
Discover the Best Autumn Golf Experiences.
Hikers and trail runners can explore the dramatic fall colors of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, while water sports enthusiasts enjoy crystal-clear waters in Portugal’s Algarve. With fewer crowds and lower prices, these destinations transform into playgrounds for active travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Dive into the season of change and discover the Top Autumn Sports Vacations that make autumn the perfect time to fuel your passion for the outdoors!
Honeymoon Retreats in Autumn
An Autumn honeymoon is the perfect time to enjoy an incredibly romantic destination and escape to distant shores to enjoy some time together in a new place and relax on your first trip as a married couple.
Visit the natural paradise of The Philippines and enjoy the beautiful areas around the jaw-dropping volcanoes and national parks. Discover the beaches, caves and islands that surround the coast and enjoy everything you could possibly ask for from a honeymoon trip.
For a classic honeymoon, visit Sri Lanka, whose breathtaking beaches and coves will be the perfect place to enjoy one another’s company before relaxing in a spa or luxury hotel. Explore Sri Lankan towns and cities while you’re here and see the bustle that this destination is so well known for.
A honeymoon to India has something to offer every couple, whether you’re after rich and diverse culture, thrilling adventure or the traditional comfort of a beach honeymoon.
Here you will explore more about Top Autumn Honeymoon Destinations.
Other magic Honeymoon Trips:
- 2024 Honeymoon Heavens
- 20 Days Bali Honeymoon
- The Best Italy Honeymoon Itinerary
- Best Japan Honeymoon
- 20 Days Morocco Honeymoon
- Fiji Honeymoon Itinerary
- 3 Weeks Greece Honeymoon
Autumn is an incredible time for travels, offering diverse experiences across the globe.
Let Travels Jinn help you with its services:
- Travel Advice: to find the best accommodations, car rentals, flights, and activities.
- Travel Itinerary: to help you create your personalized itineraries.
- Travels Guide: Your expert pocket guide, providing real-time advice.
- Travel Translate and Travel Cost Tracking: with language translations and budget management.
So plan and live your Autumn adventure!